TWO THINGS I LOVE MOST ABOUT THE JOS-PLATEAU IN NIGERIA
Jos is the capital of Plateau State of Nigeria. This highland region called Jos-Plateau covers most of Plateau State of Nigeria (central Nigeria). It occupies an area of about 7,800 sq km. At 2,000 and 3,000 feet above sea level, the magnificent hills of the Jos Plateau consists mostly of granite. These granite rocks are mostly eroded remnant of volcanic rocks. Temperatures on the plateau average 4° C (7° F) lower than at the coast, and average rainfall of 1,300 mm (50 in), considerably higher than in the surrounding lowland. The headwaters of several tributaries of the Niger and Benue rivers rise in the Jos-Plateau. The Jos-Plateau is known for its waterfalls; several have been harnessed to provide power for the local (Tin, Columbite, etc) mining industries that started in the early 1900s (e.g, the NESCO power company). The cool upland is the only region of Nigeria which permits the cultivation of Irish potatoes and other assorted vegetables.
I live in Jos, Plateau State. I have visited many other places especially in Nigeria. This article is mainly about the two things I love most about Jos, the Plateau State capital. Among many other things that make Plateau State a unique place in Nigeria and the world, these two things are what I love most about this lovely place. They are; the serene weather and the assorted vegetables found and cultivated locally.
If you consider moderate weather and temperature as important factors for your comfort when you visit another city or place, then you will probably be one of the countless numbers of people that always want to completely relocate to Jos after a visit.The comfort from the moderate weather and cool temperature in Jos city and most parts of Plateau State is purely irresistible even if you are coming from Europe or America (not that I have been to Europe or America before). Taking a road trip to Plateau State and especially Jos from any part of Nigeria is what I recommend to you to really experience the difference in temperature compared to where ever you might be coming from in Nigeria. Driving into Jos from any part of the country is always a wonderful experience. Apart from the evidently beautiful rocky scenery and terrain, the entrance to Jos is always characterised by a drive up hill and the feel of a sweet change in temperature. The unique weather of the state also drives me to talk about the next thing I love about this place and that is the assorted vegetables being cultivated by the locals.
Before I go further into talking about vegetables, I’d like to point out the fact that I am not a vegetarian (even though I wish I were one). I like grilled beef, chicken, and fresh water fish and I also get them in abundance here. Amidst the variety of tasty Nigerian, and Western cuisine easily accessible in Jos, nothing makes my mouth water like the sight of salad stuffed with so many vegetables with a whole bottle of cream all at my passionate disposal. You need to visit the popular Building materials and vegetable market located between Bukuru and Jos on any Tuesday or Wednesday to really see for your self. I am sure you will see assorted vegetables, a lot of them you have never seen or heard about before. They are being brought to the market by local farmers from remote villages in Plateau State, all for sale in the market. Other popular vegetable markets are the Farin-gada tomato market and the Gangare Irish potato market. I don’t really know the names of most of the tasty vegetables and fruits I eat, but these are the names of the few I know and can remember, all of which are cultivated on the Plateau for local consumption and export to other parts of Nigeria and West Africa. They are; Radish, Celery, Irish potatoes, Parsley, Zobo, Cucumber, Spring onion (Green onions), Sweet Melon, Broad beans, Kidney beans, Runner beans, Bean sprout, Bet fruit, Strawberry, Turnips, Artichoke, Apples, Green Beans, Aubergine (Egg plant) Scent Leaves (Curry), Green and Red pepper, Carrots, Apricots, Lettuce, Cabbage, Green Peas, Tomatoes, Cranberries, Blackberries, Raspberries, Onions, Moringa (Zogale) leaves, Chinese cabbage, White and green marrow, Water melon, and Leek (the few names I can remember).
Plateau State is my home. There is no place on earth that can compare or replace this home in my heart. No mater where I go, I will always long to come back to the place of serene weather and assorted vegetables to enjoy among other activities and things. I take an evening stroll down the quiet, peaceful and serene neighborhoods of Naraguta Avenue, Plateau Club, Apollo Crescent, Plateau Hotel, Ray filed, Wase Road, Liberty Boulevard, etc and also make a stop to eat grilled chicken, beef and fresh water fish; knowing that the mouth watery vegetables in salads is never far from my reach. There is truly no place like home, no place like Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.
About the Author
Ezekiel S. J. Ramadan
Farmers Market – Purple Sprouted Broccoli and Potato Skyscrapers
|
|
Farmers Market (Paperback) $8.13 Colorful vegetables, delicious fruits, and lots of friends. . . . The farmers market is always fun! Illustrator Edward Martinez brings the hustle and bustle of market day to life. |
|
|
Farmers’ Market Bridal Shower Invitations $1.81 These whimsical hand-drawn bridal shower invitations are reminiscent of posters you might see at your local farmers’ market. |
|
|
The Irish Farmers Market Cookbook $15.99 Both a cookbook and a culinary tour of Ireland, celebrating the diversity and quality of local food and showing how the experience of shopping at farmers’ markets can transform your everyday cooking.Over 100 recipes range from new takes on traditional Irish favourites to dishes with more Mediterranean flavours, always emphasising seasonality, local produce and fresh ingredients the return to slow food.Includes a guide to the best farmers’ markets in each region of Ireland, with profiles of some of the farmers and producers bringing their food sensations to market.As well as using ingredients available at the market, recipes also recreate some of the breads, cakes, chutneys available, like Gallic Kitchens organic steak pies and Giana Fergusons baked cheese with winter herbs so even if you can’t visit the markets you can still enjoy a taste of Ireland.Recipes for everyday cooking Fried mackerel, Cork Beef Stew as well as more unusual offerings that reflect the wider range of produce available at farmers’ markets, such as Roast Pheasant with Apple and Sweet Geranium Stew. |