Happy TravellerWelcome to Daura, a town and Local Government Area in Katsina State, northern Nigeria. Known as the spiritual home of the Hausa people, Daura is a city steeped in history and culture. From its ancient roots in Hausa mythology to its status as one of the seven true Hausa states, Daura is a city that has played a significant role in the development of Islamic culture and learning in Nigeria.
History:
According to Hausa mythology, Daura is the city where Bayajidda arrived after his trek across the Sahara. Once there, he killed a snake named Sarki, who prevented the people from drawing water from the well, and the local queen, Magajiya Daurama, married him out of gratitude. One of their seven children was named Daura. The Kusugu Well in Daura, where Bayajidda is said to have slain Sarki, is protected by a wooden shelter and has become a tourist attraction. During the Fulani War in 1805, Daura was taken over by Fulani warrior Malam Ishaku, who set up an emirate. The Hausa set up rival states nearby, and the ruler of one, Malam Musa, was made the new emir of Daura by the British in 1904.
Emirate:
The Daura Royal Palace ‘Kangiwa’ is a huge complex located at the Centre of the ancient city. It is a symbol of culture, history and traditions of ‘Daurawa’. The Daura Emirate is referred to as one of the seven true Hausa states (Hausa Bakwai). The Emir of Daura still rules as a ceremonial hereditary monarch and maintains a palace. Faruk Umar Faruk became the 60th Emir of Daura on 28 February 2007 following the death of Sarkin Muhammadu Bashar dan Umaru.
Economy:
Trade in Daura is primarily in sorghum, millet, onions, peanuts (groundnuts), cotton, and hides and skins. Cattle, goats, sheep, horses, and donkeys are kept by its Hausa and Fulani inhabitants. Cotton weaving and peanut collecting (for export) are significant economic activities. The town is served by a government health office and a dispensary. Daura town became a Caravan Centre for salt and potash from the Sahara Desert and for cloth, slaves, leather, and agricultural produce from the south.
Education:
Daura is a Centre of both formal and informal education. The education system is the 6-3-3-4 system, which is practiced throughout the country. Daura is home to various primary, secondary, postsecondary schools, and other vocational institutions that are either operated by the government or private entities. With higher institutions like the University of Transportation, Yusufu Bala Usman College, Sani Zango College of Health Technology, Federal Polytechnic among others.
Durbar Festival:
The emir of Daura hosts a Durbar to mark and celebrate the two annual Muslim festivals Eid al-Fitr (to mark the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan) and Eid al-Adha (to mark the Hajj Holy Pilgrimage). In addition to these, he also hosts a Durbar of Gani which is celebrated often on the 12th day of Rabi al-awwal, the third month in the Islamic calendar. The Durbar culminates in a procession of highly elaborately dressed horsemen who pass through the city to the emirs palace. Once assembled near the palace, groups of horsemen, each group representing a nearby village, take it in turns to charge toward the emir, pulling up just feet in front of the seated dignitaries to offer their respect and allegiance.
Demography:
The Hausa people (sometimes grouped with the Fulani as Hausa-Fulani) are the largest ethnic group.
Health Care:
Daura has many hospitals and medical facilities. The Daura healthcare system is generally divided into public and private sectors which provide medical services at the primary and secondary levels. Although the private hospitals are usually more expensive, it does not necessarily translate to better healthcare delivery.
Population and geographic statistics:
Dauras population was estimated as 25,151 as of 1972. According to the MARA/ARMA organization, malaria affects Daura for four to six months of the year, and is endemic and seasonal. In 2005, after an outbreak of measles in Katsina State, Daura became one of five training centers for workers who were to carry out immunization.
Notable People from Daura:
Muhammadu Buhari, Military Head of State 1983–1985, and incumbent President of Nigeria since 2015. Faruk Umar Faruk, Current and 60th Emir of Daura. Sani Ahmed Daura, First Governor of Yobe State 1991–1998. Sani Zangon Daura, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development 1999 – 2000, Minister of Environment 2000 – 2001. Jaafar Mahmud Adam, Salafist Islamic scholar aligned with the Izala Society Salisu Buhari Daura, former Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria. Lawal Musa Daura, former Director General of the Nigerian State Security Service. Mallam Mamman Daura, Editor of the New Nigerian (1969–1975), Chairman of Nigerian Television Authority (1984–1985), former board director and chairman of the Africa International Bank. Habu Daura, Acting Governor of Bayelsa State, from February to June, 1997.
We hope you enjoyed learning about Daura, Nigeria. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and welcoming people, Daura is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the beauty and diversity of northern Nigeria.
