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16/03/2024

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Let's Talk About Tiv People In Benue State, Nigeria.👇

Tiv are a Tivoid ethnic group. They constitute approximately 2.4% of Nigeria's total population, and number over 5 million individuals throughout Nigeria and Cameroon.

The Tiv language is spoken by over 5 million people in Nigeria with a few speakers in Cameroon. Most of the language's Nigerian speakers are found in Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, Plateau, Cross rivers, Adamawa, Kaduna, and the Federal Capital Territory Abuja. The language is a branch of Benue–Congo and ultimately of the Niger–Congo phylum. In pre-colonial times, the Fulani ethnic group referred to the Tiv. They depend on agricultural produce for commerce and sustenance.

The Tiv believe they emerged into their present location from the southeast. It is claimed that the Tiv wandered through southern, south-central and west-central Africa before arriving at the savannah lands of West African Sudan via the River Congo and Cameroon Mountains and settled at Swemkaragbe the region adjoining Cameron and Nigeria in the beginning of 1500 CE. "Coming down," as they put it, was in batches, some moved southward across Obudu mountains others moved northward spreading over Mdema and Waka district, while others moved into core benue valley present day core Central Nigeria.

These dispersions took place in the early 1500 CE to 1600 CE, over time as social interactions began and new migrants came into Nigeria. The Tiv people were a free people without a king; hence every clan or kindred was administered by the eldest man called "Orya" they were amongst the first inhabitants of the Benue Valley according to Mark Cartwright record of Bantu migration before other tribes finally migrated to join them, Due to their peaceful disposition and dispersed nature of living, with no Central government nor king, they posed no threat to new migrants to the region who cohabited with them until the coming of the Europeans. The Europeans first contact with Tiv was in the 18th century. Note that the time of encounter with the European does not mean their time of migration, their late recognition was due to the lack of kingship which became a big disadvantage to Tiv in Nigeria because the colonial masters prefer working with kings, so when the Tiv were found on the banks of the Benue River and were discovered to be distinct from other ethnic minorities and were the major occupants of the Benue Valley. That was when kinship was later introduced to Tiv people by the European in the 1940s Benue.

In 1879 their occupation of the riverbanks was about the same as in 1950. British forces entered Tivland from the east in 1906, when there was tension between Tiv and other minorities within the Benue valley. The Tiv said in 1950 that they had defeated this British force, then later invited the British in for negotiations. The southern area was penetrated from the south; what southern Tiv refer to as "the eruption" of the British there occurred in 1911.

The Tiv came into contact with European culture during the colonial period. During November 1907 to spring 1908, an expedition of the Southern Nigeria Regiment led by Lieutenant-Colonel Hugh Trenchard came into contact with the Tiv. Trenchard brought gifts for the tribal chiefs. Subsequently, roads were built and trade links established between Europeans and the Tiv.
But before construction of roads began, a missionary named Mary Slessor went throughout the region seeing to the people's needs.

National attire (A'nger)

The Tiv national attire is the black-and-white-striped anger. When the Tiv people arrived at their current location several centuries earlier, they discovered that the zebra they used to hunt for meat and skin, used for ceremonial attire, was not native to the area. When they acquired the skill of the loom, they decided to honor their heritage by weaving a cloth with black-and-white stripes, reminiscent of the zebra skin; this would then be made the preferred attire. Initially, it was a simple cloth to be draped around the torso. Nowadays, it is made into elaborate robes, such as those worn by the traditional rulers and elders – from the Tor Tiv.

The black-and-white color of the necklaces worn by the traditional rulers has been chosen to match the robes.

Tiv Food

Tiv people are largely farmers and they have abundant foods.

Benue state is named Food Basket of the Nation. The Tiv people contribute much to this. Tiv constitutes about two thirds of Benue state population and produces more than half of the foods from the state. They are one of the biggest providers of yam and cassava not only in Nigeria but the whole world.

Yams at Zaki Biam yam market in Ukum, Benue State, Nigeria

Nigeria sometimes rank as the leading yam, cassava and soyabean producer in the world, Benue ranks as the leading state in Nigeria while the Tiv area of Benue leads. So Tiv sometimes ranks as global leaders in production of certain foods.

Though they produce a large variety of foods they prefer to eat more of ruam yo (pounded yam) with at least two types of soup: Nyam (meat or fish) and iue kunden (vegetables or other non meat/fish foods).

Guinea corn Pounded yam and soup

Main foods

Ruam yo (Pounded yam)

Ruam nahan (Corn food, turning food)

Akpu (Cassava paste)

Ruam kumen (either ruam yo or akpu) (Pounded food)

Iber (Millet or corn pap)

Akpukpa (Native bread).

27/02/2024

THE PEOPLE OF BENUE STATE

(1). THE TIV PEOPLE
The Tiv are one of the best tribes of Israel that migrated into African continent. From their Bantu origin in Zulu land, South Africa, they migrated to Democratic Republic of Congo in Central Africa, and into Nigeria in West Africa. From the Kwararafa region of Congo-Zaire, they migrated to seven hills in the West of Cameroon between the year 1750 to 1800, when all the communities in the Apa region of the Kwararafa were in a state of turmoil.

Tor Tiv also known as Begha U Tiv (Lion of Tiv people) is the supreme traditional ruler of the Tiv people.

The present Tor Tiv is HRM, Prof Ortese Iorzua James Ayatse.

The population of the Tiv people resident in Benue State spread over fourteen (14) Local Government Areas and in Zone A and B.

The Tiv people are known for their colours of fabric. The tribe dressing is referred as A’nger and is popular in its white and black strip. The black colour means that the Tiv people have their roots as black people in Africa. The white colour signifies Peace and Love. This way the two colours represent a zebra character in wild nature. The Zebra is one of the most peaceful and mild creatures, doesn't cause any harm.

The Tiv people make use of their A’nger outfit for many ceremonies and important events. Their cultural groups have made the fabric more creative in the way they design their attires.

The Tiv people are popular for their farming skills and rich culture

(2). THE IDOMA PEOPLE
The Idoma people are the second largest ethnic group in Benue State and occupy 7 local government areas in western Benue State. They inhibit the lower western areas of Benue State, Nigeria, and some of them can be found in Cross Rivers State, Taraba State, Enugu State, Kogi State and Nasarawa State in Nigera.
The Idoma people are a homogeneous ethnic group with dialectical differences indicated by some distinct speech forms of people in Otukpo, Adoka and Ugboju; Edumoga in contrast to Agil, Otukpa, Orokam, Agatu, among others. Even with the difference in dialectical speech, the Idoma people maintain one particular traditional attire, which indicates the language unity.

They are well known for the “RED and BLACK” colours which represent their traditional cultural attire.

The Idoma traditional attire is popularly called, “Apa” by many parts of Idoma land, and “Edema” by the Edumoga people. The “black” colour on the Idoma attire signifies the “earth and burial shroud,” while the “red” colour signifies “royalty or red feather.”
The Idoma attire is worn during wedding ceremonies, burials, festive period, and local meetings. The attire can be sewn into wrappers, gowns, skirts and blouses, kaftans, caps, and mufflers. It can also be used for decoration during any festivities.

Predominantly Idoma people are farmers who grow crops like yam, cassava, corn, rice, soybeans, and palm fruits.

Och’Idoma is the leader of the Idoma people of Benue State, his resident is the Och’Idoma Palace at Otukpo. The current traditional ruler is HRH John Elaigwu Odogbo, elected Och’Idoma V. He is the spiritual head and custodian of Idoma Cultural Heritage and deities.

(3). THE IGEDE PEOPLE
The Igede people are the third largest ethnic group in present-day Benue State of Nigeria. They are native to the Oju and Obi local government areas of Benue state, Nigeria. However, a large number of Igede people are dispersed across the state and the Nation.

For instance, the Igede language is also spoken in Nigeria's Cross River State, and a large number of Igede communities exist in Osun State and Ogun State. The Igede language is a member of the Benue-Congo subgroup of the Niger-Congo language family. Al'igede is the official online community page of Igede people.

According to ORA tradition, the IGEDE people formally settled around Sabongida ORA in the present Owan West local government, Edo North, in the South-South region of Nigeria.

The Igede traditional dressing and cultural attire (called “Ododogodo), comprises of three beautiful colours: blue, white and black, with variety of vibrant and colourful materials made into different elegant styles to reflect the cultural richness and confidence of the Igede people. Once sighted, the native and cultural attires can be distinguished from a broad range of traditional clothing worn by different tribes in Nigeria.

The BLUE colour in the Igede cultural dress symbolizes PEACE. The Igede people are peace-loving people, and united. They are very accommodative, and have great respect for the elders.

The WHITE stand for “PURITY and TRUSTWORTHINESS” of an Igede man. O once you entrust Igede people with anything, be rest assured that it is safe. They forbid crime and atrocity.

The BLACK stans for AGRICULTURE. The Igede people are hardworking, and their major occupation is agricultural practice.

In present-day, different types of Igede traditional attires are worn bases on occasions. For instance, some clothes are used exclusively for events such as the wedding ceremony, Igede Agba festival or to perform traditional dance during festival, each one having an eye-catching details and significance.

During Igede traditional marriage ceremony, brides are mostly adorned with beautiful colours. These attires can be made into different styles such as agbada and buba usually decorated with intricate embroidery, and is worn on special religious or ceremonial occasions.

The Igede people are predominantly farmers, hunters, potters and warriors. The most popular crop cultivated by the Igede farmers is yam, which is considered the best food that is befitting to the best stranger, especially when pounded. It is often eaten with the Benniseed Soup (Oho Nyi Ehia) and Ibehi Soup (Melon Soup aka Egusi Soup).

25/02/2024

Let's Talk About Tiv People In Benue State, Nigeria.

Tiv are a Tivoid ethnic group. They constitute approximately 2.4% of Nigeria's total population, and number over 5 million individuals throughout Nigeria and Cameroon.

The Tiv language is spoken by over 5 million people in Nigeria with a few speakers in Cameroon. Most of the language's Nigerian speakers are found in Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, Plateau, Cross rivers, Adamawa, Kaduna, and the Federal Capital Territory Abuja. The language is a branch of Benue–Congo and ultimately of the Niger–Congo phylum. In pre-colonial times, the Fulani ethnic group referred to the Tiv. They depend on agricultural produce for commerce and sustenance.

The Tiv believe they emerged into their present location from the southeast. It is claimed that the Tiv wandered through southern, south-central and west-central Africa before arriving at the savannah lands of West African Sudan via the River Congo and Cameroon Mountains and settled at Swemkaragbe the region adjoining Cameron and Nigeria in the beginning of 1500 CE. "Coming down," as they put it, was in batches, some moved southward across Obudu mountains others moved northward spreading over Mdema and Waka district, while others moved into core benue valley present day core Central Nigeria.

These dispersions took place in the early 1500 CE to 1600 CE, over time as social interactions began and new migrants came into Nigeria. The Tiv people were a free people without a king; hence every clan or kindred was administered by the eldest man called "Orya" they were amongst the first inhabitants of the Benue Valley according to Mark Cartwright record of Bantu migration before other tribes finally migrated to join them, Due to their peaceful disposition and dispersed nature of living, with no Central government nor king, they posed no threat to new migrants to the region who cohabited with them until the coming of the Europeans. The Europeans first contact with Tiv was in the 18th century. Note that the time of encounter with the European does not mean their time of migration, their late recognition was due to the lack of kingship which became a big disadvantage to Tiv in Nigeria because the colonial masters prefer working with kings, so when the Tiv were found on the banks of the Benue River and were discovered to be distinct from other ethnic minorities and were the major occupants of the Benue Valley. That was when kinship was later introduced to Tiv people by the European in the 1940s Benue.

In 1879 their occupation of the riverbanks was about the same as in 1950. British forces entered Tivland from the east in 1906, when there was tension between Tiv and other minorities within the Benue valley. The Tiv said in 1950 that they had defeated this British force, then later invited the British in for negotiations. The southern area was penetrated from the south; what southern Tiv refer to as "the eruption" of the British there occurred in 1911.

The Tiv came into contact with European culture during the colonial period. During November 1907 to spring 1908, an expedition of the Southern Nigeria Regiment led by Lieutenant-Colonel Hugh Trenchard came into contact with the Tiv. Trenchard brought gifts for the tribal chiefs. Subsequently, roads were built and trade links established between Europeans and the Tiv.
But before construction of roads began, a missionary named Mary Slessor went throughout the region seeing to the people's needs.

National attire (A'nger)

The Tiv national attire is the black-and-white-striped anger. When the Tiv people arrived at their current location several centuries earlier, they discovered that the zebra they used to hunt for meat and skin, used for ceremonial attire, was not native to the area. When they acquired the skill of the loom, they decided to honor their heritage by weaving a cloth with black-and-white stripes, reminiscent of the zebra skin; this would then be made the preferred attire. Initially, it was a simple cloth to be draped around the torso. Nowadays, it is made into elaborate robes, such as those worn by the traditional rulers and elders – from the Tor Tiv.

The black-and-white color of the necklaces worn by the traditional rulers has been chosen to match the robes.

Tiv Food

Tiv people are largely farmers and they have abundant foods.

Benue state is named Food Basket of the Nation. The Tiv people contribute much to this. Tiv constitutes about two thirds of Benue state population and produces more than half of the foods from the state. They are one of the biggest providers of yam and cassava not only in Nigeria but the whole world.

Yams at Zaki Biam yam market in Ukum, Benue State, Nigeria

Nigeria sometimes rank as the leading yam, cassava and soyabean producer in the world, Benue ranks as the leading state in Nigeria while the Tiv area of Benue leads. So Tiv sometimes ranks as global leaders in production of certain foods.

Though they produce a large variety of foods they prefer to eat more of ruam yo (pounded yam) with at least two types of soup: Nyam (meat or fish) and iue kunden (vegetables or other non meat/fish foods).

Guinea corn Pounded yam and soup

Main foods

Ruam yo (Pounded yam)

Ruam nahan (Corn food, turning food)

Akpu (Cassava paste)

Ruam kumen (either ruam yo or akpu) (Pounded food)

Iber (Millet or corn pap)

Akpukpa (Native bread)

Grains
Chinkafa
Alev
Ahuma
Ishwa
Wua
Amine
Agase

Yams
Gbongo
Amura
Arakpa
P**a
Hembamkwase

Other tubers
Agbo
Atsaka

Fish
Indyar
Kough
Akpough
Gyanggyang

Soup
Ashwe
Genger
Ager
Atyever
Mngishim
Vambe
Atuur
Tue
Aninge.

13/02/2024

City Explorer
Igede cultural attire has three major colors namely, blue, white, and black.

The blue color stands for peace, the white color epitomized purity and the black represents agriculture.

29/01/2024