Brief History
Nasarawa State is a state in the North Central region of Nigeria, bordered to the east by the states of Taraba and Plateau, to the north by Kaduna State, to the south by the states of Kogi and Benue, and to the west by the Federal Capital Territory. Named for the historic Nasarawa Emirate, the state was
formed from the west of Plateau State on 1 October 1996. The state has thirteen local government areas and its capital is Lafia, located in the east of the state, while a key economic centre of the state is
the Karu Urban Area (suburbs of Abuja) along the western border with the FCT. Of the 36 states of Nigeria, Nasarawa is the fifteenth largest in area and second least populous with an estimated population of about 2.5 million as of 2016. Geographically, the state is mostly within the tropical Guinean forest–savanna mosaic eco region. Important geographic features include the River Benue forming much of Nasarawa State’s southern borders and the state’s far northeast containing a
small part of Jos, Plateau state
Festivals and Traditions
- Oyarere Festival: An annual festival celebrated in Assaikio community in Lafia-North LGA in December. Annual festival celebrated when the moon is sighted. It also marks the movement of the Alago people in Assaikio to the present site in Keana.
- Omadegye Festival: It is celebrated by Mbeki-Agwada community in Toto LGA in the month of March. The festival is a ritual festival to unite all sons and daughters of Afo and revive the past cultural values of Afo people.
- Ogani Fishing Festival: The festivals are embellished with cultural antiquities, which are showcased in line with the traditions and cultural values of the societies.
Tourists Attractions and Locations
- Farin Ruwa Falls: Farin Ruwa meaning “white waters” in Hausa language is located at the boundary of Bokkos LGA in Plateau State and Wamba LGA of Nasarawa State of Nigeria. The Waterfall is about 120 kilometers away from Lafia, the capital city of Nasarawa State and about 160 kilometers from Abuja. Farin Ruwa is one of the most visited water fall in Nigeria and a beauty to behold.
- Karu Waterfalls: Hidden between the beautiful mountains and Vegetation nests in Karu are the four karu waterfalls. It is located along Abuja – Keffi Road, in New Karu, Nasarawa State. The Karu waterfall is an awesome outdoor spot for nature lovers and ideal hiking destination and picnic spot.
- Maloney Hill: Maloney hill is one of the most prominent hills in Nasarawa state, located in keffi, just behind the palace of Emir of Keffi. Maloney Hill, which is covered by rubbles of houses built during colonial era is about 30o metres above see level and serves as a hiking destionation as well as camping.