Benue State

Benue state was created on February 3, 1976. It was one of the seven new states created by the military administration headed by late General Murtala Muhammed, which increased the number of states in the federation from twelve to nineteen. The state derives its name from the River Benue which is the second largest river in the country and the most outstanding geographic feature in the state. At creation, the state comprised three local governments in the Tiv speaking areas, namely Gboko, Katsina-Ala, and Makurdi; one (Otukpo) in the Idoma-speaking areas and three (Ankpa, Idah and Dekina) in the Igala-speaking areas, which were excised from Kwara state. Today, however, with theb creation of more states and local governments in 1991, the Igala-speaking local govrnments were excised to form part of the present Kogi state. Presently, benue has twenty-three local governments, with the Tiv speaking area having fourteen while the Idoma-Igede area. Location The state’s geographic location in the country is quite unique: it lies roughly in the middle of the country and shares boundaries with six other states: Nassarawa to the North, Taraba to the East, Kogi and Enugu states to the West and Ebonyi and Cross-River states to the South. It also shares an international boundary with the Republic of Cameroun on the South-East. Benue state has a landmass of 33,955 square kilometers and lies between Latitudes 6.5° and 8.5° North and Longitudes 7.47° N and 10 East.

State Capital

Makurdi, the state capital was established in the early twenties and gained prominence in 1927 when it became the headquarters of the then Benue Province. Being a river port, it attracted the establishment of trading depots by companies such as UAC and John Holt Limited. Its commercial status was further enhanced when the Railway Bridge was completed and opened in 1932. In 1976, the town became the capital of Benue State and presently serves also as the headquarters of Makurdi Local Government Area.

The Benue State house government house located at Makurdi acts as the Official home to the state governor  or chief state executive of the state and their families.It is the official venue for events such as the state's executive council meetings,government conferences,swearing in of cabinet members and of course the Governor's official business.It can also be used as receptions and functions hosted by individuals,also some arms of the state government has its offices situated at the state house

Agriculture forms the backbone of the Benue State economy, engaging more than 70 per cent of the working population. This has made Benue the major source of food production in the Nation. It can still be developed because most of the modern techniques are not yet popular to 98% of Nigeria. Mechanization and plantation agriculture/agro-forestry are still at its infancy. Farm inputs such as fertilizers, improved seed, insecticides and other foreign methods are being increasingly used. However, cost and availability is still a challenge. Important cash crops include soybeans, rice, peanuts, mango varieties, citrus, etc.

Other cash crops include palm oil, melon, African pear, chili pepper, tomatoes etc. Food crops include Yam, Cassava, Sweet potato, Beans, Maize, Millet, Guinea corn, Vegetables etc. There is very little irrigation agriculture and techniques.

Animal production include, Cattle, Pork, Poultry and Goat but no dairy and dairy products yet.

          LGA                                    Headquarters

  1. Ado                                          Igumale
  2. Agatu                                       Obagaji
  3. Apa                                          Ugbokpo
  4. Buruku                                     Buruku
  5. Gboko                                      Gboko
  6. Guma                                      Gbajimba
  7. Gwer East                                Aliade
  8. Gwer West                              Naka
  9. Katsina-Ala                              Katsina-Ala
  10. Konshisha                                Tse-Agberagba
  11. Kwande                                   Adikpo
  12. Logo                                        Ugba
  13. Makurdi                                  Makurdi
  14. Obi                                          Obarike-Ito
  15. Ogbadibo                                Otukpa
  16. Ohimini                                   Idekpa
  17. Oju                                          Oju
  18. Okpokwu                                 Okpoga
  19. Otukpo                                    Otukpo
  20. Tarka                                       Wannune
  21. Ukum                                       Sankera
  22. Ushongo                                  Lessel
  23. Vandeikya                               Vandeikya
  • Lead/Zinc 
  • Limestone 
  • Iron-ore 
  • Coal Clay 
  • marble 
  • Bauxite 
  • Salt 
  • Barutes 
  • Germstone

The River Benue is the second largest river in Nigeria. The abundant agricultural potential of the state has created opportunities for investment in areas which include the following:

1. Large scale mechanized farming.

2. Post harvest processing and packaging of agricultural produce for local and external markets.

3. Vegetable oil processing.

4. Sugar processing industries.

5. Livestock farming, meat processing and marketing.

6. Fruit juice production.

7. Starch and glue production.

8. Livestock/animal feeds production.

9. Production of organic and inorganic fertilizers.

Benue state has three universities:

  • Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi,
  • Benue State University, Makurdi,
  • University of Mkar.

It has two polytechnics:

  • Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo
  • Fidei polytechnic, Gboko

Benue State

Slogan
Food Basket of the Nation

Capital: Makurdi

Governor

Samuel Ortom

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