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Top 10 Celebrities with Jukun Heritage

The Jukun people are an ethnic group from Nigeria, mainly found in the Taraba and Benue states. They have a rich cultural heritage and are known for their artistic traditions, including music, dance, and craftsmanship. Over the years, the Jukun people have produced notable individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields, including entertainment, politics, and academia. Here are ten popular celebrities and notable people from the Jukun ethnicity:

  • Danjuma Goje – Nigerian politician and former governor of Gombe state.
  • Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi – Governor of Enugu state and former member of the House of Representatives.
  • Baba Joda – Nigerian actor and comedian, known for his roles in Nollywood films.
  • Wusopelo Joda – Jukun musician and songwriter, known for his unique style of traditional music.
  • Senator Emmanuel Bwacha – Nigerian senator representing Taraba South Senatorial District.
  • Princess Benita Okojie – Nigerian gospel singer and actress.
  • Victor Barumo – Nigerian footballer, currently playing for Kwara United F.C.
  • Emmanuel Kona – Nigerian footballer, known for his skills as a midfielder.
  • Emmanuel Ndidi – Nigerian footballer, a member of the Super Falcons.
  • Wilson Oruma – Former Nigerian professional footballer who played as a midfielder.

These individuals have not only achieved success in their respective fields but have also become role models for the Jukun community and the nation as a whole. Their accomplishments serve as an inspiration for young Jukun people to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact in society. Through their talent, hard work, and dedication, they have helped to put the Jukun people on the map and showcase the rich cultural heritage of the ethnic group.

The Fula, Fulani, or Fulɓe people is an ethnic group in Sahara, Sahel and West Africa, widely dispersed across the region. Inhabiting many countries, they live mainly in West Africa and northern parts of Central Africa, South Sudan, Darfur, and regions near the Red Sea coast in Sudan. The approximate number of Fula people is unknown, due to clashing definitions regarding Fula ethnicity. Various estimates put the figure between 25 and 40 million people worldwide.A significant proportion of the Fula – a third, or an estimated 7 to 10 million – are pastoralists, and their ethnic group has the largest nomadic pastoral community in the world. The majority of the Fula ethnic group consisted of semi-sedentary people, as well as sedentary settled farmers, scholars, artisans, merchants, and nobility. As an ethnic group, they are bound together by the Fula language, their history and their culture. The Fula are almost completely Muslims.Many West African leaders are of Fulani descent, including the former President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari; former president of Cameroon Ahmadou Ahidjo; President of Senegal, Macky Sall; the President of Gambia, Adama Barrow; the President of Guinea-Bissau, Umaro Sissoco Embaló; the Vice President of Sierra Leone, Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh; the Prime Minister of Mali, Boubou Cisse and the Wife of Vice President of Ghana Samira Bawumia. They also occupy positions in major international institutions, such as the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina J. Mohammed; the 74th President of the United Nations General Assembly, Tijjani Muhammad-Bande; and the Secretary-General of OPEC, Mohammed Sanusi Barkindo.

Most Famous Jukun People

Jukun’s Three Pinnacle Historical Inheritances

The Jukun community is a prominent ethnic group in Nigeria, primarily found in the Taraba and Benue states. With a rich cultural heritage that spans many centuries, the Jukun people are known for their distinct traditions, historical achievements, and contributions to the country’s history. Here are three of the most well-known historical inheritances associated with the Jukun heritage:


1. Ancient Kingdoms:

  • The Jukun people have a long history of establishing powerful and influential kingdoms in Nigeria. One of the most notable is the Kwararafa Kingdom, which existed from around the 9th century to the 19th century. Known for its vast territory and strategic location along the Benue River, the Kwararafa Kingdom played a significant role in regional trade, politics, and cultural development.
  • The Jukun people also founded the Wukari Kingdom, which became a center of trade and commerce in the region. Under the leadership of the Jukun kings, the Wukari Kingdom flourished economically and culturally, attracting merchants, scholars, and artisans from across Africa.


2. Art and Craftsmanship:

  • The Jukun people have a strong tradition of artistic expression and craftsmanship. They are renowned for their skillful pottery, intricate wood carving, and beautiful beadwork. These artistic creations often reflect the rich cultural heritage and mythology of the Jukun people.
  • Jukun masks, sculptures, and other artistic works are highly sought after by collectors and are widely appreciated for their aesthetic beauty and cultural significance. These art forms have helped preserve the Jukun heritage and continue to be an integral part of their cultural identity.


3. Military Prowess:

  • The Jukun people have a long-standing reputation for their military prowess. Historical accounts mention the Jukun warriors as fierce and skilled fighters who were able to defend their kingdoms successfully and expand their territories.
  • The Jukun warriors were known for their expertise in horseback riding, archery, and guerrilla warfare tactics. They played an essential role in resisting external invasions and maintaining stability in the region.


The historical inheritances associated with the Jukun heritage highlight the rich and diverse cultural tapestry of Nigeria. Through their ancient kingdoms, artistic expressions, and military prowess, the Jukun people have contributed significantly to the country’s history. Their cultural heritage serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of the Jukun community and continues to inspire generations to come.

Factsheet About Jukun People

Region Population Main Language
Taraba State, Nigeria Approximately 500,000 Jukun
Adamawa State, Nigeria Approximately 250,000 Jukun
Benue State, Nigeria Approximately 200,000 Jukun
Plateau State, Nigeria Approximately 150,000 Jukun
Kogi State, Nigeria Approximately 100,000 Jukun
Jukun (Njikum; Hausa: Kororofawa; Kanuri: Gwana, Kwana) are an ethno-linguistic group or ethnic nation in West Africa. The Jukun are traditionally located in Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau, Adamawa, Bauchi and Gombe States in Nigeria and parts of northwestern Cameroon. They are descendants of the people of Kwararafa. Most of the tribes in the north central of Nigeria trace their origin to the Jukun people and are related in one way or the other to the Jukuns. Until the coming of both Christianity and Islam, the Jukun people were followers of their own traditional religions. Most of the tribes, Alago, Agatu, Rendere, Goemai in Shendam, and others left Kwararafa when it disintegrated as a result of a power tussle. The Jukuns are divided into two major groups; the Jukun Wanu and Jukun Wapa. The Jukun Wanu are fishermen residing along the banks of the river Benue and Niger where they run through Taraba State, Benue State and Nasarawa State. The Wukari Federation, headed by the Aku Uka of Wukari, is now the main centre of the Jukun people.

The Ancient Heritage of Jukun Ethnic Groups

Jukun Ethnicity: References and Resources

There are several references and resources available to dig deeper into the Jukun ethnic group. These sources provide both historical and cultural information about the Jukun people, helping to enhance our understanding of their traditions, beliefs, and way of life.

  • Encyclopedia Britannica: Jukun – This article provides an overview of the Jukun people, their language, and their history. It delves into their migration patterns, political organization, and cultural practices, shedding light on various aspects of Jukun life.
  • Jukun and Tiv: Traditional Political Culture Revisited – This scholarly article explores the political culture of the Jukun and Tiv ethnic groups in Nigeria. It examines their historical interrelationships, systems of governance, and the significance of age grades and secret societies in their societies.
  • The Jukun as an Appropriated Number Standard in Jukunland – This academic paper focuses on the unique numerical system used by the Jukun people. It delves into how they use certain animals, objects, and body parts to represent specific numbers, providing insights into the Jukun’s mathematical and symbolic traditions.
  • Nigerian Mass Media: A Case of Tiv and Jukun Relations – This research paper examines the representation of ethnic conflicts between the Jukun and Tiv ethnic groups in Nigerian mass media. It explores the role of media narratives and identity construction in shaping intergroup relations and conflict perceptions.

These references offer a comprehensive exploration of the Jukun ethnic group, covering various aspects such as their history, culture, political organization, and numerical systems. By delving into these resources, one can gain a deeper understanding of the Jukun people and their place within Nigerian society.

Explore other famous people with Cirebonese, Cocos Malays and Javanese roots, showcasing the diversity of ethnic backgrounds. Delving into the lives of notable figures from various ethnic backgrounds associated with these Jukun roots reveals the intricate web of connections between global cultures and their significant contributions to the world.

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