Top 21: Interesting Facts About Borno State, Nigeria

Borno State is one of the 36 states in Nigeria, located in the northeastern part of the country. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, historical significance, and natural resources. Borno state is home to the Kanuri people, who are known for their unique way of life, language, and customs. The state has a diverse range of flora and fauna, with several national parks and wildlife reserves. In this article, we will explore the top 21 facts about Borno State, Nigeria.

Top 21 Facts About Borno State

1. State Location

Borno State is located in the northeastern part of Nigeria and was created on February 3, 1976, from the former North-Eastern State. It shares borders with Chad, Cameroon, and Niger Republic.

2. State Capital

The state capital is Maiduguri, which is the largest city in the state. Maiduguri is a major commercial center and serves as a hub for transportation, trade, and education. It is home to the University of Maiduguri, which is one of the largest universities in the northeast region of Nigeria.

3. First Democratic Governor Of Borno State

Mala Kachalla was the first Democratic governor of Borno state in Nigeria from 29 May 1999 to 29 May 2003. He was a member of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and was known for his efforts to improve the state’s infrastructure and economy.

4. Meaning Of Borno

Borno got its name from two Arabic words “Bahar-Nuhu” meaning “Sea of Nuhu” (also known as Noah in the bible). Its slogan is “Home of Peace”. The name is believed to have been given to the state by Arab traders who traveled through the region in ancient times.

5. Borno Landmass

Borno is the 2nd largest state in Nigeria in terms of total area with 72,609 square kilometers (28,034 square miles).

6. Religions In Borno

Islam is the dominant religion in the state. The Kanuri people, who are the largest ethnic group in the state, are predominantly Muslim. The state is also home to a significant number of Christians and followers of traditional religions.

7. State Population

According to the 2006 Population Census, Borno is the 12th most populous state in Nigeria with a population of 4,171,104. The population is made up of people from different ethnic and religious backgrounds. The state has a relatively young population, with a large percentage of the population under the age of 30.

8. First Emir of Borno

The first Emir of Borno was Shehu Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kameni of Borno. He was appointed as the Emir in 1814 and ruled until 1835. He is remembered for his efforts to expand the Borno Empire and his support for Islamic education and scholarship.

9. Number of Local Government In Borno State

There are 27 local governments in Borno State and three senatorial districts. The local governments are responsible for the administration of the state at the grassroots level. The three senatorial districts are Borno Central Senatorial District, South Senatorial District, and North Senatorial District.

10. Ethnic / Tribes In Borno State

There are eight tribes in the state which are Chibok, Kanuri, Jere, Hausa, Fulani, Higi, Babur, and Kanakuru. Each of these tribes has its unique culture, language, and traditions. The Kanuri people are the largest ethnic group in the state, and their language, Kanuri, is one of the major languages spoken in the state.

11. Local Languages In Borno State

Borno State has 28 languages out of which 3 languages are the major ones. These are Kanuri, Marghi, and Shuwa Arabic. Kanuri people, who are the largest ethnic group, speak Kanuri. Marghi is spoken in the northern part of the state, while Shuwa Arabic is spoken in the southern part of the state. The state government recognizes all 28 languages and has made efforts to promote their preservation and development.

12. Universities In Borno state

There are three universities in Borno and all of them are situated in Maiduguri. The University of Maiduguri is the largest and oldest of the three universities. It was established in 1975 and offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields of study. The other two universities are the Borno State University and the Kashim Ibrahim College of Education.

Others Interesting Facts;

13. The major agricultural zones in the state are Biu, Kukawa, and Bama. Agriculture is the mainstay of the state’s economy, and the major crops grown in the state include maize, sorghum, millet, rice, and groundnut. The state is also known for its livestock, especially cattle, sheep, and goats.

14. descendants of Arab There are descendants of Arab people in the state who are called Shuwa Arabs. The Shuwa Arabs are believed to have migrated to Borno State from the Middle East and North Africa in the 14th century. They are known for their unique culture, which combines elements of Arab and African traditions.

15. Deribe hotel in Maiduguri, Borno State is the only five stars rated hotel in all of the North-Eastern parts of Nigeria. The hotel is known for its luxurious accommodations and top-notch services. It is a popular destination for business travelers and tourists visiting the state.

16. Borno is blessed with minerals like salt, limestone, granite chips, uranium, kaolin, potash, flutters earth, iron-ore, clay, silica sand, mica, gypsum, trona, feldspar, and magnetite. The state has enormous mineral resources that are yet to be fully exploited. The government has made efforts to attract investors to the state’s mining sector to harness its potential.

17. Sambisa Forest is located in the Borno state about 60 kilometers southeast of Maiduguri and in the southwest of Chad Basin National Park. The forest is known for its diverse flora and fauna and is home to different species of wildlife, including elephants, baboons, and antelopes. It has also been a hideout for terrorists in recent times.

18. Chad Basin National Park is located within the state of Borno and covers an area of 2,258 square kilometers. The park is known for its unique ecosystem, which includes wetlands, grasslands, and savannahs. It is home to different species of wildlife, including elephants, lions, hyenas, and antelopes.

19. Late Alhaji Mai Deribe, who founded the Dalram Soft Drink factory was the richest man in Borno state till his death. He was a prominent businessman and philanthropist who contributed to the development of the state’s economy and social welfare.

20. The Deribe Palace is one of the most expensive palaces in Nigeria and Africa which has hosted royals from other countries such as King Juan Carlos of Spain, Prince Charles, late Princess Diana, and other prominent people from outside the country. The palace is an architectural masterpiece and is a symbol of the state’s rich cultural heritage.

21. Gwoza Hill is located in Gwoza, Borno state, and is formed from different mountains and hills known as “Mandara mountains”. It is 1300 meters above sea level, has different species of animals, and is suitable for having picnics, mountaineering, and trekking. The hill is a popular tourist attraction in the state and attracts visitors from different parts of the country.