Maitama

9°5′4.164″N 7°29′30.1344″E / 9.08449000°N 7.491704000°E / 9.08449000; 7.491704000CountryNigeriaFederal territoryFederal Capital TerritoryFederal capitalAbujaFirst settled1715Incorporated1 October 1984Government • BodyFederal Capital Territory Administration

Maitama is a district in Phase 1 of Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria. The district hosts various foreign embassies, high commissions, and governmental buildings. It houses several of Abuja's most well known landmarks, such as the Millennium Park, Minister's Hill, the Unity Fountain, the IBB Golf Club, and the Transcorp Hilton hotel.^[1]

The district is situated to the north of Abuja, with the Wuse and Central Districts lying to its southwest and southeast respectively. Due to its rapid growth, the district is currently undergoing further extension as of 2023.^[2]

History

The earliest known settlers to Maitama were the Koro people, who traced their migration from Likoro near Zaria back to 1715. Under the leadership of the then Wambai of Likoro, they migrated to Kagarko before eventually relocating to Maitama. The name Maitama is believed to have originated from the mining and iron smelting activities that were prevalent in the settlement. A fatal landslide in the mining pit forced them to abandon Maitama and establish a new settlement named Wuse.^[3][4]

References