Located in north-west geopolitical zone of Nigeria, Kebbi State was created out of the old Sokoto State in 1991 with its headquarter is Birnin Kebbi, an ancient town dating back to the 14th century. The state is divided into four emirate councils (Gwandu, Argungu, Yauri and Zuru) and twenty one local government areas which include Alieru, Arewa, Argungu, Augie, Bagudo, Birnin-Kebbi, Bunza, Dandi Kamba, Danko/Wasagu, Fakai, Gwandu, Jega, Kalgo, Koko-Besse, Maiyama, Ngaski, Sakaba, Shanga, Suru, Yauri and Zuru.
Kebbi State is a mainly agricultural state created out of the old Sokoto State on 27 August 1991, by the military government of General Ibrahim Babangida. The former Sokoto State being one of the largest states in terms of land area, was simply too large for easy administration and meaningful development and this called for the new state to be created.
People & Culture
With an estimated population of about 3.1 million, Kebbi State has diverse ethnic groups and the dominant among which are Hausas, Fulanis, Kabawa, Dakarkaris, Kambaris,Gungawa, Dandawa, Zabarmawa, Dukawa, Fakkawa and Bangawa.
These ethnic groups speak diverse languages and dialects, with the Hausa language spoken all over the state. The majority of the people in Kebbi state are Muslims following the 1804 Fulani Jihad.
However, there are minority groups of Christians and traditional worshippers particularly to the south of the state. These ethnic diversities and religious differences notwithstanding, the people of Kebbi live in peace with one another.[tab:Geography] Covering a total of 36,800sqkm land area, Kebbi State is bounded by Sokoto State to the north and east, Niger State to the south, and Benin Republic to the west.
Kebbi State enjoys a tropical continental type of climate and this is largely controlled by two air masses, namely tropical maritime and tropical continental, blowing from the Atlantic and the Sahara desert respectively. These air masses determine the two dominant seasons wet and dry. The wet season lasts from April to October in the south and May to September in the north; while the dry season lasts for the remaining period of the year.
Mean annual rainfall is about 800mm in the north and 1000mm in the south. Temperature is generally high with mean annual temperature of about 26°C in all locations. However, during the harmattan season (December to February) the temperature can go down to about 21°C and up to 40°C during the months of April to June.
Night temperatures are generally lower with relative humidity for most of the year except during the wet season when it reaches an average of eighty percent. This explains the hot dry environment which is in sharp contrast to a hot humid environment in the southern parts of Nigeria.
Cities & Towns
Other important cities and towns include Birnin Kebbi, Argungu, Yauri, Zuru, Jega, Kamba, Koko, and Bagudo. [tab:Attractions] Argungu International Fishing Festival
The Argungun fishing festival is the culmination of a four-day cultural event in Kebbi State. Thousands of fishermen line up like an ancient army, carrying their traditional nets and gourds at the sound of gun, they pound towards the narrow river Matan Fada and leap into the water. They have just one hour to catch the biggest fish. The festival is not limited to the fishing alone. During the festival there are various cultural, musical and sporting events as well.
Another interesting festival in Kebbi state is UHOLA FESTIVAL in Zuru Emirate; this is a yearly festival of thanks given to God for spearing their lives. The festival is normally held around December/ January in all towns and villages of Zuru Area. It is at this festival that some age group teenage boys are considered matured to go into manhood while some age groups of girls also were considered matured to go into woman-hood. The festival takes two to three days of colorful events such as: Dances, Music, Wrestling exhibition of works of art and crafts. It holds in the ancient cities of Zuru area. During this festival, the local populace moves to the ancient city which is normally situated at a hilly area, because of defense against invaders.
Karishi Traditional Settlement
Karishi town is situated around Sakaba town in Sakaba local Government. This settlement is a traditional one and not yet been changed, the people there still holds to the traditional belief and customs. It is hilly and the people come down for anything, they have a fence surrounding their town and watchmen all the day against invaders. The ruler of these people is seen once a year by his subject, he only comes out once a year during one festival.
Tomb of Abdullahi Fodio
The tomb of Abdullahi Fodio the brother of Sheikh Usman Danfodio the great jihadist of the 9th century, the tomb is located at Gwandu in Gwandu Local Government Area. Abdullahi Fodio also participated in the Jihad and he played a role in the 19th century jihad, he was the founder of Gwandu Empire and rule this place until his death up to today his descendents still rule this great place.
Girmace Shrine, Zulu
This is a traditional shrine where a piece of water is surrounded by thick trees, and there in the water, there are crocodiles, this is a place of worship, the local inhabitants visit this place with sacrifice and make special request to the shrine.
Alwasa Battlefield at Argungu
Site where fierce battles were fought between the Fulani jihadist and Kabawa warriors (Gobir, Kebbi and Tuaregs) in 1807.
Yelwa Museum of Archaeology
Arts and crafts works depicting the culture of the people are kept.
Kanta Museum, Argungu
Located in a part of Argungu called “old town” and adjacent to the main market, the museum which was built in 1831, used to be the emir’s palace until 1942 and got converted to a museum in 1958. The edifice retains its historic charm; and the view from outside is of ancient northern Nigerian structure. It is a fascinating treasure house for those seeking a more reflective experience of Argungu and its environs as it showcases the history and culture of the Argungu people in arts and crafts.
Zuru Museum, Zuru
Moving Rock at Akinkiya in Ngaski [tab:Eating Out] Not yet posted [tab:Shopping] Not yet posted [tab:Hotels] Not yet posted [tab:Gallery] Not yet posted [tab:END]