Are you proudly Benue or just curious about the state? In this article, we’ll explore Benue State’s date of creation, population size, languages, local government areas, the first governor of the state, the current executive and deputy governors, and some notable wealthy individuals from the state.
When Was Benue State Created?
On 3rd February 1976, Benue State was created along with six other states in Nigeria. It was established under General Murtala Ramat Mohammed’s military regime to ensure better representation of the local population.
The state name originates from the benue river. Makurdi, the state capital, houses government offices and other administrative departments.
Benue State is renowned for its vibrant culture and significant contributions to Nigeria’s cultural heritage. The Idoma people, in particular, play a crucial role in enriching the state’s cultural diversity and traditional practices.
Where is Benue State Located?
Benue State is located in the North Central region of Nigeria, approximately at Latitude 7.2000° N and Longitude 9.7000° E. The state shares borders with seven Nigerian states and has an international boundary with Cameroon. Neighboring states include:
- Nasarawa to the east,
- Kogi to the west,
- Ebonyi to the southeast,
- Enugu and Cross River to the south.
These strategic borders make Benue State easily accessible from various parts of Nigeria and Cameroon.
![]() Nickname: Food Basket of the Nation |
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Date of Creation: | 3 February 1976 |
Location | North Central |
Executive Governor: | Hyacinth L. Alia |
Deputy Governor: | Samuel Ode |
Population: | 4.2 million as at 2006 Census |
Language: | Idoma, Tiv, Ebira and more |
LGA: | 23 |
Postal Code | NA |
Landmass and Population
Benue State covers a total land area of approximately 34,059 square kilometers (13,150 square miles). According to the 2006 census, the population of Benue was estimated at 4,253,641, ranking it as the 11th most populous state in Nigeria. By 2022, the population had risen to an estimated 6,141,300, making it the 7th most populous state.
This rapid population growth indicates that Benue may face challenges related to overpopulation in the near future.
Climate of The State
Benue State experiences a tropical wet and dry climate. The average annual temperature ranges between 77°F and 95°F. The wet or rainy season begins in April and extends through October, with the heaviest rainfall occurring in June and September. Conversely, the dry season spans November to March, characterized by low humidity and minimal precipitation. The dry season also includes the Harmattan period, during which dry, dusty winds prevail.
Occupation of The People
Agriculture is the primary source of income for the people of Benue State, with over 60% of the population engaged in farming. This has significantly boosted the state’s economy. Benue is a major producer of agricultural products in Nigeria. Its fertile land supports the cultivation of food crops such as yam, cassava, maize, beans, millet, and vegetables, as well as cash crops like tomatoes, melon, pepper, African pear, and palm oil. Additionally, the state is a significant contributor to Nigeria’s animal products, including chicken, goat, poultry, pork, and beef.
Culture of Benue
The culture of Benue State is a defining aspect of its identity, showcasing the lifestyle and traditions of its diverse people. Each ethnic group is distinct, identifiable through their colorful traditional attire, masquerades, music, and dances. The traditional dances of Benue, such as Ange, Ogirinya, Anchanakupa, and Ingyough, have earned recognition both locally and internationally.
Notable cultural festivals include the Alekwu Festival, celebrated by the Idoma people, during which they believe their ancestors reunite with the living in the form of masquerades. Another significant celebration is the Igede Agba, the Yam Festival of the Igede people, held every September. The Tiv Swange dance competition further highlights the state’s cultural vibrancy, making Benue a hub of rich traditions and heritage.
How Many Languages?
Benue State is culturally diverse, with up to 40 local languages. The most common is Idoma, spoken in the southern region, followed by Tiv, predominant among the Tiv people in the central region. Ebira is also widely spoken by the Ebira ethnic group in the west, near the boundary with Kogi State. A full list of dialects is available in the LGAs section.
Local Government Areas
Benue State has 23 LGAs, each associated with specific local languages, as listed below:
Local Government Area | Language(s) Spoken |
Ado | Idoma |
Agatu | Idoma |
Apa | Idoma |
Buruku | Gbiri-Ndiome |
Gboko | Tiv |
Guma | Tiv |
Gwer-East | Tiv |
Gwer-West | Tiv |
Katsina-Ala | Tiv |
Konshisha | Tiv |
Kwande | Tiv |
Logo | Tiv |
Makurdi | Idoma and Tiv |
Obi | Idoma |
Ogbadibo | Idoma |
Ohimini | Idoma |
Oju | Idoma |
Okpokwu | Idoma |
Otukpo | Idoma |
Tarka | Tiv |
Ushongo | Tiv |
Vandeikya | Tiv |
Zaki-Biam | Tiv |
Who Was The First Governor Of Benue State?
Benue State was first ruled by a pioneer military governor, often referred to as an administrator, and Abdullahi Shelleng was the first person to govern Benue. He assumed office on February 3, 1976, and served until July 1978.
Shelleng was born in Gongola State, which is now part of Adamawa State, on January 20, 1942. After completing his primary and secondary education, Abdullahi gained admission to the Nigerian Defense Academy (NDA) in 1962 for a brief period before graduating from the Military Academy, Pakistan in 1965.
As a learned individual, Abdullahi Shelleng began his career as a Second Lieutenant in 1965. He played an active role in the Nigerian Civil War as a commander. He was later promoted to Colonel after completing a military course at the Command and General Staff College in Kansas. Shelleng was then posted to the Nigerian Army Headquarters, 2nd Infantry Division in Ibadan to serve hos father’s land.
His tenure as governor came through an appointment by General Murtala Mohammed, then head of state. However, being a governor was not without challenges, as he faced the task of governing a state with diverse ethnic groups, which proved difficult to manage. Despite these challenges, he left a positive legacy, having successfully erected house’s for the many civil servants in the state. He also founded the Murtala College of Art, Science, and Technology. His influence brought a brewery to Benue State, and he also established other industries, such as the Burnt Brick Industry in Otukpo and a sanitary ware establishment in Idah.
While he made positive contributions to the state, Abdullahi Shelleng was also criticized for abandoning some of the establishments that he had initiated and failed to complete.
Who Is The Governor Of Benue State?
On May 29, 2024, Hyacinth Aliat took office at the Benue Government House as the current governor. He is the sixteenth person to serve as governor since the creation of the state. Elected under the APC party, he became the governor of the state.
His early life began in Vandeikya, a local government area in Benue, where he was born on May 15, 1966. He attended St. Francis Primary School in Gboko and then proceeded to St. James Minor Seminary. After graduating, he gained admission into St. Augustine Major Seminary to study Religious Studies, earning a diploma in 1987. The governor also obtained a BA in Sacred Theology from the same institution in 1990.
Hyacinth Aliat furthered his education at Fordham University, New York, where he completed a master’s course in Physiology and Counseling. Additionally, at Duquesne University, he obtained an MSc and a Doctorate in Biomedical Ethics in 2005.
While still focused on his studies, he had already begun his career. He was ordained a Catholic priest on July 7, 1990. As such, he is both a servant of God and the current governor of Benue State.
Who Is The Deputy Governor Of Benue State?
Samuel Ode, the running mate of Hyacinth Aliat, is the current Deputy Governor of Benue State. By profession, he is a lawyer and a politician. Samuel’s life began in Edikwu, Benue, where he was born on November 7, 1968. He started his primary school in 1974 and graduated in 1980. In Otukpo, he attended Wesley High School, obtained his secondary school results, and studied law at the Polytechnic of Benue State, graduating in 1987. He also graduated with a Bachelor of Theatre Arts from the University of Jos and later attended the Nigerian Law School, graduating in 2017. Samuel was subsequently called to the bar in 2019.
Samuel’s political career began in 2002 when he served as Secretary of the National Democratic Party. He later became the Special Adviser to George Akume, a former Governor of the state, before taking the position of Chairman of Otukpo Local Government. Gabriel Suswam also appointed him as Special Adviser on Local Government Areas and Chieftaincy Affairs. He then joined the Goodluck Jonathan administration as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, among other roles, before becoming the Deputy Governor of Benue State in 2024.
Governors of Benue State to Date
The list of Benue State governors includes both military and civilian administrators.
Name | Party | Took Office | Left Office |
Abdullahi Shelleng (Governor) | Military | Mar 1976 | Jul 1978 |
Adebayo Lawal (Governor) | Military | Jul 1978 | Oct 1979 |
Aper Aku (Governor) | NPN | Oct 1979 | Dec 1983 |
John Kpera (Governor) | Military | Jan 1984 | Aug 1985 |
Jonah David Jang (Governor) | Military | Aug 1985 | Aug 1986 |
Yohanna Madaki (Governor) | Military | Aug 1986 | Sep 1986 |
Ishaya Bakut (Governor) | Military | Sep 1986 | 1987 |
Idris Garba (Governor) | Military | 1987 | 1987 |
Fidelis Makka (Governor) | Military | Dec 1987 | Jan 1992 |
Moses Adasu (Governor) | SDP | Jan 1992 | Nov 1993 |
Joshua O. Obademi (Administrator) | Military | Dec 1993 | Aug 1996 |
Aminu Isa Kontagora (Administrator) | Military | Aug 1996 | Aug 1998 |
Dominic Oneya (Administrator) | Military | Aug 1998 | May 1999 |
George Akume (Governor) | PDP | May 1999 | May 2007 |
Gabriel Suswam (Governor) | PDP | May 2007 | May 2015 |
Samuel Ortom (Governor) | PDP | May 2015 | May 2023 |
Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia (Governor) | APC | May 2023 | Incumbent |
Educational Institute in Benue
Benue State prioritizes education, with several higher institutions contributing to its progress. The state boasts two universities: Benue State University and Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University. It also has two state polytechnics: Akawe Torkula Polytechnic and Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo. Additionally, there is a College of Education in Katsina-Ala and the privately-owned University of Mkar. The universities offer degree courses, the polytechnics award diplomas, and the College of Education provides NCE qualifications.
Who Is The Richest Man In Benue State?
Though there are many rich and successful people from Benue State across diverse business fields, there isn’t much information about the richest person. However, some of these notable individuals are worth a significant fortune.
John Dyegh’s net worth is estimated to be several billions of naira. He is a Nigerian politician, businessman, and philanthropist.
Chief Kassa Andonka, a Nigerian who once served as the Attorney General of Nigeria, has also amassed wealth from the legal, real estate, agricultural sectors, and the political sphere. His net worth is estimated to be in the billions of naira.
Dr. Samuel Ortom is another of the richest people from Benue. Before becoming the governor of the state, serving two terms, which boosted his wealth, he was a successful businessman in farming, transportation, and the printing press industries. He is considered a billionaire.
Dr. Paul Enenche also falls within the realm of billionaires in terms of net worth. He is a medical doctor and businessman with ventures in various sectors, including education, healthcare, and others. Above all, Dr. Paul is a dedicated servant of God and the senior pastor of Dunamis Gospel International Church (Glory Dome) in Abuja. He is also a philanthropist and charitable individual.
Terry Waya is a high-profile Nigerian living an extravagant lifestyle. His investments are deeply rooted in real estate both in Nigeria and abroad, particularly in the United Kingdom, where he is known to live a flamboyant lifestyle. His presence in property development has contributed to his wealth, making him one of the wealthiest businessmen from Benue. His net worth is estimated to be in billions of naira, although no verified source has disclosed his exact worth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who discovered the River Niger and River Benue?
- The River Niger, which is the third longest river in West Africa, was first explored and discovered by Mungo Park in 1796. Park, a Scottish explorer, was the first to write about the Niger River, though he was tragically killed during his exploration. The River Benue, on the other hand, was first discovered by Eduard Robert Flegel, a German geographer, in 1879.
When was Benue State created?
- Benue State was established on February 3, 1976, by General Murtala Mohammed.
How many local government areas are in Benue State?
- Benue State has 23 local government areas, each overseen by a chairman.
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