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Shendam

Shendam

Shendam Local Government Area, established in 1976, is situated 254 km to the south of Jos, the capital of Plateau State. Covering approximately 2,437.15 square kilometers, it is home to a population of 208,017, as per the 2006 census projection.

The primary indigenous tribe in this region is the Goemai, while other settlers include the Ngas, Montol, Mupun, Taroh, Mwaghavul, Kwalla, Fulani, Igbo, Yoruba, and more.

In response to the realization that preserving culture is essential for societal identity, the Goemai Unity and Development Organisation (GUDO) was formed in the early 1980s. This organization aims to promote unity and development among the Goemai people and showcase their rich cultural heritage to the world.

A significant event organized by GUDO is the Bít Goemai (Goemai Day) National Festival of Arts and Culture, inaugurated in 1986. This festival features a vibrant display of cultural dances, masquerades, and a variety of local Goemai dishes.

Shendam

Cultural Dances

Kallangu

A popular Goemai dance where participants, both men and women, form a revolving circle. Women wear the Goemai Cultural Attire (Adere) from the chest downward, while men tie Adere from their waist downward.

Local Dishes

During auspicious occasions, the Goemai people showcase their cherished local dishes, including:

Mwollam (Amorah)

Starch prepared with ingredients like tomatoes, tatase, ridi (beneseed or groundnuts), Maggi, salt, fish, or meat. There is also baked amorah with simpler ingredients like groundnuts, maggi, and salt.

Shendam LGA also boasts several tourist attractions, such as the Jelbank Rock, Nroam Lake, Shargang Lake, and Dogon Ruwa at Jiban & Kuka.

In addition to the Bít Goemai National Festival of Arts and Culture, various communities within the Goemai nation organize cultural festivals like Bit Poll & Bit Ngwa, Bit Goeka, Bit Kalong and Bit Poeship, Bit Ngootlong, Bit Ngootdu’ut, and Bit Nder, each celebrated at specific times throughout the year.

Agriculture and Crop Cultivated in Shendam Local Government: Yams, Rice, Guinea corn, Maize, Cassava, Millet, Groundnuts.

Agriculture and Crops Cultivated in Shendam Local Government

Yams, Rice, Guinea corn, Maize, Cassava, Millet, Groundnuts.

Local Markets in Shendam

  • Shimankar & Bakin Kogi market; items sold: Yams, rice, millet, Cassava, Fish.

  • Yelwa Inshar Market; Items sold: Yams, rice, millet, Cassava, Fish.

  • Ramsbia market; Items sold: Yams, Rice, Millet, Cassava.

  • Biem Biem & Moekat Market; items sold: Yams, Rice, Millet, cassava.

  • Shendam Market; Items sold: Yams, rice, millet, Cassava, Fish.

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