Gombe State is located in northeastern Nigeria and is known as the “Jewel in the Savannah” due to its strategic location and rich cultural heritage. It was created on October 1, 1996, from the former Bauchi State. The capital city is Gombe, which serves as the commercial and administrative center. Gombe State shares borders with Borno, Yobe, Taraba, Adamawa, and Bauchi States. The state is home to several ethnic groups, including the Fulani, Tangale, Waja, Bolewa, and Tera. It is known for its agricultural productivity, especially in the cultivation of maize, millet, sorghum, rice, and groundnuts. Let’s Discover Gombe State, Nigeria’s “Jewel in the Savannah.” Learn about its 11 Local Government Areas, capital city Gombe, rich cultural heritage, major tourist attractions like Tangale Hills, and its thriving agricultural and mineral resources.
Gombe State: Overview and Local Government Areas
List of Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Gombe State and Their Headquarters
Gombe State has 11 Local Government Areas (LGAs). Below is a list of the LGAs and their respective headquarters:
| S/N | Local Government Area (LGA) | Headquarters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Akko | Kumo |
| 2 | Balanga | Talasse |
| 3 | Billiri | Billiri |
| 4 | Dukku | Dukku |
| 5 | Funakaye | Bajoga |
| 6 | Gombe | Gombe |
| 7 | Kaltungo | Kaltungo |
| 8 | Kwami | Mallam Sidi |
| 9 | Nafada | Nafada |
| 10 | Shongom | Boh |
| 11 | Yamaltu/Deba | Deba |
Largest Local Government Areas in Gombe State
Some LGAs in Gombe State are very large in landmass, making them central to farming, grazing, and population distribution. These LGAs play major roles in the state’s development. The table below highlights them.
| Local Government Area | Headquarters | Area (km²) |
|---|---|---|
| Yamaltu/Deba | Deba | 1,981 |
| Balanga | Talasse | 1,626 |
| Akko | Kumo | 2,627 |
| Dukku | Dukku | 3,815 |
| Nafada | Nafada | 1,586 |
Smallest Local Government Areas in Gombe State
Some LGAs in the state occupy smaller land areas but remain vital because of their dense population, administrative functions, and urban growth. The table below highlights the smallest LGAs.
| Local Government Area | Headquarters | Area (km²) |
|---|---|---|
| Kwami | Malam Sidi | 1,228 |
| Shongom | Boh | 922 |
| Funakaye | Bajoga | 1,200 |
| Billiri | Billiri | 737 |
| Kaltungo | Kaltungo | 881 |
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Interesting Facts About Gombe State
- Agricultural Hub: Gombe is known for its agricultural productivity, producing crops like maize, millet, sorghum, and groundnuts.
- Tourist Attractions: The state is home to attractions like Tangale Hills, Dadin Kowa Dam, and the Bima Hill.
- Cultural Heritage: Gombe State celebrates various cultural festivals such as the Kalong Pondo Festival among the Tangale people.
- Mineral Resources: The state is rich in gypsum, limestone, and kaolin.
- Educational Institutions: Gombe State is home to Gombe State University (GSU) and the Federal University of Kashere (FUK).
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Conclusion on the Local Government Areas in Gombe State
Gombe State is a vibrant and culturally diverse part of Nigeria known for its agriculture, tourism, and mineral resources. With 11 Local Government Areas, it plays a significant role in Nigeria’s economy. The state’s rich cultural heritage, scenic landscapes, and agricultural wealth make it a key destination in northeastern Nigeria.
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Revision Questions On Gombe State
- When was Gombe State created?
- Answer: October 1, 1996
- What is the capital city of Gombe State?
- Answer: Gombe
- How many Local Government Areas are in Gombe State?
- Answer: 11
- What is the nickname of Gombe State?
- Answer: Jewel in the Savannah
- Name two major ethnic groups in Gombe State.
- Answer: Fulani and Tangale
- Which LGA has Kumo as its headquarters?
- Answer: Akko LGA
- Name one major tourist attraction in Gombe State.
- Answer: Tangale Hills
- What is a major agricultural product of Gombe State?
- Answer: Maize
- Name one cultural festival celebrated in Gombe State.
- Answer: Kalong Pondo Festival
- What is one mineral resource found in Gombe State?
- Answer: Gypsum