Some Nigerian Peoples: Northern Nigeria – Basic 4 History Lesson Note (Third Term)

An ethnic group is a group of people who share a language, a culture, customs and a feeling of belonging to one family.

Behavioural objectives

1. Define an ethnic group.
2. Name ten peoples of Northern Nigeria and the states where they live.
3. State the main occupations of each people.
4. Give two things the Northern peoples share and two ways they differ.
5. Explain why Nigeria’s diversity is good.

What is an ethnic group?

An ethnic group is a people who share a common identity, such as language and culture.

• Language: members speak the same language or similar languages.
• Culture: members follow the same traditions.
• Customs: members share the same customs and beliefs.
• Area: members live in the same area together.
• Belonging: members feel they belong to the same family.

Nigeria has over 250 ethnic groups, so we say Nigeria is diverse.

What are the major ethnic groups of Northern Nigeria?

This note treats ten peoples: Hausa-Fulani, Kanuri, Nupe, Igala, Gwari, Idoma, Jukun, Tiv, Bariba and Igbirra (Ebira).

Who are the Hausa-Fulani?

The Hausa-Fulani are the largest ethnic group in Northern Nigeria.

• Where they live: all over Northern Nigeria, mainly Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi.
• Origin: two groups that came together: Hausa (farmers) and Fulani (cattle rearers).
• Language: Hausa, the most widely spoken language in the North.
• Religion: mostly Muslims.
• Occupations: farming (millet, sorghum, groundnuts, cotton), cattle rearing and dairy farming, trading across West Africa, and crafts (weaving, leather work, pottery).

Who are the Kanuri?

The Kanuri are an ancient people of Borno and Yobe States in the North East.

• Where they live: Borno and Yobe States. Main city: Maiduguri.
• Origin: the old Kanem-Borno Empire.
• Language: Kanuri.
• Religion: mostly Muslims.
• Occupations: fishing in Lake Chad, farming (especially around rivers), salt mining and trading, and livestock keeping.

Who are the Nupe?

The Nupe are a people famous for glass making and beautiful crafts.

• Where they live: Niger, Kwara and Kogi States. Main city: Bida.
• Language: Nupe.
• Religion: a mix of Muslims, Christians and traditional believers.
• Occupations: glass making (famous Nupe glass), farming along the River Niger, fishing in rivers, and crafts (beads, pottery, weaving).

Who are the Igala?

The Igala are a people of Kogi State in North Central Nigeria, ruled by a king called the Atta of Igala.

• Where they live: Kogi State. Main city: Idah.
• Ruler: the Atta of Igala.
• Language: Igala.
• Religion: a mix of religions and traditions.
• Occupations: fishing along Rivers Niger and Benue, farming (yam, cassava, rice), trading in markets, and crafts and traditional medicine.

Who are the Gwari (Gbagyi)?

The Gwari, also called Gbagyi, are among the original inhabitants of the Abuja area.

• Where they live: around Abuja (FCT), Niger and Kaduna States. Main areas: Abuja, Suleja and Minna.
• Language: Gbagyi.
• Religion: a mix of Christians, Muslims and traditional believers.
• Occupations: farming (yam, guinea corn, rice), pottery making, hunting and fishing, and small-scale trading.

Who are the Idoma?

The Idoma are a Middle Belt people of Benue State, known as expert yam farmers.

• Where they live: Benue State. Main city: Otukpo.
• Relations: related to other Middle Belt peoples.
• Language: Idoma.
• Religion: mostly Christians and traditional believers.
• Occupations: yam farming, other crops (rice, cassava, beans), trading in local markets, and traditional medicine.
• Culture: known for cultural festivals.

Who are the Jukun?

The Jukun are a people of Taraba State with an ancient kingdom and a rich history.

• Where they live: Taraba State. Main area: Wukari.
• Language: Jukun.
• Religion: a mix of religions.
• Occupations: farming (yam, sorghum, rice), fishing in rivers, crafts and traditional arts, and local trading.

Who are the Tiv?

The Tiv are a farming people who live mainly in Benue State.

• Where they live: Benue State. Main area: Makurdi.
• Language: Tiv.
• Occupations: farming (yam, sorghum, rice) and local trading.
• Culture: known for traditional culture.

Who are the Bariba?

The Bariba are a border people of Kwara and Niger States who are related to people in the Benin Republic.

• Where they live: Kwara and Niger States, near the border with the Benin Republic. Main areas: Kaiama and New Bussa.
• Language: Bariba.
• Religion: a mix of Muslims and traditional believers.
• Occupations: farming (guinea corn, millet, yam), livestock rearing, trading across borders, and traditional crafts.

Who are the Igbirra (Ebira)?

The Igbirra, also called Ebira, are a people known for weaving and cloth making.

• Where they live: Kogi and Kwara States. Main city: Okene.
• Language: Ebira.
• Religion: a mix of Muslims and Christians.
• Character: hardworking farmers and traders.
• Occupations: cloth weaving (famous Ebira cloth), farming (yam, cassava, rice), trading in textiles, and small businesses.

What do the Northern peoples have in common, and how do they differ?

The Northern peoples share many ways of life but differ in language, rulers, work, festivals, food and dress.

Why is Nigeria’s diversity good?

Diversity is good because many peoples bring different cultures, skills and ideas to one country.

• Learning: we learn from each other’s cultures.
• Skills: different peoples bring different skills and knowledge.
• Traditions: rich traditions and festivals.
• Languages: many languages and stories.
• Goods: various foods and crafts.
• Identity: it makes Nigeria unique and interesting.

Evaluation

1. What is an ethnic group? Name two things its members share.
2. Fill in the blanks: The largest ethnic group in Northern Nigeria is _______. _______ people are known for glass making.
3. Match each group to its main location: Kanuri, Nupe, Igala, Gwari with Kogi State, Borno State, Niger State, around Abuja.
4. True or False: (a) All Northern peoples speak the same language. (b) The Igala king is called the Atta.
5. Give two reasons why Nigeria’s diversity is good.

Answers to the evaluation

1. A group of people who share language, culture, customs and a sense of belonging.
2. Hausa-Fulani; Nupe.
3. Kanuri: Borno State. Nupe: Niger State. Igala: Kogi State. Gwari: around Abuja.
4. (a) False. (b) True.
5. Any two from the diversity list, for example learning from each other and rich traditions.

Assignment

Choose any two ethnic groups from this note. For each one, write the state where they live, their main city, their language and two occupations.