The formation of Nigerian states when regional government failed was being thought of by General Gowon administration because the most suitable choice to assist unite the assorted ethnic teams that were being segmented along regional divisions. This was as a result of the regional politics created the central government terribly weak and on the opposite hand, created the dominant ethnic teams to pay a lot of allegiance to the regional governments than the centre. it had been when the abolition of the regional divisions that Nigerian ethnic teams begin to measure and interact with others on states level.

The first generation of states created was twelve and therefore the Benue as a state was carved below Benue-Plateau. The Benue-Plateau state was a lot of or less sort of a sandwich of over 13 minority tribes or ethnic teams of various inter-cultural affiliation towards each other. Dominant tribes /ethnic teams but embrace Ngas, Biron, Kutev, Tiv, Idoma, Igala, etc. The headquarters (state capital) was in Jos and every one the representatives of those peoples (different tribes and ethnic groups) were normally sent to Jos so as to deliberate on the affairs of the state.

The second generation of states created, add-up to a complete variety nineteen state and it had been throughout now that Benue was separated from Plateau with every having its separate state. Benue state when it had been created habours ethnic teams like Igala, Idoma, Tiv, Igede, and alternative comparatively smaller ones. None of the teams mentioned on top of is among the 3 dominant cultural teams in Nigeria (Hausa, Ibo and Yoruba). These minority trbes were socially and politically brought along below one plat-form as a state to run the affairs of the state. throughout this era, the sole radio station, Radio-Benue, can have news translation within the native languages of the various ethnic teams. throughout occasions of state or national event, all the cultures would have their cultural displays in variety of dance and drama and alternative performances, 1st to entertain however largely to indirectly represent their tribe and to spot with the state.

Latter on the creation of Kogi state cut away Igala and be part of with some elements of Kwara. This reduced the amount of ethnic teams moreover as cultural illustration within the state. Considering {the fact|the terribly fact|the actual fact} that Western civilization came very late inside the realm compare to the north and south areas in Nigeria, this additionally affected development in an exceedingly approach. there's little or no industrial development inside the state and therefore the those who represent over ninety p.c of ancient farmers (peasants) build their living through farm turn out. Food is practically abundant and therefore the state could be a major supply of food provide to the complete nation. This alone has earned Benue state the title of "FOOD BASKET OF THE NATION".