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Adamawa State

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Adamawa is a large state located in the North-East geopolitical zone of Nigeria.

Mandara Mountains from Yola
Mandara Mountains from Yola

It covers an area of approximately 36,917 square kilometers. The state shares borders with Borno to the northwest and Gombe to the west. Taraba sits to the southwest, while the eastern border marks the national boundary with Cameroon. Adamawa is a highly heterogeneous region, meaning it is made up of many different groups. It contains over 100 indigenous ethnic groups. While it is the eighth largest state by area, it is the thirteenth least populous. As of 2016, the population was estimated at about 4.25 million people.

The geography of Adamawa is defined by high elevations and deep river valleys. The landscape is dominated by mountains and highlands, such as the Atlantika, Mandara, and Shebshi ranges.

Mandara Mountains from Yola
Mandara Mountains from Yola

The Adamawa Plateau also forms a major part of the terrain. Large rivers like the Benue and Gongola cross these valleys. The lowlands consist of different ecological zones. In the north, the West Sudanian savanna prevails. The south contains a wetter Guinean forest-savanna mosaic. Higher areas include the Mandara Plateau mosaic and the Cameroonian Highlands forests. In the far south, the Gashaka Gumti National Park protects diverse wildlife. This park hosts populations of African buffalo, hippopotamus, and the Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee.

The history of the region is tied to the Adamawa Emirate. This was a subordinate kingdom of the Sokoto Sultanate. The name Adamawa comes from Modibo Adama, a leader of the Fulani Jihad. This movement was organized by Usman dan Fodio in 1804. Modibo Adama received a green flag in 1806 for his leadership. He moved his capital several times, including to Ribadu and Joboliwo. He eventually founded Yola in 1841, where he died in 1848.

Hausa from Yola-1902
Hausa from Yola-1902

During the colonial era, the area was divided between Germany and Britain. After World War I, the German territories became part of the British Cameroons. Eventually, through a referendum and administrative changes, the area became part of Nigeria. The modern state of Adamawa was officially formed in 1991. It was created when the former Gongola State was split into Adamawa and Taraba states.

Adamawa is a very diverse place regarding its people and religions. Many different ethnic groups inhabit the land. Groups like the Verre, Tsobo, and Bwatiye live in the central region. The Kamwe live in the north and central areas, while the Jibu are in the south. The Fulani people live throughout the state, often working as nomadic herders. Religion is also varied across the population. About 50% of residents are Sunni Muslim. Roughly 40% are Christian, including Lutheran and Pentecostal groups. The remaining 10% follow traditional ethnic religions.

The economy of Adamawa is primarily based on agriculture and livestock. The state has vast arable land for growing various crops. Farmers produce cotton, groundnuts, millet, cassava, guinea corn, and yams. The livestock industry is particularly significant, with about 2.5 million cattle. Many traders visit the Mubi International cattle market to buy and sell animals.

Adamawa state contingent 1
Adamawa state contingent 1

The state also possesses solid minerals like limestone, tantalite, and kaoline. The GDP is estimated at ₦2.66 trillion, making it the largest economy in the North-East region. Large industries also exist, such as the Dangote sugar factory in Numan. This factory has a refining capacity of 3,000 tonnes of cane per day.

Climate and environmental changes present challenges for the state. Adamawa has a tropical wet and dry climate. The wet season runs from April to October, while the dry season lasts five months. The harmattan period occurs between December and February. Recently, climate change has caused more visible issues. A 2012 study showed rising temperatures and declining rainfall in some areas. Flooding has become a serious concern due to heavy rains and dam overflows.

Flooded sunrise in Yola
Flooded sunrise in Yola

In 2022, floods caused many deaths and submerged 89,000 hectares of farmland. These events often displace many people from their homes.

In recent years, the state has also dealt with social and security challenges. The Boko Haram insurgency has heavily impacted development in the region. Attacks occurred in places like Mubi, Gombi, and Yola. By 2014, many people were living in camps as internally displaced persons. Mubi has been one of the most affected locations. However, as the insurgency has abated since 2016, development has begun to renew. Groups like the Adamawa Peace Initiative work to support the community during these times.

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🖼️ Images & Media (4)
File:Hausa from Yola-1902.jpg
Hausa from Yola-1902.jpg
File:Adamawa state contingent 1.jpg
Adamawa state contingent 1.jpg
File:Flooded sunrise in Yola.jpg
Flooded sunrise in Yola.jpg
File:Mandara Mountains from Yola.jpg
Mandara Mountains from Yola.jpg
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