What are some interesting facts about Borno state? If you will like to know, continue reading this post.
Borno is a state in Northern Nigeria. It is the home of Kanuri people in Nigeria. Its capital is Maiduguri previously known as Yerwa.
It is bordered by Cameroun to the east, the Republic of Chad to the northeast, the Republic of Niger to the north and Adamawa, Gombe and Yobe to the south and west.
Borno got its name from two Arabic words “Bahar-Nuhu” meaning “Sea of Nuhu” (also known as Noah in the bible). Its slogan is “Home of Peace”.
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Islam is the dominant religion in the state.
Interesting physical features about the state include the Black Cotton Swamps at the south, the Volcanic Biu Plateau, and the Borno Plains.
Borno is the 2nd largest state in Nigeria in terms of total area with 72,609 square kilometers (28,034 square miles).
The history of Borno State begins in the early 19th Century when the Kanemi dynasty took over the Borno Emirate.
One of the interesting facts about Borno state is that there are descendants of Arab people in the state who are called Shuwa Arabs.
Borno State was created on February 6, 1976. It was formed from the splitting of a former administrative division of Nigeria, the North-Eastern State.
According to the 2006 Population Census, it is the 12th most populous state in Nigeria with a population of 4,171,104.
In 1991, a part of the state was cut out to make Yobe state.
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Maiduguri is the most populous city of Borno with a population of 540,016 in 2006 Census and it was founded by Abubakar Garbai of Borno.
The state has seven Emirates which are Uba, Borno, Askira, Dikwa, Gwoza, Buy, and Shani Emirates.
There are 27 local governments in Borno State and three senatorial districts namely Borno Central Senatorial District with eight local governments, South Senatorial District with nine local governments, and North Senatorial District with ten local governments.
The first Emir of Borno was Shehu Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kameni of Borno.
There are eight tribes in the state which are Chibok, Kanuri, Jere, Hausa, Fulani, Higi, Babur, and Kanakuru.
Borno State has 28 languages out of which 3 languages are the major ones. These are Kanuri, Marghi, and Shuwa Arabic.
There are three universities in Borno and all of them are situated in Maiduguri. They are: University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), National Open University of Nigeria, Maiduguri, and Borno State University, Maiduguri.
Borno state is known for its source for freshwater fish due to part of it housing the Lake Chad and it is also a major trading hub of goods.
The major agricultural zones in the state are Biu, Kukawa and Bama.
Deribe hotel in Maiduguri, Borno State is the only five stars rated hotel in all of the North-Eastern parts of Nigeria.
Borno is blessed with minerals like salt, limestone, granite chips, uranium, kaolin, potash, flutters earth, iron-ore, clay, silica sand, mica, gypsum, trona, feldspar, and magnetite.
The state has lands that are very suitable for cultivation. Crops that are grown there include rice, cabbage, millet, maize, Arabic gum, mangoes onions, tomatoes, wheat, lettuce, oranges, spinach, cowpea, cassava, wheat, and groundnut.
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Chad Basin National Park is located within the state of Borno and covers an area of 2,258 square kilometers. It has three with the Chingurmi – Duguma sector falling into Borno state while the other two sectors are in Yobe state.
Sambisa Forest is located in the Borno state about 60 kilometers southeast of Maiduguri and in the southwest of Chad Basin National Park. The forest obtained its name from a near village called Sambisa village. The forest is reported to be the home of Bokoharam group.
Gwoza Hill is located in Gwoza, Borno state, and is formed from different mountains and hills known as “Mandara mountains”. It is 1300 meters above sea level, has different species of animals, and is suitable for having picnics, mountaineering, and trekking.
The Barakau Festival is one of the famous festivals in Nigeria which is held annually between June and September. Other festivals include Menwara festival and Durbar and Festivals Borno.
Jarry Falls located in Kwaya-Kusar local government has a height of 50ft which flows into a valley all year round is a good tourism attraction.
Late Alhaji Mai Deribe, who founded the Dalram Soft Drink factory was the richest man in Borno state till his death.
The Deribe Palace is one of the most expensive palaces in Nigeria and Africa which has hosted royals from other countries such as King Juan Carlos of Spain, Prince Charles, late Princess Diana, and other prominent people from outside the country.
In 2013, a state of emergency was declared due to a fight between the armed forces in the state and Boko Haram insurgents.
