Yobe State lies in the geopolitical zone of the north-east. The state was established on August 27, 1991. Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, and Jigawa are the Nigerian states that border the state. Continue reading the history below.
It also shares boundaries with the Republic of Niger’s Diffa and Zinder Regions. It is an agrarian state with mineral resource deposits, making it a promising place for agriculture and mining. “Pride of the Sahel” is the state’s nickname.
Yobe State
Yobe is a state in Nigeria’s northeastern region. It was established on August 27, 1991, as a primarily agricultural state. Borno State was divided into Yobe and Borno States. Yobe State’s capital is Damaturu, and its largest and most populous city is Potiskum.
Quick Snapshot of Yobe State
| Total land area: | 46,609 Km2 |
| Capital: | Damaturu |
| Governor in 2019: | Mai Mala Buni |
| Local Government Areas: | 17 LGAs: Bade, Bursari, Damaturu, Fika, Fune, Geidam, Gujba, Jakusko, Karasuwa, Machina, Nangere, Nguru, Potiskum, Tarmuwa, Yunusari, Yusufari |
| Population 2010: | 3,532,989 (Male- 1,801,824 and Female- 1,731,164) |
| Vegetation: | Sudan and Sahel Savannah |
| Major crops: | Sorghum, Millet, Groundnuts, Cowpeas, Maize, Sesame, Beef, Dairy, Livestock, Gum Arabic and Cotton |
| Solid minerals: | Diatomite, Silica Sand, Gypsum and Clay |
History of Yobe State
Yobe State was established on August 27, 1991. The Babangida administration carved it out of the old Borno State. Yobe State was formed as a result of the old Borno State being one of Nigeria’s largest states in terms of land size and so deemed too huge for easy administration and meaningful development.
Ethnic tensions inside the former Borno State also played a role in the decision. Yobe has a warm climate, with daily temperatures averaging 37 °C (98.6 °F). The sun shines the brightest in November, and the rainiest months are August and December.
The state is primarily located in the dry savanna region, and temperatures are hot and dry for the majority of the year, with the exception of the southern section of the state, which receives greater annual rainfall.
Ethnic Groups In The State
Fulani and Kanuri are the two major ethnic groups in Yobe State, with other ethnic communities including Bolewa, Ngizim, Bade, Hausa, Ngamo, Shuwa, Bura, Marghi, karai-karai, and Manga.
List of Tribes In Yobe State
| Local Government Areas | Tribes |
|---|---|
| Bade: | Bade, Duwai, Kanuri |
| Bursari: | Kanuri, Fulani |
| Damaturu: | Yerwa Kanuri |
| Fika: | Karai-Karai, Bolewa Ngamo |
| Fune: | Karai-Karai, Ngizim, Bura-Pabir |
| Geidam: | Kanuri, Karai-Karai, Fulani |
| Gujba: | Kanuri, Karai-Karai |
| Gulani: | Maaka, Karai-Karai, Bura-Pabir, Kanuri |
| Jakusko: | Bade, Karai-Karai |
| Machina: | Manga |
| Nangere: | Karai-Karai |
| Nguru: | Kanuri |
| Potiskum: | Karai-Karai, Ngizim, Bolewa |
| Others: | Duwai, Shuwa Arabs, and Zarma |
Boko Haram Attacks In Yobe State
Due to the insurgency of the jihadist terrorist network Boko Haram, President Goodluck Jonathan proclaimed a state of emergency in Yobe State, as well as neighbouring Borno and Adamawa States, on May 14, 2013. Abubakar Shekau, the commander of Boko Haram, was born in Shekau village.
Damaturu in November 2011, December 2011 and June 2012, Gadaka in December 2011, Potiskum in December 2012, November 2014 and July 2015, Mamudo in July 2013, Gujba in September 2013, Buni Yadi in February and May 2014, and Dapchi in 2018.
The Economy Development of Yobe State
While Yobe state is mostly an agricultural state, it also boasts abundant mineral deposits, including gypsum and kaolin in Fune local government, as well as abundant agricultural resources.
Gum arabic, groundnuts, beans, and cotton are among the agricultural products grown in the state. Potiskum, the state’s capital, also hosts one of the largest livestock markets in West Africa.
Governor of Yobe State 2019
Mai Mala Buni took office as governor of Yobe State on May 29, 2019, under the APC (All Progressive Congress), while Idi Barde Gubana is the state’s deputy governor.
The majority of the population are Muslim. Sharia law is legal. However, there are Christians in the state, despite the fact that no Roman Catholic diocese has its headquarters there. Read about Zamfara State Here.
