September 2025

On Nigeria – Benin City

September 8, 2025 by maximios • Blog

Secretariat Buildings, Sapele Road

Benin City is a metropolitan city in Nigeria serving as the capital of Edo State in the South-South geopolitical zone. The city was previously the capital of the Mid-Western region (1963 to 1976) and Bendel State (1976 to 1991). The city is the home of the Edo people who had a powerful monarchy headed by the Oba of Benin before the punitive expedition that led to the British conquest of the Kingdom of Benin. The city is the ancestral home of indigenous people called Bini or Edo people.

Benin City has at its core an important traditional institution revolving around the Oba of Benin, the custodian of the Benin custom, culture and tradition. The beauty of the Benin culture is a sight to behold during Benin cultural display, homages, coronation of chiefs and the annual Igue festival.

The National Museum of Benin is encircled by the Ring Road at the center of the city and the palace of the Oba of Benin is located at the Junction between Airport Road and Plymouth Road.

National Museum of Benin, Ring road, Benin City

Remnants of the Benin Moat, a defensive earthworks surrounding the Kingdom of Benin, are found in different parts of the city. Sections of the Moat are visible in Ogbe Quarters (behind Oba Palace), Sapele Road, Airport Road, behind Edo College and by Third East Circular Road Junction.

During the era of the Kingdom of Benin, the Bini people were great craft-men famous for bronze and brass casting. The center of the city is decorated by statues of the kings (Obas) and heroes of the ancient Benin Kingdom such as the statue of Oba Ovonramwen at the King Square, Oba Akenzua at Airport Road and General Asoro.

Video clip of Ibiwe/Ore Oghene junction portraying daily activities in commercial areas of the Benin metropolis.

Igun Street is famous amongst tourists and collectors interested in Benin arts and craft. Bronze and brass casters reside here and their works are displayed in shops near the entrance gate erected at Sokponba Road.

Rapid expansion of the city into rural areas has changed the major occupation of the people from farming to trading. Most of the forests, plantations and arable lands in places like Obazuwa, Igo, Obaretin, Ugbikhoko, Ogba and Oghede have been transformed into suburbs. Many palm tree plantations and farmlands have been sold to land developers for the construction of residential buildings, hotels, churches, schools, shopping malls, etc.

High Court of Justice, Sapele Road, Benin City.

Very large population of Edo people are in the diaspora contributing large percentage of the remittance inflow to Nigeria. The economy of Benin City is boosted by this large influx of money from abroad, as there are many banks, supermarkets, hotels and fast food restaurants operating in the City.

A map showing Benin City and its surroundings.

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On Nigeria – Jigawa State

September 8, 2025 by maximios • Blog

Jiigawa State, Nigeria: Overview

Creation and Location

Jigawa State was created on August 27, 1991, during the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida. It was carved out of the eastern part of Kano State. The state shares borders with Kano (west), Katsina (northwest), Bauchi (southeast), Yobe (northeast), and the Republic of Niger (north).

Capital and Major Cities

Capital: Dutse, known for its agricultural markets and the Federal University Dutse.
Other Cities: Hadejia (famous for wetlands), Gumel (trade hub), Birnin Kudu (home to rock paintings), and Ringim.

People and Culture

Ethnic Groups: Predominantly Hausa and Fulani, with Kanuri and other minorities.
Languages: Hausa is widely spoken, alongside Fulfulde and Arabic (for Islamic studies).
Culture: Rich in traditional festivals like the Durbar (horse parade during Eid), and crafts such as weaving, pottery, and leatherwork. Islam plays a central role in daily life.

Geography and Environment

Landscape: Semi-arid Sahel savannah, with the Hadejia-Nguru wetlands, a critical ecosystem for migratory birds and agriculture.
Rivers: Hadejia River, part of the Komadugu Yobe basin, supports irrigation and fishing. The Hadejia Dam regulates water flow.
Environmental Issues: Desertification and water scarcity pose challenges, though afforestation projects are ongoing.

Economy

Agriculture: Major producer of sorghum, millet, rice, and cowpeas. Livestock rearing (cattle, goats) is significant.
Trade: Cross-border commerce with Niger and domestic trade in grains and textiles.
Resources: Small-scale industries include clay pottery and textiles. Mineral resources like kaolin and gypsum exist but are underutilized.

Education

Tertiary Institutions: Federal University Dutse (established 2011), Sule Lamido University (founded 2013), and Jigawa State Polytechnic.
Literacy Efforts: Focus on Quranic education (Almajiri system) alongside formal schooling, with ongoing reforms.

Challenges

Poverty and Unemployment: High rates of poverty and unemployment, especially among youth, drives migration to urban centers.
Infrastructure: Rural areas lack adequate roads, healthcare, and electricity.
Security: Relatively stable but affected by spillover from insurgency in neighboring states.

Tourism and Landmarks

Birnin Kudu Rock Paintings: Ancient Nok culture artifacts.
Gwaram Forest Reserve: Biodiversity hotspot.
Hadejia-Nguru Wetlands: Ramsar site attracting birdwatchers and researchers.

Administration

Local Government Areas (LGAs): 27 LGAs, including Dutse, Hadejia, and Ringim.
Governance: Focused on agricultural development, education, and access to healthcare.

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