Jos

The city of Jos is the largest town and the capital of Plateau State in the Northcentral geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The city’s population is estimated at 1,101,348 inhabitants with indigenous tribes including Berom, Buji, Jarawa, Amo, and Jukun. The city of Jos comprises of 3 local government areas which include Jos east, Jos North and Jos south local government areas. Tertiary institutions in Jos include the Nigerian College of Accountancy, College of Education, ECWA information and Compter Science Institute, and the University of Jos. Hospitals found within Jos include the Plateau state specialist hospital, OLA hospital, Daisyland Orthopaedic and Trauma hospital, University of Jos teaching hospital, Oasis medical center, Our Lady of Apostles Gynaeville specialist hospital, and the Bingham University Teaching Hospital. 

The popular spoken languages include Hausa and English while Christianity and Islam are the dominant religious affiliations. Popular city landmarks include the University of Jos, Jos zoo and wildlife park, Wild bunch Amusement Park, Rayfield Resort andGolf Club, Shere hills, Solomon Lar Amusement Park, and the Jos Museum.  Popular areas in the city of Jos include Farin Gada, Akwanga,Zangan, Larantos, Dong, Furaka, Naraguta, Gwash, Nabor, Rigiza, Zakaliyo, Rwang Pam street and Tafawa Balewa street. 

GEOGRAPHY

The city of Jos has a total area measuring 291 km squared at an elevation of 1,238 metres. The city of Jos has a 51 percent humidity with average temperature estimated at 24 degrees centigrade.

Jos falls under the Tropical Savannah Climate with its topography consisting of aesthetic rock formations which are littered all over the city’s territory.

ECONOMY

Jos city is popular for its rich reserves of Tin and tin mining activities contribute immensely to the economy of the city.

Jos also has a rich Agricultural heritage with massive production of fruits and vegetables and other crops which include tomatoes, yam and irish potatoes. Trade also booms in the city of Jos with a plethora of commodities being bought and sold in markets such as as the Jos main market, katako market, Jos Terminus market, Railway market, GSM Market, and the Tomato market. 

HISTORY

The area now referred to as Jos city was the original habitation of the Nok people who were a group of skilled artisans who created amazing bronze sculptures which have today become important archaeological artifacts widely known as the Nok culture.

The city of Jos has been the capital of Plateau state since the State was formed from the old Benue-Plateau state in 1976.