Oju

Oju local government area is found in Benue state, North-central geopolitical division of Nigeria. The LGA is bordered by the Vandekiya, Obi, Konshisha, Ado, and Gwer LGAs and by parts of Ebonyi and Cross River states. Oju LGA is made up of several towns and villages such as Adokpa, Idelle, Okudu, Owo, Ukpa, Obonioye, Ibilla, Ainu, and Iyeche. The estimated population of Oju LGA is put at 210,541 inhabitants with the area mostly inhabited by members of the Igede ethnic group. The Igede language is commonly spoken in the area while the religions of Islam and Christianity are widely practiced in the LGA.

GEOGRAPHY OF OJU

Oju LGA has a number of water bodies which include the Onuwu and and Iwokwu Rivers and the Illeme lake. The average temperature of the LGA is put at 29 degrees centigrade with the area’s landscape characterized by grassy plain lands. Oju LGA also hosts a number of elevations such as the popular Andibilla hills.

ECONOMY OF OJU

Agriculture is the major economic occupation of the people of Oju LGA with crops such as guineacorn, soybeans, beniseed, and millet grown in large quantities within the area. A number of minerals such as bauxite, limestone, clay, and coal are found in the area. Other important economic activities in Oju LGA include trade, hunting, pottery, and wood carving.

HISTORY OF OJU

Oju LGA was created following the LGA reforms of 1976.