Yala, Nigeria
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NigeriaYala
Iyala | |
|---|---|
 Interactive map of Yala | |
  Yala Location in Nigeria | |
| Coordinates: 6°42′N 8°36′E / 6.700°N 8.600°E | |
| Country | Nigeria |
| State | Cross River State |
| Government | |
| • Local Government Chairman | Fabian Odey-Ogbeche |
| Area | |
• Total | 1,739 km2 (671 sq mi) |
| Population (2006 census) | |
• Total | 210,843 |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (WAT) |
| 3-digit postal code prefix | 550 |
| ISO 3166 code | NG.CR.YL |
| Website | www |
Yala is a Local Government Area in Cross River State, Nigeria.[1] Its headquarters is in the town of Okpoma in the east of the area at 6°35′35″N 8°38′01″E / 6.59306°N 8.63361°E.
It has an area of 1,739 km2 and a population of 210,843 at the 2006 census.[2] This makes Yala the second most populated LGA in Cross River State, coming after Akpabuyo.
The postal code of the area is 550.[3]
The dominant tribe in the Area are the Yala. Major settlements in Yala LGA include Okpoma, Okuku, Yahe, Ugaga, Ijegu, Oloko-Ogwope and Oloko- Ipuole, Imaje, Oke, Echumoga, Woda, Ebo, Igede Edii Nation, Itekpa, Maa, Wonye, Uchu, Osina, Mbuor, Aliforkpa, Echumofana, Wanihem, Wanikade, Wanokom, Ijiraga, Mfuma, Ntrigom etc. Kukelle and Yala are the languages spoken by some inhabitants of Yalaland.
Other major tribes in Yala Local Government Area are, Igede-Edii (Anyadaha, Anyugbe, Eminyi, Ibilla, Igbakobor and Opiriku), Itekpa, Gabu, Ukelle and Yache. They speak Igede, Kukelle and Yache language respectively.
The LGA has an abundant salt deposit which can sustain any small to medium-scale salt industry. There are many salt ponds in Okpoma, which are of great historical significance to the people and are mined locally. The LGA also offers a wide range of investment opportunities in agro-based industries as well as solid mineral industries.[citation needed]
The [4] Yala people are closely related to the Idoma people of Benue state, Nigeria and can understand their language. It is said that the Yala people left Benue state in search of salt, having found it in abundance in present day Yala, decided to stay.[5] The Ukelle people on the other hand are kins to the Orring people found in both Benue and Ebonyi state. These people are the Ufia (Utonkon people);[6] Ntezi, Effium, Okpoto, Amuda and Okpolo people respectively.[7]
