LANDMASS, LOCATION AND POPULATION

Adamawa State covers an area of 36,917 square kilometres. It lies at latitude 9°20′ North and 12°30′East. It has a population of 3,178,950 (2006 census), 4, 248, 436 (2016 forecast) and a population density of 81. The state accounts for 2.26% of Nigeria’s total population.

HISTORY AND PEOPLE

The state’s name comes from Modibbo Adama, a Fulani disciple of Usman Dan Fodio and the founder of the Adamawa Emirate. 
The emirate, which traces its origins back to 1809, is headquartered in Yola. The emirs are known by the traditional title of Baban-Lamido.
Adamawa State initially existed as part of the Northern Region in the three-region structure of 1954. It was then known as Adamawa Province.
In 1967, the military government of General Yakubu Gowon created twelve federal states and Adamawa became a part of the North-Eastern State. 
With the creation of nineteen states in 1976 by the military government of General Murtala Muhammed, Adamawa became a part of Gongola State.
In 1991, the military government of General Ibrahim Babangida divided Gongola State into Adamawa and Taraba States.
The main ethnic groups in the state are the Fulani, Bwatiye, Chamba, Higgi, Mbula, Margi, Kilba, Ga’anda, Longuda, Kanakuru, Bille, Bura, Yandang, Yungur, Fali, Gude, Verre and Libo.
Islam and Christianity are the two major religions in the state although some of its inhabitants practice traditional religions.

MAIN TOWNS AND CITIES

Yola (capital city), Mubi, Ganye, Numan, Guyuk, Michika, Mayo-Belwa, Gombi, and Jimeta

LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS

ADMINISTRATORS AND GOVERNORS

Abubakar Salihu (Administrator – Military): August 1991 – January 1992
Abubakar Saleh Michika (Governor – Civilian (National Republican Convention)): January 1992 – November 1993
Gregory Agboneni (Administrator – Military): December 1993 – September 1994
Mustapha Ismail (Administrator – Military): September 1994 – August 1996
Joe Kalu-Igboama (Administrator – Military): August 1996 – August 1998
Ahmadu G. Hussaini (Administrator – Military): August 1998 – May 1999
Boni Haruna (Governor – Civilian (People’s Democratic Party)): May 1999 – May 2007
Murtala Nyako (Governor – Civilian (People’s Democratic Party)): May 2007 – February 2008
James Barka (Acting Governor): February 2008 – April 2008
Murtala Nyako (Governor – Civilian (People’s Democratic Party/All Progressive Congress)): April 2008 – July 2014
Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Acting Governor – Civilian (People’s Democratic Party)): July 2014 – October 2014
Bala James Ngilari (Governor – Civilian (People’s Democratic Party)): October 2014 – May 2015
Bindo Jibrilla (Governor – Civilian (All Progressive Congress)): May 2015 – May 2019.
Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Governor – Civilian (People’s Democratic Party)): May 2019 – Present.

ECONOMY AND EDUCATION

Adamawa’s vegetation is primarily savannah and its people are mostly farmers. Cotton, groundnuts, maize, yam, cassava, guinea corn, millet, and rice are all grown in the state. Village communities living on the banks of the state’s rivers engage in fishing, while its Fulani population rears cattle.
The most important mineral resource in Adamawa is Iron. Others include lead, zinc and limestone.
 The major tertiary institutions in the state are ModibboAdama University of Technology in Yola, Adamawa State Polytechnic (also in Yola), Adamawa State University in Mubi, the American University of Nigeria, Yola, and Federal College of Education, Yola.

FAMOUS SITES AND CULTURE
Sites
Sukur Cultural Landscape, Madagali LGA

The Sukur Cultural Landscape was the first place in Nigeria to be declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). 
The settlement dates back many centuries and is notable for its history of iron smelting technology, flourishing trade, and strong political institutions. Its paved tracks and terraced farmlands are unique to this part of the world. Its architecture is also remarkable, in particular the Palace of the Hidi (Chief), the centre of this culture’s spiritual life.

Yadim Waterfall, Fufore LGA