Makurdi is the capital of Benue state, located in north central Nigeria. Makurdi is located along the Benue River, Nigeria's second longest river after River Niger, and from where the name of the state was gotten.
A railway line links the city and other parts of the state to the eastern part of the country. It is home to diverse ethnic groups which include the Tiv, Igede, Idoma and Etulo. The slogan of the whole state is "food basket of the nation." This is as a result of the large arable land that supports agricultural production of different type of farm products.
The city is mostly famous for its yam and that alongside other agricultural products is one of the sources of income for the city because it attracts traders from far and near, especially during harvest. The major markets which include the Wadata Main Market, the Wurukum Market, and the Modern Market get visitors from different parts of the country. Due to the large production of yam, one of the city's staple foods is pounded yam and it can be eaten with a popular soup called Okoho.
Makurdi boasts of quite a number of beautiful and historical tourist centre that are good for sightseeing. Some of those places of attraction include River Benue, where one can enjoy boat cruising; the Dajo Pottery, where spectacular creations of skilled pottery are exhibited; the National Gallery of Arts, where artefacts that illustrate the history, culture and traditions are preserved; Makurdi Club, founded in 1930; Balcony Parks and Garden; Makurdi Beach, a manmade beach situated at the edge of the River Benue; Makurdi Zoological Garden, located in the Benue State University campus and many more.
The festivals such as Akata Festival, the Kwagh-hie Festival and the annual Food Festival are usually a sight to behold. The people of Makurdi are fun loving people, so a number of nightclubs are also around the city.
Hotels in Makurdi vary on prices but they are also generally comfortable and conducive.
