TOURISM: Checkout 5 Must-See Sites When Visiting Katsina State

The ancient city of Katsina
is located in the North-West of Nigeria; it is bordered in the east by
Kano and Jigawa States, west by Zamfara State, south by Kaduna State,
and north by the Niger Republic. The home of hospitality as It is called
was carved out of the old Kaduna State in September 1989.The state comprises of two emirates that characterized the later establishment of the seven Hausa kingdoms.

These are Daura, Katsina, Zaria, Kano, Rano Gobir, and Biram – all
descended from the lineage of Bayajida and Daurama. Located in Daura is
the famous and legendary Kusugu well, where the snake Sarki was said to
have been killed. Katsina State occupies 24,192 square kilometers of
land, the state has 34 local government areas, and it is occupied
largely by the Hausa and Fulani people of northern Nigeria.
So if you wish to make a visit to the ancient city of Katsina to
experience firsthand, the history of civilization in the northern region
and see some of the ancient monuments and works of art that still exist
today, whether as a student of history or a curious mind, or better
still in need of a worthwhile vacation experience, then among other
things, you have to see these 5 scenic sites at this historic
destination;

1. GOBARAU MINARET

The Famous Gobarau Minaret also known as “Hasumiyya” was constructed
over 600 years ago during the reign of Muhammadu Korau (1398-1408 AD),
who was the first Muslim king of Katsina.
It is the first tallest building built in the ancient city of
Katsina, to serve as a surveillance tower for sighting enemy invaders as
they approached the city during communal war inherent in that era.
The Gobarau Minaret which according to historians at the Katsina
state history and culture bureau initially stood at 122m i.e. 400ft
before the main body of the tower collapsed and reduced to stand at the
present height of 17.11m with a base of approximately 83.36sqm. The
building was designed and built to reflect the Timbuktu type of
architecture portraying the civilization and craftsmanship of the
14th-century inhabitants.Visit Katsina for more discoveries.

2. OLD KATSINA TEACHER’S COLLEGE/ NATIONAL MUSEUM KATSINA

The old Katsina training college proposed in 1920, was established in
1921 and officially opened by the then Governor General of Nigeria; Sir
Hugh Clifford on the 5th of March 1922 with an intake of 50 students from all northern provinces of Nigeria. 
It is the first teachers training college in the whole of northern
Nigeria. The following are a list of prominent northern leaders in
history who attended the college:

• Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa (First Prime Minister of Nigeria)
• Sir Ahmadu Bello (First Premier of Northern Region)
• Sir Katsina Ibrahim (Former Governor of Northern Region)
• Alhaji Aliyu Makama Bidda (Former finance minister and Deputy Premier of Northern Region)
• Alhaji Isah Kaita -Wazirin Katsina (First minister of education in Northern Nigeria)
• Alhaji Musa Yar’adua -Tafidan Katsina (First Minister of Lagos affairs)
• Yahayya Madawaki (Former Minister of works)
• Alhaji Abubakar Okene
• Alhaji Nuhu Bamalli (Former Regional Minister)
• Alhaji Hassan Makaman Abuja
• Alhaji Muhammadu Ngilerame (Former Nigeria Rep. at UN)
• Alhaji Shehu Madawakin Kano (Former Deputy Speaker Regional Assembly)
• Alhaji Amadu Mora
• MalamSa’aduZungur (Re-known Politician and Author)
• Alhaji Abubakar Imam.

The
Old Katsina Training College which is presently known as “The Three
Gates” and also known as “Kofar Huku” is the abode of the National
Museum and one of the three declared national monuments in 1959 before
the independence in Nigeria. The National Museum documents various
Historical artifacts ranging from archeological collections such as
manila, carnelian beads, the human skull, precious stones, regalia of
ancient kings and kingdoms, cowry, and some other historical materials
exhibited to show the historical background of the “Katsina Royal Tree”.
The Old Katsina Teacher’s College which was built with red-baked mud
and fired clay was declared a Historic Monument on April 23, 1959, as it
is believed to be the oldest institution of higher learning in northern
Nigeria. It remains a tourist attraction today and a must-see
destination for visitors when they come to Katsina town

3. EMIR’S PALACES IN KATSINA AND DAURA KINGDOM

The
Palaces of the Emir of Katsina and the Emir of Daura are sights to
behold and a site to explore. The ancient architectural designs of the
Palace structures date back to the early 19th century. The Katsina
Emir’s Palace has various historical sites, artifacts, and memoirs
attached to the palace such as; Dakin Kwaf, Blue Room, The ancient Gate
of “Gubairuba”  a clan in Sokoto kingdom, the first bank in Katsina,
among other sites.

The Daura Kingdom is known according to history to be the spiritual
home of the Hausa people as it documents the legendary Prince of Baghdad
“Bayajidda” who became the first male king after killing the giant
snake Sarki in the 10th century and then married the last
Kabara of Daura. It was also recorded that from this union he had seven
sons who founded and ruled the seven 7 Hausa states (a.k.a the seven
true Hausa states “Hausa Bakwai”).
These Palaces are a world-class tourist attraction to many visitors
and historic memories for other tourists as they marvel at the various
monuments hidden behind the buildings.

4. THE LEGENDARY KUSUGU WELL

The
ancient well of Kusugu got its fame from the old tale told by the
Historians of the Great Daura Kingdom, of the then Prince of Baghdad;
Bayajidda in the 10th century. History has it that The Kusugu
well is the dwelling place of a giant snake called Sarki, and this
snake only allows the people of Daura kingdom draw water only on
Fridays. History was told of the Prince Bayajidda as the person who
married the last Kabara of Daura after his defeat of the snake and
presaged the end of the matriarchal monarchs that had earlier ruled the
Hausa people. It was also recorded that the 7 Hausa states were founded
by the sons of Bayajidda from his marriage to the then Queen of Daura.
The well from time past has become a tourist site in the Daura Kingdom
and the sword that was used to kill the formidable snake, according to
the curator is in custody of the Emir of Daura His Highness. Both the
well and the sword can still be seen by tourists today.

5. JIBIA HOLIDAY RESORT

The Jibia Holiday Resort also known as the New Chama Recreational
Park is located in Jibia city of Katsina a border city in Birnin Kudu
town. It is a scenic site to view ancient rocks and prehistoric
paintings on caves. The resort or recreational park is a serene garden
with various games courts such as soccer, basketball, volleyball,
Ping-Pong, and a scenic view of a soothing dam with white sand. It is a
park to unwind from the hustle and bustle of towns.
There are lots and lots of attractions and historic events that await
you at Katsina such as the Katsina City Gates, the Durbar festival, the
Durbi-Takusheyi, among other views and memoir to fascinate visitors to
the town, it is such a historic, hospitable, beautiful, educative,
captivating and fun destination to explore, but as usual, it is always
better experienced than told. Remember the saying goes, “What the eye
sees the mind never forgets”. So what are you waiting for? Take time off
work, give yourself a treat, pick up your bags and explore Katsina
firsthand today with your family and friends for an experience of a
lifetime, Cheers!

Visit Katsina for more discoveries