Nigeria is a heterogeneous society with over 250 million ethnic groups and languages but notable among these many entities are; Hausa-Fulani in the Northern axis of the country; second is the Yoruba nation in the Western part of the country; and the enterprising Igbo in the Eastern axis of the country.

Apart from these three major ethnic groups in Nigeria, it will be absurd no too bring to fore, other wonderful tribes. On the front burner is, one of the principal ethic groups in Nasarawa State namely; Alago.

The people of Alago tribe at present, are occupying 3 Local Government Areas in Nasarawa- Obi, Keana, Doma, including Assakio (a community within Lafia Local Government).

Before the creation of the state by the then Military President, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida in 1996, the people of Alago were subordinately and geographically part of Plateau State.

Tracing the path of history, it is established that the Alago nation originally migrated from the defunct Jukun Kingdom (in present day Taraba State) dated back to 800 AD as they finally found their homes in Keana; Doma; Obi; and Assakio respectively.

No historical account on the people of Alago tribe will be complete without an apt reference to Akyana Adi- a titanic ancestor and leader of the Alago nation who remains their pathfinder from Jukun Kingdom to their present destinations.

Topographic Features:
Keana, Doma, Obi and Assakio (ancestral homes of the Alago folks) are characterized with both flat and rocky terrains. They are blessed with attractive and scintillating scenery. And their ever-flowing rivers are; Akyana Bgobgo; Akyana Poole and One.

Land Mass and Population:
The Alago nation rests on expense of land estimated at about 3,762.1km² and a total population of about 219.607 at the 2006 census. Alago as a language has about 219.607 native speakers.

Religion:
The dominant religions practised by vast majority are: Islam and Christianity with an extremely population of traditional believers.

Indigenous Economic Activities:
The land is graced with industrious and hardworking men and women. But there is one phenomenal belief that farming is a reserve for men and salt business (both extraction and refining) is predominantly women's economic venture.

Marriage:
Inter-tribal marriage is highly encouraged among the people of Alago. This is evident in the agelong peaceful co-habitation with neighbouring tribes such as; Gwandara; Eggon; Koro; Tiv and many others.

Food:
Their several palatable local delicacies made the tribe stand exceptional in the league of other tribes in the country. And one of these delicacies is, Madidi (or alternatively called Agidi)- it is porridge made with flour from corn. Madidi can be served with either Moi-moi, beans or vegetable soup.

Notable Personas:
To many people, the tribe might sound so strange and perhaps, unfamiliar. But it is pretty interesting to learn that Alago as a tribe has produced (still producing) many notable and illustrious intelligentsia who have served (and still serving) the country in different capacities, popular among them are;

1. Alhaji Ahamadu Oga Onawo (Andoma of Doma).

2. Alhaji Abdulahi Osana Hayattudeen (Emir of Keana).

3. Mike Omeri (A former Director General, National Orientation Agency).

4. Musa Elaborate (A Former Minister of State For Justice Under Olusegun Obasanjo)

5. Alhaji Aliyu Akwe Doma (A former governor of Nasarawa State).

6. Yahya Adam Major (Former Majority Leader in the State House of Assembly) .

7. Hamza Elayo (Secretary to the State Government in Tanko Al-Makura's first tenure.

8. Senator Suleiman Adobe (A Serving Senator)


There are thousands of personalities of Alago extraction, but just to mention a few.

Please note that; this epochal piece is subject to correction as it might not carry the ins and outs of the Alago nation. In light of this, the piece is predicted on materials available us in the course of our research. We therefore, plead that our shortcomings be waived. Thanks and happy reading.


Researcher: Ibrahim Mohammed FG.
Source: Mallam Abubakar Eselema.

Source: www.sagevibe.com.ng

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