Igede
Igede may also refer to:
- the Igede language
- Igede-Ekiti in Ekiti State of Nigeria
- a similar word in Igbo Language
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| (Approx. 1 million) | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Nigeria: Benue State, Cross-River State, Ogun State, Osun State | |
| Languages | |
| Igede | |
| Religion | |
| Christianity, Traditional Religion |
The Igede people are the third largest ethnic group in present day Benue State of Nigeria.[1] They are native to Oju and Obi local government areas of Nigeria where 2006 population figures stand at an estimated 267,198 people.[2] However a large number of Igede people are dispersed across the state and the Nation. For instance, the Igede language (ISO 639-3 Code: ige) is also spoken in Cross River State of Nigeria, and a large number of Igede communities exist in Osun State[3] and Ogun State[4] It is a member of the Niger-Congo languages and the Benue-Congo subgroup. Igede.org is the unofficial online community of Igede people.
Geographical Location
Oju Local Government Area was created in 1976 and shares boundaries with present day Obi, Ado, Konshisha and Gwer East Local Government Areas of Benue State, Ebonyi and Izzi Local Government Areas of Ebonyi State and Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State. It is headquartered in Oju Town.
Obi local government area was created in 1996 and has its headquarters at Obarike-Ito. The local government area derives its name from the Obi stream that flows in the area and shares boundary with Ado, Otukpo and Oju local government areas of Benue State.
History
Origin: Oral Tradition
The Igede trace their origin to Sabon Gida Ora in present day Edo state. They are said to be the descendants of Agba a high chief in Sabon Gida Ora. A skirmish between the Igede and the natives of Ora led to their migration from that region to the present day Benue state through Nsukka in Enugu state. This historical event in Igede history is commonly recounted in song and drama, for instance this record and drama piece entitled "Ego ny'Igede".[5]
Origin: Archival Records
Archival records on the contrary portray them as migrants from Ogoja province who have increasingly adopted the culture and practices of the Idoma.[6]
Administration and Politics
Politically, the Igede fall under the Zone C senatorial district.[7]
Igede Culture
The Igede are predominantly farmers cultivating maize, cassava, groundnut and yams. Igede is home of the popular Igede-Agba festival, a colourful annual celebration which marks the yam harvest season in September.[8]
Igede Notable People
- Ode Ojowu: Chief Economic Adviser to President Obasanjo and CEO National Planning Commission [9]
- Oga Okwoche: Former Nigerian Ambassador to France [10]
- Peter Okwoche: Host of the British Broadcasting Corporation Focus on Africa news magazine programme [11]
- Ogiri Ajene: Former Deputy Governor of Benue State
References
- ↑ http://igede.org
- ↑ http://igede.org/igedenation/brief-history/
- ↑ Adeloye, K. A. (2014). Factors Associated with Adoption and Utilization of Moringa among Rural Women in Osun State, Nigeria. Journal of Agriculture and Sustainability, 5(1). http://infinitypress.info/index.php/jas/article/view/485
- ↑ Olatokun Wole, M., & Ayanbode, O. F. (2009). Use of indigenous knowledge by women in a Nigerian rural community. Indian journal of traditional knowledge, 8(2), 287-295. http://nopr.niscair.res.in/handle/123456789/3968
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4q1jepUY8Ps
- ↑ UGBEM, C. E. The Social Relations of Identity Construction and Reconstruction among Ethnic Groups in Benue State, Nigeria. http://www.ifra-nigeria.org/IMG/pdf/identity-construction-ethnic-groups-nigeria.pdf
- ↑ http://benue.com.ng/benue-guber-the-dynamics-of-zone-c-politics/
- ↑ http://allafrica.com/stories/201403032278.html
- ↑ http://allafrica.com/stories/200511291085.html/
- ↑ http://dailyindependentnig.com/2014/11/every-radio-station-lagos-refused-hire-bbcs-okwoche/
- ↑ http://dailyindependentnig.com/2014/11/every-radio-station-lagos-refused-hire-bbcs-okwoche/
