7 fascinating facts about Taraba State in Nigeria

Taraba State, located in the northeastern part of Nigeria, is a treasure trove of natural wonders, cultural diversity, and economic potential.

Named after the Taraba River, which traverses the southern part of the state, it is known as “Nature’s Gift to the Nation”.

Its capital is Jalingo.

The state’s main ethnic groups are the Fulani , Mumuye, Mambilla, Jukun, Kuteb, Karimjo Wurkun, Yandang, Ndola, Ichen, Jenjo, Tiv, Tigon, and Jibu.

Diaspora Digital Media brings to you, eight fascinating facts about Taraba State that you might not know:

1. Home to Nigeria’s Highest Peak

Chappal Waddi Mountain, located in the Mambilla region of the State, stands tall at 2,419 meters, making it the highest peak in Nigeria.

Funmi Oyatogun on Chappal Wadi

This challenging climb is not for the faint-hearted and takes several days to complete.

2. Kurmi: Nigeria’s Third Richest Local Government

Kurmi, a local government in Taraba State, is naturally blessed with an abundance of resources, including banana, cocoa, peer, wood, orange, coal, palm trees, and natural gas, making it the third richest local government in Nigeria.

3. Gembu: Nigeria’s Coolest Place

Gembu Town boasts a cool climate, with daytime temperatures ranging from 21°C to 27.8°C.

It’s rarely below 9.4°C or above 31.1°C, making it an attractive destination for those seeking a cooler climate.

4. A Melting Pot of Ethnic Groups

Taraba State is home to over 80 indigenous ethnic groups, speaking different languages, making it the state with the highest number of ethnic groups in Nigeria.

In fact, Taraba State has more languages than 30 African countries.

5. Africa’s Largest Tea Plantation

The Highland Tea Farm, located on the Mambilla Plateau in Taraba State, is the largest tea farm in Africa and the only highland tea plantation in West Africa, making Taraba State the leading producer of highland tea in the continent.

Aerial view of a tea farm in Taraba

6. Yam Production Hub

Taraba State is the second-highest yam-producing state in Nigeria, accounting for over 12.89% of Nigeria’s total yam production.

The state has over 4 million hectares of arable land, with only about 1.5 million hectares exploited for yam farming each year.

7. Third Largest State by Land Mass

Taraba State covers an impressive 54,473 square kilometers, making it the third largest state in Nigeria by land mass.

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