Shendam LGA
Shendam is a prominent Local Government Area in southern Plateau State, Nigeria, serving as a major agricultural hub and the ancestral home of the Goemai people.
Plateau StateQuick Facts
- State
- Plateau
- Headquarters
- Shendam
- Land Area
- 2,477 km²
- Primary Ethnic Group
- Goemai
- Traditional Ruler
- Long Goemai
- Main Languages
- Goemai, Hausa
Geography and Location
Shendam is situated in the southern part of Plateau State, sharing administrative boundaries with Qu'an Pan, Mikang, Pankshin, and Langtang South. The terrain is characterized by fertile plains and typical Guinea Savannah vegetation, which supports a wide variety of tropical flora. The area is drained by seasonal rivers and experiences a climate conducive to large-scale cultivation, making it a critical region for the state's food security.
Historical Significance
The local government area is historically recognized as the cradle of Roman Catholic missions in Northern Nigeria, following the arrival of the Society of African Missions in the early 20th century. It remains the traditional seat of the Long Goemai, the paramount ruler who oversees the cultural and customary affairs of the Goemai people. This historical convergence of traditional authority and early missionary education has shaped Shendam into a central point for social development in southern Plateau.
Economy and Commerce
Agriculture is the mainstay of the local economy, with major crops including yams, rice, maize, and groundnuts. The Shendam market serves as a significant commercial hub for surrounding communities and regional agricultural trade, facilitating the wholesale exchange of commodities. These agricultural and commercial activities continue to drive the social and economic development of the urban center.