Nigerian Peoples, Ethnic Groups and National Unity for Primary 4

Nigerian Peoples III

Performance Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. mention some of the peoples in Nigeria;
2. identify where the peoples come from;
3. identify the towns where the peoples are located;
4. mention ways to demonstrate respect/tolerance for ethnic groups other than their own.

Introduction to Nigerian Peoples

Nigeria is a country with many different groups of people. These groups are often called ethnic groups. Each ethnic group has its own unique history, language, culture, and traditions. Learning about these different peoples helps us understand the rich diversity of Nigeria.

Understanding where different groups of people come from and where they live helps us appreciate our neighbours and fellow Nigerians. It also helps us to live together peacefully and to build a strong, united nation.

Some Nigerian Peoples, Their Origins and Localities

Nigeria is home to hundreds of ethnic groups. Each group has a story about its origins and how it came to settle in its current location. Below are some examples of Nigerian peoples, their traditional places of origin, and their main localities today.

Peoples of Benue State

Benue State is located in the North Central part of Nigeria. It is known as the “Food Basket of the Nation.” Two major ethnic groups in Benue State are the Tiv and the Idoma.

1. Tiv: The Tiv people are one of the largest ethnic groups in Benue State. Their traditions suggest they migrated from the southeast, possibly from the Congo region, and settled in their present location over many centuries. Their main localities are across Benue State, including towns like Makurdi, Gboko, and Katsina-Ala.
2. Idoma: The Idoma people are another major group in Benue State. Their oral traditions indicate they migrated from the Kwararafa Kingdom area. They are primarily found in the southern parts of Benue State, with towns like Otukpo, Agatu, and Apa being significant Idoma communities.

Peoples of Kogi State

Kogi State is located in the North Central region, often called the “Confluence State” because the River Niger and River Benue meet there. The Igala people are a prominent group in this state.

1. Igala: The Igala people are believed to have originated from the ancient Kwararafa Kingdom. Their traditional homeland is around Idah, which is their ancient capital. They are mainly found in the eastern part of Kogi State, including towns like Idah, Ankpa, and Dekina.

Peoples of Lagos and Ogun States

These states are in the Southwest region of Nigeria. They are home to many Yoruba subgroups, including the Awori.

1. Awori: The Awori are a subgroup of the Yoruba people. Their traditions trace their origin to Ile-Ife, the ancestral home of the Yoruba. They are known for being among the earliest settlers of Lagos. Today, they are found in parts of Lagos State (like Ikeja, Ojo, and Badagry) and Ogun State (like Ota and Ado-Odo).

Peoples of Akwa Ibom State

Akwa Ibom State is in the South-South geopolitical zone, known for its coastal areas. The Oro people are one of the groups found here.

1. Oro: The Oro people are an ethnic group primarily found in the coastal areas of Akwa Ibom State. Their traditions suggest they migrated from the ancient kingdom of Calabar. They are mainly located in Oron Local Government Area and other nearby areas in Akwa Ibom State.

Peoples of Delta State

Delta State is also in the South-South region, part of the Niger Delta. It is home to several distinct ethnic groups, including the Isoko, Itsekiri, and Urhobo.

1. Isoko: The Isoko people are believed to have migrated from the Benin Kingdom area. They are found in the southern part of Delta State, in local government areas such as Isoko North and Isoko South, with towns like Oleh and Ozoro.
2. Itsekiri: The Itsekiri people are a distinct ethnic group with a rich history, tracing their origins to a prince from the Benin Kingdom. They are primarily found in the western part of the Niger Delta, especially in Warri North, Warri South, and Warri South-West Local Government Areas of Delta State. Their traditional capital is Ode-Itsekiri (Big Warri).
3. Urhobo: The Urhobo people are one of the largest ethnic groups in Delta State. Their traditions suggest various migration patterns, with some tracing their origins to the Benin Kingdom. They are widely spread across Delta State, with major towns including Warri, Sapele, and Ughelli.

Peoples of Plateau State

Plateau State is located in the North Central region, known for its beautiful hills and temperate climate. The Mwaghavul people are one of the indigenous groups here.

1. Mwaghavul: The Mwaghavul people are an indigenous ethnic group of Plateau State. Their oral traditions speak of their migration from the Chad Basin area. They are primarily found in the Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Showing Respect and Tolerance for Other Ethnic Groups

Nigeria’s strength comes from its diversity. It is important for everyone to show respect and tolerance towards people from other ethnic groups. Respect means treating others with kindness and valuing their differences. Tolerance means accepting people for who they are, even if their ways are different from your own.

Showing respect and tolerance helps to build national unity and peace. When people respect each other, they can live and work together happily, making Nigeria a better place for everyone.

Ways to Demonstrate Respect and Tolerance

There are many simple ways to show respect and tolerance for people from other ethnic groups. These include:

1. Learning about other cultures: Try to learn about the languages, food, music, and customs of other ethnic groups. This helps you understand and appreciate them better.
2. Speaking kindly: Use polite words and avoid making fun of people’s accents, names, or traditions.
3. Playing together: Include everyone in games and activities, regardless of their ethnic background.
4. Sharing and cooperating: Work together with classmates and friends from different ethnic groups on school projects or community tasks.
5. Celebrating diversity: Appreciate the different ways people dress, speak, and celebrate. For example, enjoy different traditional dances or foods.
6. Avoiding stereotypes: Do not believe or spread untrue ideas about entire groups of people. Treat each person as an individual.
7. Standing up against unfair treatment: If you see someone being treated badly because of their ethnic group, speak up or tell an adult.
8. Using respectful language: Refer to people by their correct names and avoid using disrespectful terms for any ethnic group.

By practicing these actions, children can help build a more united and peaceful Nigeria where everyone feels valued and respected.