Top 10 Oldest Tribes in Nigeria and Their Origins

Top 10 Oldest Tribes in Nigeria and Their  Origins
1. Ijaw  (circa 5000 BC)
Among  the earliest  inhabitants of Nigeria, the Ijaw have lived in the Niger Delta region for over 7,000 years,  practicing fishing,  trading, and  preserving culture.
2. Yoruba  (circa 5000 BC) 2000 BC)
The Yoruba trace their roots to the ancient city of Ife, with legends of  the creation of the kingdom  by Oduduwa over 4,000 years ago,  making significant contributions to West African  civilization.
3. Igbo (c.  2500 BC)
Known for their  ancient communities and  trading systems, the Igbo people have  flourished in southeastern Nigeria for thousands of years, creating strong cultural and political  structures.
4. Hausa (c. 1000 AD)
The Hausa people  founded kingdoms  such as Daura and Kano, blending indigenous and Islamic influences. Their history  spans about 1000 years.
5. Kanuri (c.  1000 AD) 700  AD)
Originally from the Kanem-Bornu Empire, the Kanuri have a  long history of trade and  learning, dating back over  1300 years in present-day  Borno.
6. Nupe (c. 900 AD)
The Nupe people of Niger State have a history dating back  over 1100 years, influencing regional art and  government, particularly along the Niger  River.
7. Tiv (c. 2000  BC)
Inhabiting the Benue region, the  history of the Tiv  people stretches back thousands of years, marked by a strong oral tradition and social unity that preserves their  heritage.
8. Edo (Bini) (c. 11th century AD)
The  history of the Edo  people has its roots in the  Kingdom of Benin, which became a center of art and  government in West Africa around the 11th  century. 9. Ibibio (c. 3000 BC)
The Ibibio, among the earliest settlers  of southeastern Nigeria, have a distinct culture dating back  more than 5,000 years, with a history of agricultural and artisanal  traditions.
10. Gwari (Gbagyi) (c.  3000 BC) 3000 BC)
The Gwari people have lived in the Niger and Kaduna regions for thousands of years,  preserving unique customs and cultural practices  that date back 5,000  years.
These ancient tribes contribute significantly to the diversity and strength of  Nigeria's identity. Each  of them brings their own heritage, enriching  the cultural  landscape of Nigeria.