The Ebira are a major ethnic-linguistic group in North Central Nigeria, known for their industry, strong cultural identity, and central location.

Location and Sub-Groups

• Primary Location: The Ebira people are predominantly found in Kogi State, particularly in the Central Senatorial District, around the Niger-Benue confluence. The towns of Okene (often considered the administrative center), Adavi, Ajaokuta, Okehi, and Ogori/Magongo are major Ebira-Tao areas.
• Other Settlements: Significant Ebira communities also exist in Nasarawa State (Toto LGA), the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja and Abaji LGA), and Edo State (Akoko-Edo LGA).
• Major Sub-Groups: The largest group is the Ebira Tao (of Okene area), alongside other groups like the Ebira Koto, Ebira Etuno, and Ebira Panda (Toto).
• Language: They speak the Ebira language (also called Igbira or Egbira), which is classified as part of the Nupoid branch of the Niger-Congo language family.

History and Socio-Political Structure

• Origin: Oral tradition traces their descent to the Kwararafa Confederation in the present-day Taraba State. They are believed to have migrated around the 17th century due to a chieftaincy dispute, settling with the Igala before crossing the River Niger to their current homeland.
• Pre-Colonial Politics: Traditionally, the Ebira had a largely decentralized, republican system. The Ebira-Tao were governed by family and clan heads in a form of gerontocracy (rule by elders), with no centralized king until the colonial era. The paramount ruler today is the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland.

Culture and Economy

• Occupation: They are historically renowned for being hardworking farmers and are also famous for their local industries, including iron technology, blacksmithing, and exquisite traditional cloth-weaving (the handwoven material, Itinochi).
• Festivals: The most famous cultural celebration is the Ekuechi Festival, an annual masquerade festival that marks the end of the year and the coming of the new one. Masquerades represent ancestral spirits (Eku).
• Traditional Religion and Ethics: The Ebira traditional worldview centers on the belief in a Supreme Being, Ohomorihi (God), whom they hold in utmost reverence. The literal meaning of the word “Ebira” is associated with “behaviour with ethics and hospitality.” The concept of Ozovehe (“human is life/earth”) highlights the paramount value placed on human life and existence.
• Modern Religion: Today, the population is predominantly composed of practitioners of Islam and Christianity.