Gombe

Gombe State is a state in north-eastern Nigeria, created in 1996 from Bauchi State. Its capital, Gombe, is a major commercial and transport hub for the region. The state is named after the Gombe Emirate, a historic Fulani state. The landscape is characterised by the Gombe Hills and the Gongola River basin.

The state is predominantly Hausa-Fulani, with significant Tangale, Tera, and Bolewa populations. Agriculture is the mainstay, producing groundnuts, cotton, millet, and maize. Gombe is known for the Gombe State University and the Federal College of Education.

The dry season (November–April) is the best time to visit. The state is generally safe for travel, though the proximity to Borno and Yobe means some security awareness is necessary in border areas.

The dry season (November–April) is best. The rainy season (May–October) is heavy. The Gombe Durbar and the Tangale Cultural Festival are major events.

Gombe Lawanti International Airport (GMO) has flights from Abuja. Major roads connect Gombe to Bauchi (1.5 hrs), Yola (3 hrs), and Maiduguri (3 hrs). Buses and shared taxis operate between all major towns.

• Gombe — the state capital, with the Emir's Palace and the Gombe State University
• Bajoga — a town in the north, the headquarters of Funakaye LGA
• Billiri — the headquarters of Billiri LGA, a Tangale cultural centre
• Kaltungo — a town in the south, the headquarters of Kaltungo LGA
• Kumo — a town on the Gombe–Bauchi road, a commercial centre
• Dukku — a town in the north, the headquarters of Dukku LGA
• Deba — a town in the centre, a market town
• Nafada — a town in the north-east, on the Gongola River
• Pindiga — a town in the south, an agricultural centre
• Dadinkowa — a town near the Gongola River, with the Dadinkowa Dam

Gombe's cuisine is Hausa-Fulani: Tuwo Shinkafa, Miyan Kuka, Kilishi, Masa, and Fura da Nono (millet balls with yoghurt).

The Gombe Durbar (Eid) features the Emir's cavalry procession. The Tangale Cultural Festival showcases the traditions of the Tangale people with music, dance, and wrestling.

• Visit the Emir of Gombe's Palace — a historic Fulani palace
• Attend the Gombe Durbar — a spectacular horse-riding festival
• Explore the Dadinkowa Dam — a scenic reservoir on the Gongola River