Explore Makurdi, the heart of Benue State, with our comprehensive guide to its top attractions, markets, and natural beauty.
The city of Makurdi is renowned for its agricultural produce. No wonder it earned the nickname “Food Basket of the nation." Benue State, Nigeria's largest producers of food and cash crops is a place to put on your next visit list.
I could remember my first visit to Makurdi made me fascinated by the surroundings of the great River Benue. The mass of water that flowed underneath the bridge caught my attention. I had to turn back and enjoy the view of the river after our car passed. Makurdi accommodates people of different backgrounds. A journey to one of Nigeria's middle belts deserves to be on your bucket list as it is worth your experience.
What is Makurdi known for?
Makurdi is renowned for its rich agricultural landscape along the Benue River. The state's befitting moniker is "Food Basket of the Nation." As the capital of Benue State in North central Nigeria, Makurdi houses the government house, head offices of the state, educational institutions, military facilities and markets.
The name Makurdi is strange to the indigenous tribes in Benue. There are multiple interpretations on how Makurdi the name came about to be.
The most famous version is closely linked to Audu Dan Foda's rule. He came to Abinsi in 1912 from Ibi, in what is now Taraba State. He was employed as a local translator to the colonial masters. He became instrumental in settling disputes, finding labourers, and obtaining taxes. People referred to him as "Maikudi," which means a wealthy guy, because of his fame and fortune. This eventually developed into "Makurdi."
According to another interpretation, the word "Makurdi" came from the word “Maikwando.”" This was associated with a basket that Audu carried on his bicycle. The white men began to refer to him with the name.
In addition to the stories, Makurdi's status as a fishing port was reflected in the Jukun Wanu's reference to it as "Abonkwe," a place for buying and selling fish.
Lastly, the name has a connection to the Hausa word "kurda," which means to meander and refers to travellers dodging local thieves.
Fun Fact of Benue
The name Benue comes from Binuwe, meaning 'Mother of Waters’ in the Batta language.
The state Benue was created by the military administration of late General Murtala Mohammed on February 3, 1976.
There are diverse languages spoken in Benue. This is based on ethnicity. The ethnic groups include Tiv, Idoma, Igede, Etulo, Ufia Orring, Abakpa, Jukun, Igbo, Akweya, and Nyifon.
The predominant Ethnic Group in Benue is the Tiv, Idoma, and Igede people. Minority ethnic groups in Benue are Etulo, Igbo, and Jukun people.
The Tiv dressing is referred to as A'nger, and the colour is white and black stripes.
The Idoma people traditional attire is called Apa or Edema and the colour is red and black.
The Igede traditional dressing is called ogodogodo and it comprises of three colours such as blue, white, and black.
Location and Layout of Makurdi
To move around the city of Makurdi, you need to know that it is located along the Benue Rivers and is also divided into two by the river. This results in two banks, the North and South. These banks are connected by two bridges. One of the bridges is a rail line, and the other is for vehicles and pedestrians.
If you are travelling from Makurdi to Nigeria's capital Abuja, the distance is approximately 185 km / 115 mi (as the crow flies).
Agricultural Production
Makurdi and environs are large producers of soybeans, cassavas, mangoes, yams, rice, and oranges. It is popularly regarded as a basket of food for Nigeria.
Makurdi is the richest local government in the state. Its vibrant economy is driven by agriculture, commerce, and government activities. There are several industries like food processing, textiles, and construction. This guarantees employment for its residents.
Makurdi Airport serves in the capital city of Benue State. The airport is situated around Gboko-Makurdi Road. It is used by the public and sometimes military. Its runway is 3,200m × 60m.
Makurdi Airport is a joint civil/military airport. The airport commenced operations in 1983.
Major Market in Makurdi
The markets in Makurdi stand out, especially in the sales of food items. The people of Makurdi are notable for their agricultural produce and here you can find your favourite item.
The biggest market in Makurdi is the Modern Market, and is situated in the heart of the city. This market is regarded as the best in the state capital. The market offers commodities in wholesale and retail.
The stores are modern and well structured. There is a commercial bank, parking spaces, and accessible public transportation. You can find a signpost signalling keke station for those boarding a tricycle in the market. However, there are limitations in some wares such as heavy-duty electronic appliances
Wadata Market is another market in Makurdi located behind the Mccarthy stadium in Makurdi. It is situated by the river side. It is a place to buy thrift items, fishes, and yam. The special day of the market is Saturday.
Northbank Market is located in the Northern Bank of the River Benue. It is positioned adjacent to a military barrack. There are available items and wares at good prices.
Railway Market is on Tarka Road, Wukurum Makurdi. Fruit and vegetable lovers can get a fare price here. There is availability of mangoes, avocados, oranges, bananas, and others, depending on the season.
Climate of Makurdi
Makurdi Climate has a tropical wet and dry or savanna climate. The yearly temperature is 29.32ºC (84.78ºF) and is -0.14% lower than the country's averages. Makurdi typically receives about 134.92 millimetres (5.31 inches) of precipitation and has 159.68 rainy days (43.75% of the time) annually.
The coldest month in Makurdi is August (22.02ºC / 71.64ºF), the wettest month is September (358.62mm / 14.12in), Warmest month is February (37.66ºC / 99.79ºF) and the Driest Month is December (1.52mm / 0.06in).
Makurdi Zoological Garden
The garden is located in Benue State University. The zoo was established in 1976 and commissioned in 1979. This is a recreation hub to many residents of Makurdi. The garden currently serves as a recreational study and research centre for Benue State University (BSU).
Benue State University Zoological Garden houses animals such as lions, tigers, antelopes, hyenas, snakes, grass cutters, crocodiles, and different types of birds.
The garden is endowed with natural and evergreen vegetable orchards at the waterfronts. The flourishing Benue river flows that way and is far from the ever-noisy Wurukum Junction.
Visitors' attendance of the Zoological Garden is poor, and there is a high rise in the death toll of animals. This is a result of poor funding and improper management.
Conclusion
The city of Makurdi holds a lot. When the trees bloom and fruit falls, don't forget to pick up your shopping cart and explore Nigeria's wealth of food. There are other places to explore, like the zoological garden in the state-owned university. What are you waiting for?