Taraba State prides itself on being the “Nature’s Gift to the Nation”. A casual visitor to the state will disregard this statement. Quite true, there are a few eye-catching rock formations in and around the country side.
Though it is equally true that towns such as Wukari, the ancestral home of the Jukun people, is steeped in culture that dates back to hundreds of years, one could not from these conclude that the state is the “Nature’s Gift to the Nation”.
Just a casual trip around the state capital, Jalingo, leaves one with the impression that it is just a typical North Eastern state with all the common features one sees in North Central and North East. However, for one to fully appreciate the state, one needs to go further towards Taraba Central senatorial zone where we have two local government areas, Gashaka and Sardauna, where the Taraba as a gift to the nation is authenticated.
Taraba is one of the most endowed tourism states in the country.
It takes about five hours to travel from Jalingo to Serti, the town before the foot of Mambilla Hill. It is also important to know that Serti is the home of the largest national park in West Africa, the Gashaka Gumti National Park. It is from this point that the real journey to Mambilla Plateau starts.
Driving towards the foot of the plateau, it was as if one was heading for the bowel of the hill that has formed a semi-circle round the vicinity. Just at the point that marked the beginning of the ascent, one could see the road heading upwards, suddenly the hitherto hot humid air common to that part of the country suddenly gave way for a cool weather. It was not something that was gradual; it was abrupt. One could actually trace the point where the cool weather started.
Climbing the hill is not for the faint- hearted because of the twists and turns as the road meandered upwards. But a trip to Mambilla without the twist- and-turn road experience would not be complete. It is just like being suspended in the sky, held only by a tread tied to one’s ankle, looking down on valley, one could just come crashing down in deep, sharp valley.
The first point of call is Hawa Biu Da Sisi, meaning two and half shilling hill. The tour guide explained that in the old days, before the road was carved out of the rock, there were men who normally carried loads from the bottom of the plateau to the top. A trip normally takes two weeks from the foot to the top of the hill. The cost per trip was initially two shillings, but having negotiated that amount, on getting to the steep sharp corner, the load carriers would demand for an extra half a shilling, hence the name.
The first corner is Kwanan Gomna, said to be the point where the former Governor of Northen Nigeria, Sir Kassim Ibrahim, reached before deciding to go back.
Other key points are Tungar Gorah, Kwanan Drum and Tungar Ahmedu. Tungar Ahmadu is close to the top of the hill. This point was said to be the point where the former premier of the North, Sir Ahmadu Bello, decided to reach before deciding to go back.
According to the indigenes of Gembu, it was in recognition of the effort of Sir Ahmadu Bello that the whole of the local government area was named Sardauna in honour of the former premier who was also the Sardauna of Sokoto.
One of the signs that one is getting to the top of the mountain range is the cooler nature of the weather and then the presence of well-fed cattle who lazily go along the treacherous road unmindful of coming vehicles. A vehicle had to horn for long before the cattle would shamble off the road. Gradually the climbing ended and what one could see was a stretch of prowling ranches. However, before entering the town, one stopped at a stream. The tour guide explained that every visitor coming to the town is expected to drink form the water before proceeding. The water is cold and refreshing.
On the upward ascent to Gembu, the town on top of the hill, there was a water company. It was said to have been built by a former information minister in the government of President Obasanjo. He saw the natural spring and decided to build the water factory.
According to the guide, immediately the water plant started functioning, the spring water dried up. As such, the factory had to close. Once the factory closed down, the spring water started flowing again. They could not give an explanation for that. The water was not flowing at the time we visited.
The lush lands on top of the Gembu hills were carved out into personal ranches by top former military officers and political leaders. They have exotic cattle on the ranches.
The first major town en route to the council headquarters, Gembu, is Nguroje. From Nguroje to Gembu is a 30-minute drive.
For those who know Obudu Cattle Ranch, the top of Mambilla Plateau could produce 20 Obudu Catttle ranches.
From what one could see, the land simply melted into the sky with no end in sight.
Then, the wonder of nature, right on top of the hill is the town of Gembu. The population of Gembu could be put within the range of 50,000 to 70,000.
Tea farming is the major occupation of the people. And a familiar sight is the women carrying their farming baskets on their backs.
A tourist described Mambilla Plateau as the best place on earth, saying he came to appreciate the beauty of the place which he had heard so much about. “This is the most beautiful natural scene I have seen in my life. It is nature at its best. No word can be used to describe the place.”
Outside the eco-tourism potential of Mambilla Plateau, the area is rich in culture as various cultural organizations in their unique cultural attire enthusiastically rolled out the drums in celebration and entertainment of the huge number of the people that has made it to the top of the plateau to mark the world tourism day.
The biggest asset of Mambilla Plateau as a potential tourism destination in Nigeria is the ability to combine adventure and wildlife tourism at the Gashaka Gumti Park.
However, all these are still in raw state. The place cries for potential investors. There are no decent accommodation facility on top of the plateau, making it difficult for one to fully settle down for relaxation.
The best houses in the area are those owned by past political leaders who built houses that would serve as their places of abode when in the area to inspect their ranches.
Unfortunately the inhabitants of the town are lamenting that the craze for the acquisition of the choice land for ranches has not translated into bringing development to them and improving their economic well being. The tea companies are the only factories in the area.
After the visit, coming down the hill was another experience. Despite the fact that one knew what to expect, it did not make the fear less. Coming down the hill after more than an hour trip, suddenly one felt the two ears blocking as the effect of airplane cabin pressure on one’s ears. It was later that those familiar with the effects said it was as a result of coming from such a high place.
While waiting for investors to come, the government of Taraba State should do its own part by taking care of the infrastructural facilities like the long stretch of road to the plateau. This would help in sending the right signals to potential investors.
For those desirous of floating on cloud, the place to be is Mambilla Plateau. There is no better place to experience this.
