Yobe State: Fascinating Facts About The Pride Of The Sahel

Yobe State, located in the northeastern part of Nigeria, is known as the “Pride of the Sahel”. It is a state with a rich cultural heritage and fascinating history. Yobe State is home to diverse ethnic groups, each with their unique customs and traditions. The state is also blessed with natural resources, including fertile land, mineral deposits, and wildlife. In this content, we will explore some fascinating facts about Yobe State, from its history to its people, landmarks, and attractions. Join us on this journey as we discover the beauty and uniqueness of the “Pride of the Sahel”.

Fascinating Facts About Yobe State

Creation Of Yobe State

Yobe State was created on August 27, 1991, during the administration of President Ibrahim Babangida. The creation of Yobe State was part of a nationwide process of creating new states, aimed at decentralizing power and bringing government closer to the people. Yobe State was carved out of the old Borno State, along with its neighbor, Jigawa State.

Yobe State Meaning

The state was named after the Yobe River, which flows through the state. The Yobe River is a major tributary of the Komadugu Yobe River, which flows through Nigeria, Niger, and Chad. The river is an important source of water for irrigation, fishing, and domestic use in the state.

Yobe State Capital

The capital of Yobe State is Damaturu. It is located in the northeastern part of the state and has a population of over 300,000 people. Damaturu is a major commercial and administrative center in the state, with several government offices, banks, markets, and shopping centers.

Yobe State Slogan

The slogan of Yobe State is “Pride of the Sahel”. The Sahel is a semi-arid region that stretches across Africa, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea. Yobe State is located in the Sahel region of Nigeria and is known for its unique culture, history, and natural resources. The state’s slogan reflects its pride in its heritage and its determination to develop and prosper.

Yobe State Border

Yobe State shares borders with four other states in Nigeria. To the east, it shares a border with Borno State, which is also in the Northeast geopolitical region. To the south, it shares a border with Gombe State, which is part of the North-Central geopolitical region. To the southwest, it shares a border with Bauchi State, which is part of the North-East geopolitical region. To the northwest, it shares a border with Jigawa State, which is part of the North-West geopolitical region.

Yobe State Geopolitical Region

Yobe State is part of the Northeast geopolitical region of Nigeria. The Northeast region is made up of six states, including Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe. The region is known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse ethnic groups, and natural resources.

Yobe State Local Government Areas

Yobe State has 17 local government areas. The local government areas in Yobe State are: Bade, Bursari, Damaturu, Fika, Fune, Geidam, Gujba, Gulani, Jakusko, Karasuwa, Karawa, Machina, Nangere, Nguru, Potiskum, Tarmuwa, and Yunusari. Each local government area is headed by an elected chairman and has a council made up of elected councilors.

Yobe State Senatorial Districts

Yobe State has three senatorial districts: Yobe East, Yobe Central, and Yobe North. Each senatorial district is represented by a senator in the National Assembly, which is the legislative arm of the federal government of Nigeria. The senators are elected by the people of their respective districts.

Main Religion In Yobe State

Islam is the main religion in Yobe State. The majority of the people in Yobe State are Muslims, with a small Christian minority. Islam was introduced to the region in the 11th century, and it has since become an integral part of the culture and way of life in the state.

Yobe State Landmass

Yobe State is the 6th largest state in Nigeria, with a landmass of 45,502 square kilometers. It is located in the northeastern part of Nigeria and is bordered by four other states, as well as the Republic of Niger. Yobe State is known for its unique geography, which includes the Sahel region to the north and the tropical savannah to the south.

Yobe State Population

According to the 2006 census, Yobe State had a population of 2,321,339, making it the 30th most populous state in Nigeria. The population of Yobe State has since grown, and it is estimated that the state now has over 3 million people. The people of Yobe State are known for their hospitality, rich cultural heritage, and diverse ethnic groups.

Tribes/Ethnic Groups In Yobe State

The main ethnic groups in Yobe State are Kanuri, Bolewa, Bade, Ngizim, and Karai-Karai. The Kanuri people are the largest ethnic group in the state, and they are predominantly found in the northern part of the state. The Bolewa people are mainly found in Fika and Fune local government areas, while the Bade people are mainly found in Gashua and Yusufari local government areas. The Ngizim and Karai-Karai people are mainly found in the southern part of the state.

Yobe State Tourism

Yobe State has several tourist attractions, including the Dufuna Canoe, which is believed to be the oldest canoe in Africa. The canoe was discovered in Dufuna village in Fune local government area in 1987 and is estimated to be over 8,000 years old. Other tourist attractions in Yobe State include the Yobe Game Reserve, which is home to several wildlife species such as elephants, lions, and hyenas, and the Gashua Pottery Centre, which is known for its traditional pottery-making techniques.

Yobe State Natural Resource

Yobe State is rich in mineral resources, including gypsum, limestone, and kaolin. Gypsum is used in the production of cement, plaster of Paris, and fertilizer, while limestone is used in the production of cement and iron. Kaolin, on the other hand, is used in the production of ceramics, paper, and cosmetics. The state also has potential for oil and gas exploration.

Yobe State First Democratic/Elected Governor

The first elected governor of Yobe State was Bukar Abba Ibrahim, who served from 1999 to 2007. He was elected under the All People’s Party (APP) platform, which later became the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). During his tenure, he initiated several development projects in the state, including the establishment of the Yobe State University and the construction of several roads and bridges.

Yobe State Higher Institutions

Yobe State has three higher institutions, including the Federal University, Gashua, the Yobe State University, Damaturu, and the Federal Polytechnic, Damaturu. The Federal University, Gashua was established in 2013 and offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields of study. The Yobe State University, Damaturu was established in 2006 and offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields of study. The Federal Polytechnic, Damaturu was established in 1992 and offers diploma and certificate programs in various fields of study.

Yobe State: A Brief Overview

• Date of Creation: Yobe State was created on August 27, 1991, during the administration of President Ibrahim Babangida.
• State Name Meaning: The state was named after the Yobe River, which flows through the state.
• State Capital: The capital of Yobe State is Damaturu.
• State Slogan: The slogan of Yobe State is “Pride of the Sahel”.
• State Border: Yobe State shares borders with Borno State to the east, Gombe State to the south, Bauchi State to the southwest, and Jigawa State to the northwest.
• Geopolitical Region: Yobe State is part of the Northeast geopolitical region of Nigeria.
• Number of Local Government Areas: Yobe State has 17 local government areas.
• Number of Senatorial Districts: Yobe State has three senatorial districts: Yobe East, Yobe Central, and Yobe North.
• Main Religion: Islam is the main religion in Yobe State.
• State Landmass: Yobe State is the 6th largest state in Nigeria, with a landmass of 45,502 square kilometers.
• State Population: According to the 2006 census, Yobe State had a population of 2,321,339, making it the 30th most populous state in Nigeria.
• Tribes/Ethnic Groups: The main ethnic groups in Yobe State are Kanuri, Bolewa, Bade, Ngizim, and Karai-Karai.
• State Tourism: Yobe State has several tourist attractions, including the Dufuna Canoe, which is believed to be the oldest canoe in Africa, the Yobe Game Reserve, and the Gashua Pottery Centre.
• State Natural Resource: Yobe State is rich in mineral resources, including gypsum, limestone, and kaolin.
• First Democratic/Elected Governor: The first elected governor of Yobe State was Bukar Abba Ibrahim, who served from 1999 to 2007.
• Higher Institutions: Yobe State has three higher institutions, including the Federal University, Gashua, the Yobe State University, Damaturu, and the Federal Polytechnic, Damaturu.