Ado is a Local Government Area of Benue State, in the Middle Belt region of Nigeria and was created in 1989. It is one of the 9 Local Government Areas in the southern senatorial zone of Benue State bordered by Cross River State to the south and Ebonyi State to the southeast.
History and culture Early contact with the Europeans The area was one of the earliest in Idoma to have interactions with European missionaries. Hence it had the first missionary school in the Idoma area (Methodist High School, Igumale). The Catholic Missionaries first came to Utonkon in Ado in 1922 where they established the St. Paul's Catholic Church (Parish) in Utonkon. The creation of Ado happened during the 1976 Local Government reforms in Nigeria. Cultural diversity It is a culturally rich and diverse area comprising various communities, including: Agila/Apa Akoge/Ogbilolo Allan Apa-Agila Ekile Igumale Igumale I Igumale II Ijigban Ogege Ojeba Ojigo Royongo Ukwonyo Ulayi Utonkon
Demographics and Geography Occupants It is primarily occupied by the Idoma and the Igede people of Benue State and the Igbo people.
Administrative headquarters The administrative headquarters are at Igumale, situated on the railway line traversing the north-south of Nigeria.
Districts Districts under the Ado Local Government Area of Benue State are five in number. They are: Agila Atonkon (Utonkon) Igumale Ijigban Ulayi
Economy Agricultural production Yam Production: Ado is a major producer of yams.
Rice Production: Rice is another significant crop grown in the area.
Cassava Production: Cassava is cultivated widely for food and income.
Maize Production: Maize promotes local food security and economy.
Palm Oil Production: Palm oil is produced in large quantities.
There is also the existence of livestock rearing with fishing as a major occupation because of the water resources found in the area.
Supporting Industries Blacksmith Industry: Produces essential farm tools, including: Hoes Cutlasses Other basic farm implements
Economic and educational impact The agricultural sector of this area contributes significantly to the local economy and food security in Benue State. Igumale in Ado is the location of the Benue State cement factory while Utonkon is the location of the defunct Apa State University.
Natural resources Mineral resources The area contains minerals in commercial quantities such as: Limestone Kaolin Petroleum Coal. Water Resources Streams: Several streams support fishing and other activities, including: Okpokwu stream Ogege stream Awu stream Atsani stream Ado stream
Notable places Methodist High School, Igumale. St. Paul's Catholic Church:Established in Utonkon in 1922.
Notable people HRH, Late Amb. Dr Edwin Ogebe Ogbu, the Ochi'doma III of Idoma. Hon. (Chief) Dennis Ekpe Ogbu, The Ogakwu K'Idoma. Justice George I. Uloko (Rtd), a former Chief Commissioner, Public Complaints Commission, Nigeria.
See also
List of villages in Benue State Utonkon
References