Tafawa Balewa



Tafawa Balewa is a Local Government Area (LGA) in the southwestern part of Bauchi State, Nigeria. The area is named after Nigeria’s first Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, who hailed from this region. Tafawa Balewa is a quiet rural area with rich history and diverse ethnic groups, especially Sayawa and Fulani.

Understand

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Tafawa Balewa is historically significant because of its association with Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. The LGA includes farmlands, rivers, and hilly landscapes. It is home to several ethnic groups including the Sayawa, Fulani, Jarawa, and Hausa, with Christianity and Islam being the major religions.

Farming is the main economic activity. Crops such as maize, millet, potatoes, groundnuts, and vegetables are commonly grown. The area experiences a mild savanna climate, with a rainy season between May and October.

Get in

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  • By road: Tafawa Balewa can be accessed via road from Bauchi city (about 70–90 km away). You can reach it through Dass or Bogoro depending on your direction.
  • From Jos: Travellers coming from Plateau State can reach Tafawa Balewa through the Toro–Dass–Bogoro route.
  • By air: The closest airport is Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport in Bauchi. From there, continue by road.

Get around

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  • Motorcycles (okada): Common and flexible for local travel.
  • Taxis or shared cars: Available along main roads and during market days.
  • Walking: Ideal for moving within town and nearby hamlets.

See

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  • Memorial sites of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa: Located in or near the area where he was born and buried.
  • Tafawa Balewa Hills: Natural rocky hills with scenic views and cultural value.
  • Traditional villages: Explore Sayawa and Fulani settlements to experience local architecture and lifestyle.
  • Local churches and mosques: Reflecting religious diversity and community life.

Do

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  • Attend market days: A lively experience where locals trade farm produce, textiles, and livestock.
  • Hiking and sightseeing in the hills and countryside.
  • Cultural visits: Learn about Sayawa customs and history.

Buy

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  • Local grains: Maize, millet, guinea corn.
  • Tubers and vegetables: Irish potatoes, carrots, onions, and peppers.
  • Local crafts: Mats, calabashes, and leather items.
  • Textiles: Woven or second-hand clothes in markets.

Eat

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  • Irish potatoes with sauce: A popular local dish due to fertile farming conditions.
  • Tuwo and miyar kuka/taushe: Staple Hausa dishes.
  • Beans and moi moi: Cooked in local homes and sold in markets.
  • Waina and miyan yakuwa: Found during festivities or weekends.
  • Fura da nono: Common among Fulani settlements.

Drink

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  • Zobo and kunun gyada: Local beverages made from hibiscus and groundnut milk.
  • Bottled water and soft drinks: Widely available in shops.
  • Palm wine or burukutu: May be found in some Christian Sayawa communities, though not publicly sold.

Sleep

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  • Local guesthouses in Tafawa Balewa town: Offer basic rooms with beds and fans.
  • Stay in Bauchi city: For more comfort and access to hotels and amenities.

Connect

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  • Mobile networks: MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile are active in the area.
  • Internet access: Mostly through mobile data.
  • Electricity: Unreliable in rural areas; generators and solar panels used frequently.
  • Water supply: Boreholes and streams serve local needs.
  • Healthcare: Primary health centers and clinics are present.
  • Postal code: 740102.

Go next

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  • Dass – A nearby town known for rock formations and Sayawa heritage.
  • Bogoro – Another Sayawa-dominated LGA with similar culture and terrain.
  • Bauchi city – The state capital with more developed services and accommodation.
  • Jos – Capital of Plateau State, a short journey south with scenic plateaus and cultural variety.
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