North Central
Kwara State
Capital: Ilorin · Created 1967 · ≈3.7 million · Area 36,825 km²
Population
≈3.7 million
Size
36,825 km²
Capital
Ilorin
Year created
1967
Geopolitical zone
North Central
Languages
Yoruba · Hausa · Nupe · Fulfulde · English
Ethnic groups
- Yoruba (majority)
- Fulani
- Nupe
- Baruba (Baatonu)
Natural resources
- Gold
- Marble
- Feldspar
- Kaolin
- Limestone
- Cassiterite
Signature foods
- Amala with ewedu
- Iyan (pounded yam)
- Tuwo shinkafa
- Kilishi
- Masa
Notable people
- Bola Ige (politician, minister)
- Bukola Saraki (former Senate President)
- Abdulrazaq AbdulRahman (governor)
- Simeon Adebo (diplomat)
Culture, values & festivals
- Ilorin Emirate — unique blend of Yoruba language + Fulani leadership
- Durbar festivals
- Kwara is a bridge between north and south
Top places to visit in Kwara
- 1
Owu Waterfalls
Highest natural waterfall in West Africa — 120m drop.
- 2
Esie Museum
Africa's oldest museum (1945) — 1,000+ soapstone figures of mysterious origin.
- 3
Emir of Ilorin's Palace
Historic palace with traditional durbar.
- 4
Imoleboja Rockshelter
Prehistoric rock-shelter with archaeological finds.
About the North Central
Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau. Food basket of the nation, Jos Plateau tin mines, Middle Belt.