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Noteworthy Names: The Top 10 Ebira People You Should Know

Ebira is an ethnic group in Nigeria, primarily found in Kogi State. They have produced several notable individuals who have made significant contributions in different fields. Here are 10 popular celebrities and notable people from the Ebira ethnicity:

  • Alhaji Dan Musa – A renowned traditional musician and one of the pioneers of Wazobia music, a popular genre blending various Nigerian cultures.
  • Chief Solomon Owoniyi – A prominent politician who served as the first Nigerian Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
  • Simi – The celebrated Nigerian singer-songwriter and actress, known for her hit songs like “Joromi” and “Duduke.”
  • Evangelist Sophie Ozioma Oribhabor – A respected gospel singer and evangelist who has released numerous uplifting and inspirational music.
  • Papa Ajasco and Company – A popular Nigerian sitcom that starred the late actor and comedian, Nkem Owoh, an Ebira man.
  • Prince David Oyedepo – The founder and presiding bishop of Living Faith Church Worldwide, one of the largest churches in Africa.
  • Jemima Osunde – A talented actress and model who has featured in several Nollywood movies, winning awards for her exceptional performances.
  • David Ohikere – referred to as “David Whyte,” is a Nigerian musician known for his unique blend of traditional Ebira sounds with contemporary styles.
  • Dr. (Mrs.) Joyce Banda – The former President of Malawi, who has been internationally recognized for her efforts in women empowerment and poverty alleviation.
  • Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh – A prominent Nigerian politician and statesman who served as the first Minister of Finance during Nigeria’s First Republic.

These individuals have risen to prominence in various fields, including music, entertainment, politics, and religion. They have not only brought honor and pride to the Ebira ethnic group but have also contributed significantly to Nigerian and African society as a whole.

The Yoruba people (US:  YORR-ə-bə, UK:  YORR-uub-ə; Yoruba: Ìran Yorùbá, Ọmọ Odùduwà, Ọmọ Káàárọ̀-oòjíire) are a West African ethnic group who mainly inhabit parts of Nigeria, Benin, and Togo. The areas of these countries primarily inhabited by the Yoruba are often collectively referred to as Yorubaland. The Yoruba constitute more than 48 million people in Africa, are over a million outside the continent, and bear further representation among members of the African diaspora. The vast majority of the Yoruba population is today within the country of Nigeria, where they make up 20.7% of the country's population according to Ethnologue estimations, making them one of the largest ethnic groups in Africa. Most Yoruba people speak the Yoruba language, which is the Niger-Congo language with the largest number of native or L1 speakers.In Africa, the Yoruba are contiguous with the Yoruboid Itsekiri to the south-east in the northwest Niger Delta, Bariba to the northwest in Benin and Nigeria, the Nupe to the north, and the Ebira to the northeast in central Nigeria. To the east are the Edo, Ẹsan, and  Afemai groups in mid-western Nigeria. To the northeast and adjacent to the Ebira and northern Edo, groups are the related Igala people on the left bank of the Niger River. To the south are the Gbe-speaking Mahi, Gun, Fon, and Ewe who border Yoruba communities in Benin and Togo, to the west they are bordered by the Kwa-speaking Akebu, Kposo of Togo, and to the northwest, by the Kwa-speaking Anii, and the Gur speaking Kabiye, Yom-Lokpa and Tem people of Togo.  Significantly Yoruba populations in other West African countries can also be found in Ghana, Benin, Ivory Coast, and Sierra Leone.Outside Africa, the Yoruba diaspora consists of two main groupings; the first being that of the Yorubas taken as slaves to the New World between the 16th to 19th centuries, notably to the Caribbean (especially in Cuba) and Brazil, and the second consisting of a wave of relatively recent migrants, the majority of whom began to migrate to the United Kingdom and the United States following some of the major economic and political changes encountered in Africa in the 1960s to 1980s.

Most Famous Ebira People

Ebira’s Three Pinnacle Historical Inheritances

The Ebira people are an ethnic group in Nigeria, primarily found in the central part of the country. They have a rich cultural heritage, with a long history of traditions and customs that have been passed down through generations. The Ebira community is known for its hospitality, vibrant festivals, and various historical inheritances that are deeply rooted in their identity.

Here are three of the most well-known historical inheritances associated with the Ebira heritage:

  • Ibeku Festival

    The Ibeku Festival is a major cultural event in the Ebira community. It is held annually to celebrate the founding of the Ebira Kingdom and to honor the ancestors. The festival features colorful traditional dances, music, masquerades, and other cultural performances. It is a time for the Ebira people to come together, showcase their unique traditions, and foster unity among themselves.

  • Ohuma Dance

    The Ohuma Dance is a traditional dance form that holds great significance in the Ebira culture. It is performed during important ceremonies and festivals such as weddings and funerals. The dance involves energetic movements, accompanied by rhythmic drumming and singing. The Ohuma Dance is not only a form of entertainment but also a means of preserving and passing on the cultural heritage of the Ebira community.

  • Art and Craft

    The Ebira people are known for their exceptional skills in arts and crafts. They are renowned for their intricate woodcarvings, pottery, weaving, and beadwork. These artistic creations often depict historical events, symbols of power, and important cultural motifs. The art and craft of the Ebira community not only serve as a medium of expression but also contribute to their economic livelihood.

The Ebira community takes great pride in these historical inheritances, as they serve as a reminder of their rich cultural heritage. Through rituals, traditions, and artistic expressions, the Ebira people uphold their identity and ensure the preservation of their customs for future generations to come. Their historical inheritances play a crucial role in shaping the unique cultural landscape of the Ebira community, making them an integral part of Nigeria’s diverse cultural tapestry.

Factsheet About Ebira People

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Population Approximate Number
Ebira People 1,000,000+
Main Region Kogi State, Nigeria
Other Regions Ondo, Edo, Kwara, Nassarawa, Plateau States in Nigeria
Language Ebira Language
Religion Islam, Christianity, Traditional Religion
Main Occupation Farming, Trading, Fishing
Cultural Festivals Iruvochi Festival, Eche Festival, Ogani Festival

The Ancient Heritage of Ebira Ethnic Groups

Ebira Ethnicity: References and Resources

The Ebira people are an ethnic group in Nigeria, primarily residing in the central part of the country. They are known for their rich culture, history, and traditional practices. If you want to delve deeper into understanding the Ebira ethnic group, here are some references and resources that you can explore:

  • Books:
    • “The Ebira Tao: A Study of Economic and Political Development” by Samuel Ojonugwa Egbi
    • “The Ebira People of Nigeria: Their Unique Language and Culture” by Yakubu Ochefu
    • “Historical Discourse: The Origin, Migration, and Settlement of Ebira Tao People of Kogi State, Nigeria” by Ojo Omole
  • Websites and Online Resources:
    • Ebiraland.com – A website dedicated to the history, culture, and development of the Ebira people.
    • Ebirahistory.com – Provides comprehensive information about the history and traditions of the Ebira ethnic group.
    • Everyculture.com – Offers an overview of the Ebira culture, including their beliefs, customs, and social structure.
  • Anthropological Studies:
    • “Kinship, Contract, and Ethnic Relations in Ebiraland, Nigeria” by Simon Ottenberg
    • “Clanship, Courtship, and Capital: Ethnicity and Gender in a Nigerian City” by Joel Lee Robbins
    • “A Study of the Social, Economic and Political Life of the Ebira People: From Pre-Colonial to Post-Colonial Times” by Yakubu Samuel Otuoze

These references and resources will provide you with a deeper understanding of the Ebira ethnic group, their traditions, social structure, and historical development. Whether you are interested in their language, cultural practices, or the challenges they face in contemporary Nigeria, these sources will serve as valuable references to explore and learn more about the Ebira people.

Explore other famous people with Anglo-Celtic Australians, Aymara and Bakarwal roots, showcasing the diversity of ethnic backgrounds. Investigating influential individuals with diverse ethnic backgrounds tied to these Ebira origins unveils the interwoven tapestry of global cultures and their impactful contributions to the world.

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