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Creation:
Nasarawa State, fondly called "Home of Solid
Minerals" is one of Nigeria's newest states. It was created from the old
Plateau State by the then government of the late General Sani Abacha on October
1, 1996. It has a land area of 27, 116.8 square kilometres and it is located in
the middle-belt region of Nigeria. It has 13 local councils including: Akwanga,
Awe, Doma, Karu, Keana, Keffi, Kokona, Lafia, Nasarawa, Nasarawa Eggon, Obi,
Toto and Wamba. The state headquarters and capital is located in Lafia,
in the Lafia local government area.
Boundaries:
Nasarawa shares borders with five other states and the
federal capital territory, Abuja. To the north, it shares boundaries with Kaduna
State; to the north-east, Plateau State; to the north-west, Abuja; to the south,
Benue State; south-west, Kogi State, and south-east, Taraba State.
Features:
Nasarawa State is made up of plain land and hills
measuring up to 300ft above the sea level at some points. It lies within the
Guinea Savannah region and has tropical climate. Rainfall is moderate with a
mean annual rainfall of 1311.75cm. The state is also well noted for its tourist
attractions which include: Farin Ruwa Waterfalls, Wamba; Waterfalls of Eggon
Hill; Giza Crocodile Pond, Giza; Akiri Warm Spring, Azara; Hunki Ox-bow Lake in
Awe; :Lafia Spring Water, Assakio; Captain Moloney Tomb Hills, Keffi; Dyeing
Pits, Keffi and Lafia; Bakono Game Reserves, Nasarawa; Ara Rock, Nasarawa and
Elongated Feruwa Lake in Assakio
Economy:
Nasarawa State has an agrarian but because of its
proximity to the federal capital, Abuja, a ready, fast moving market is
guaranteed to its various agricultural crops and products, which include: yams,
maize, rice, guinea corn, beans, tomatoes, acha, groundnut, cotton, millet,
cassava, oranges, banana, apple and wheat.
Solid Minerals:
Nasarawa is renowned for its huge deposits of solid
minerals, which can be found in the different local government areas of the
state. They include: barytes, salt, gypsum, marble, galleria, tin, gemstone,
mica, kaolin, columbite, clay, zircon, feldspar, cassiterite and limestone.
Industries:
Efforts are in top gear to create a good industrial base
for Nasarawa. A package of incentives awaits potential investors. The state has
now acquired its permanent Trade Fair Complex along Jos road so as to boost
industrialisation and encourage the organised private sector to set up small
scale industries and agro-allied ventures
Peace and Security:
Peace and security of life and property of the indigene
and foreigner living in Nasarawa State is a major pre-occupation of the
authorities and it is guaranteed. The entire inhabitants of the state go about
their normal daily business freely and uninterrupted.
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