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The Chronicle of Northern Nigeria, Kano Mega city.
When are they moving the capital of Nigeria to Kano? I need to know.Kano is a big and well structured City, just like Abuja.Good road network, clean, and easy life. Kano was a vibe. Things to know before visiting Kano. Kano is a northern City, I mean picture Abuja, and you’d see some Kano in it. Mode of Transportation within the city is Tricycle, Keke Napep. Most of the tourist attraction is in a circle( waiting for the same area) You can order a Keke Napep on Opay. Things To do in Kano. Go visiting the Emir’sPalace.The Brown looking historical building is a most to visit in Kano, learn some history and take some really beautiful pictures. Visit the Gidan Makama Museum.If you want to know the history, visit the museum.The Gidan makama is where the history of Kano and its people, Artifacts, pictures and written books that best explain the culture and history of people of Kano to you. Kano Zoo and Botanical Garden. Did you know that?! They are healthy Elephants and Giraffes in Nigeria. I have never seen a giraffe before and Kano zoo really impressed me with how well kept and well-fed those giraffe look. I have seen an Elephant before at the Zoo in Jos but it’s not to be compared to how healthy the one kano is. The elephant gave me a whole show and I can boldly admit that visiting the zoo was my highlight for the day. Exploring the Zoo was quite exhausting, it’s a whole garden filled with different species of animals and as well, a well-cultivated garden filled with all sorts of flowers. Gate fee: 100naira for Adult and 50naira for kids. A quick hike to the top of Dala hill. What is an adventure without hiking?If you want to see the beautiful and Magnificient city of Kano, take a 30min Hike to and fro to the top of Dala hill.I was in awe of the view from the hilltop and the natural breeze that I almost slept off. Take a walk through the old city walls of Kano. I will keep emphasising on this again and again.Renovate but don’t take out the essence of history. And that was exactly what they did with Kano city walls.From the entrance is a well-renovated building with the historical date of the wall inscribed on it and u the side of this walls was the ruins of the Kano city walls. This wall was the highlight of my trip to Kano, it was fascinating. The wall was initially built from 1095 through 1134 and completed in the middle of the 14th century. it served as a landmark that provided protection against marauders and external aggression in the olden days and served as defensive landmarks on which the people relied upon for safety from attackers. The Ancient Kano City Walls were described as “the most impressive monument in West Africa and it undoubtedly true Visit the Matry Dying Pits.I didn’t leave any stone unturned in Kano, my feet touched every nooks and crannies and the dying pit was my last stop.The pit that is more than 300years is where the people of Kano dye their clothes. Other things to do in Kano. visit the Ado bayero shopping mall Take a night cruise around the town. Go eating like the locals / I ate the most dried shawarma I’ve ever tasted and it doesn’t tasted so bad. What you need on this trip. Money, Kano is not all that cheap except transportation. your gadget for amazing pictures. A friend or two, go with some or make a new one in the city, Kano is best explored with friends. Before we call it a year, Read the last Episode on my Northern Docu-series here.https://alarinka.com/the-chronicle-of-northern-nigeria-bauchi-one-of-the-most-toured-northern-nigeria/ I will be waiting at the door with popcorn and 5alive puppy, hurry up! Don’t miss out on the juice
The chronicle of Northern Nigeria; Sakkwato(Sokoto Caliphate)
How old were you, when you realised that Sokoto is originally called Sakwato and Sokoto is a modernized way for easy pronunciation? Right now yeah? I guess so too. I think this is the part I say Alexa plays me “Mr Eazi- Pour me water”. Welcome back to another Episode of my Northern Chronicle, I apologize for the break in gist, a girl was caught up in a project for a while now, but this time around I’m dropping all the gems at once. (no carry over to 2020) Kindly read everything you need to know about Kano and Bauchi Here… Have you ever been to a destination, and it’s nothing like what you’ve imagined, read or heard. Ha! Can we add Sokoto as one of the southern States in Nigeria? On my arrival, I saw my brothers from the East everywhere and immediately it felt like I was somewhere in Enugu or Onitsha.I didn’t get the Northern vibe and I thought, maybe it’s the area I stayed but as I moved around, I was convinced it has nothing to do with my resident. Sokoto is a city located in the extreme northwest of Nigeria, The name Sokoto (which is the modern/anglicised version of the local name, Sakkwato) is of Arabic origin, representing suk, ‘market’. It is also known as Sakkwato, Birnin Shaihu da Bello or “Sokoto, Capital of Shaihu and Bello“. Tips on Exploring Sokoto Sokoto is a small city mixed with all ethnic group, I.e it feels so homely that I felt I could run into anyone from back home. Most tourist attractions have no fixed price, you’ll be asked to pay anything for upkeep No special dress code for Sokoto, dress moderately always. Transportationion is relatively cheap within the city. Tourist Destinations in Sokoto Palace of Sultan of Sokoto Talking about a perfect blend of culture and modernization, the Sultan of Sokoto Palace is a 100/100. The Palace is beautiful inside and out, depicting culture and not taking out its cultural essence with constant renovations here and there.What do I expect from a palace of the head of all Muslims in Nigeria, his palace in Sokoto symbolizes the unity of the Nigerian Muslim Ummah. On my arrival at the palace, the guards were so nice and welcoming and they were kind enough to take pictures of me.Sadly, most Emirs was on a trip during my visit up north, it would have been nice to have a meet with some of them. Tomb of Usman Dan Fodio I first saw a documentary on this destination on a friend youtube channel and I was fascinated by how a whole building can be commissioned to be a tomb of a whole generation.The Usman Dan Fodio tomb, is the tomb of an Islamic scholar and the acknowledged founder of the state, Shehu Usman Dan Fodio and it’s located within the state, 3mins drive away from the Sultan of Sokoto Palace.close to Shehu’s Mosque. Waziri Junaidu History and Culture Museum. If you follow up my stories on Instagram, you will remember this place.On getting to the beautiful and well-structured museum, It was sad that I couldn’t get a guide to take me around and share with me the wonderful history of the people of Sokoto. I waited a long while, all to no avail.The Waziri Junaidu History and Culture Museum was established in 1973. The museum has an assortment of over 500,000 historical treasures that tell the story of the Sokoto people. There are various displays of the cultural relics and artifacts of the local people archived for public consumption when visitors come into the museum; and it is a place where school children and senior students can learn a lot about the past ways of the people.(Wikipedia). I enjoyed my visit to Sokoto so much that I decided to stay back one more day than budgeted, it just feels welcoming and I had my most rest there.A nightlife at the pinnacle hotel with Peppersoup and can of chilled malt to cool my temper after an eventful day was needed for my soul and I went for it. The peppersoup was made by some Igbo women, and it didn’t taste too faraway from Lagos delicacy. Thinking of where to lodge closer to these destinations, check out pinnacle hotel. I also did a little shopping in the biggest market in Sokoto. Got this cute Jalabiya for a token. Hotels in Sokoto are quite on the high side but pinnacle seems to be affordable when I tried booking on bookings.com. The vicinity is beautiful with a touch of nature. The next state we will be visiting from here is Kano(The Mega City) read about it here https://alarinka.com/northern-chronicle-kano-mega-city-episode-5/ See you in the next episode. Your Alarainka cares
The Chronicle Of Northern Nigeria: PLANNING A TRIP TO ZAMFARA NIGERIA
Welcome back to another episode of the northern chronicles (episode 4). I know y’all getting curious and eager to see how this going to end! lol.But wait! “Any boys before flowers fans In here (yes! That popular Philippine movie that almost did not end)”If you do! I’m glad to inform you that you’re in for another blockbuster lol. So before we proceed, missing the previous episodes of this docu-series is equivalent to missing not seeing “ku jum pio face on your screen”..Quickly catch up here( we will wait for you) https://alarinka.com/the-northern-nigeria-you-dont-know-a-message-to-the-rest-of-nigeria/ Today! I’m taking you around Zamfara state, The home of Agro-Productions ( Any farmer in here) In this episode, We will be having interesting revelations, so take your time, grab some popcorn, a bottle of chilled coca-cola and enjoy the ride.. Let’s plan the trip to Zamfara So let’s plan. Moving from Point A to point B.Kastina to ZamfaraTime duration: 3hoursTransportation: 1,700Car: 4 passengers at the back, 2 at the front.For convenience’s sake, you might want to pay for two seats.It wasn’t funny at all, I felt like Titus in a sardine can. Now that we are here… •Some Short Info about exploring Zamfara.It’s safeDress appropriately but there is no cause for alarm.Transportation is extremely cheap Top Places Places to Visit In Zamfara let’s get into the countdown . 1: Kwatakashi Hills Kwatakashi hills was the first on my list of places to see in Zamfara, and it lived to my expectations and more.It is located in Maru Local Government Area; a distance of about 34km from Gusau. Kwatakashi Rocks is a must-see in Zamfara, you don’t want to miss the magnificent rock formation. The Kanoma was said to be a shield that provided the kanoma people protection against enemies during tribal war. What to know before visiting Kwatakashi hill-No tour guide on site-it’s a daring climb to get a good view of the rock-No entrance fee-Learn to ask for directions( I was moving on round on the same spot for a couple of minutes because my map kept on navigating in the wrong direction.-A bike is the perfect means of transportation to navigate around the city.-These destinations are quite a throw stone from one another, so you might want to start your day early. The view from the rock is so beautiful, it’s said that there is a spring somewhere in the rocks but I couldn’t get to see it because I was with some bunch of beautiful kids I met that acted as my tour guide.These kids are my highlights for the day. Namoda’s Tomb, Kaura Namoda.Kaura Namoda’s tomb is an hour’s drive from Gusau.It’s a tomb of a warrior Namodo, who wasappointed Sarkin Yaki of the eastern campaigns of the Sokoto Jihad. After earning a name for himself during the Jihad, he moved southward, establishing his new base on the banks of River Gagare, calling the town Kaura Namoda. He was killed by the forces of Kiyawa in 1802 and his tomb is now a place of visit for thousands of people annually. Emir of Anika’s Palace Accessing Anika’s palace is quite easy but there is a time frame to which you can be allowed to see the museum.In the North! You won’t be allowed to see the emir’s palace once the Emir is not around.I was unlucky as mostly all the Emirs in each state are out of the country, The palace has two gates located at the western part directly adjacent to the central mosque and it has undergone renovations over time. The palace has a museum in which various artifacts and objects used in warfare are been kept. The palace is pretty beautiful and it’s a picture-perfect zone. Other attractions:-Sambo Dan Ashafa Tomb -The Zamfara state museum: The museum was undergoing some renovation.It is maintained by Zamfara State History Bureau and it houses a significant collection of artifacts and relics of the Zamfara Kingdom. -Kiya city wall. The ruins of the wall that was captured by Namods men after the war is said to be a place to see but the path to the destination is unsafe at the moment due to lack of maintenance and bad road network. Thank you for tuning in on today’s Episodes of “The Northern Chronicles”Kindly Subscribe to keep up with updates on this blog. Let’s connect! Follow me on Instagram and Twitter to stay updated.
The Chronicle of Northern Nigeria: Exploring Katsina State(episode 3)
Katsina state did live up to its slogan “The home of hospitality:” if I could have my way, it is a state I can relocate to. Hello Lovelies, welcome back to a fresh episode of my Northern chronicle and I want to believe it worth your time considering the fact that you’re back here to read up the new episode, I promise to make it worth more. And if you’re just tuning in, welcome to the family, you haven’t missed so much, you can read up other episodes via the link below.https://alarinka.com/the-northern-nigeria-you-dont-know-a-message-to-the-rest-of-nigeria/ And yes! there is fura and chin-chin at the back for refreshment. Now to the other of the day Katsina was my starting point exploring up north, it was meant to be Sokoto but you already got the gist about the delay in Episode two, so I might just jump right in into today’s Tea. My dear Katsina, where should I start this gist from…Katsina is the proper setting of the north I had Pre- imagined which I thought was far from civilization and modernization. A city with beautiful walls, ranging from their Emir palace to random buildings by the roadside. If you want the best Fura, katsina is the place. Things to know before exploring Katsina-Dress Appropriately: The city respect their moral and cultural values, so you’ll never catch their women exposing their skin, every average girl on the street have their heads covered in veils and dressed mostly in long gowns.Go with a scarf preferably. -Transportation in Katsina is inexpensive, you can tour the whole town on a bike. -Only a few understand English- it’s advisable to make sure the bike man that will be conveying you around understands English, this way communication with the locals will be easier. -You can explore the whole tourist attractions in a day. -Most of the guides at the tourist attractions are mostly not on sit, you’ll have to wait for them while they help you gets in touch with them. Places to visit in KatsinaThe Gobaru Minaret-The Gobarau Minaret has constructed over 300 years ago – of baked clay and mud. It is a 50-foot or 15-meters minaret located at the center of Katsina city.If you want to see the beauty of a city called Katsina, the rooftop of Gobaru is the place.it has been used as a central mosque, an Islamic center for higher education and a high tower for spotting chaos perpetrators. 2: The Katsina Teacher’s College.-The Katsina Teacher’s College was built in 1921, it is the oldest institution of higher learning in northern Nigeria. It was declared a Historic Monument on April 23, 1959. Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and Alhaji Sir Ahmadu Bello graduated from this Old Training College. 3:THE KUSUGU WELLThe Kusugu well is a 1hr15mins drive from the center of katsinaIt is located in a town called Daura, another local government in Katsina.It was said that there used to be a mysterious snake which restricts the people of Daura to fetch water only once a week. The giant snake Sarki was killed by the sword of Bayajida in the 10th century.The well and the sword that was used to kill the formidable snake can still be seen by tourists today. 4:The National MuseumTo learn about history visit the museum.This museum was established in 1921 and it is located within the premises of the Old Katsina Training College. It was declared a Historical Monument and a national museum in 1989. It houses various archaeological artifacts from all over the state and throughout the northern states of Nigeria.Well maintained. 5:The Emir palace in Daura:This is the only location where my lies of being a student didn’t work 😆.The palace is not easily accessible for visitors, you’ve to formally write them as prior notice or go with an id card to make your intentions of visiting clear.They sha bounce me sha 😂. 6: Take a stroll around some parts of the city:It’s has a vibrant and lively atmosphere in the evening, people going about their daily activities and night escapades. TIP Accommodation:They are really not many hotels in Katsina and the few available are quite affordable.You can use bookings.com to get accommodation details. Feeding:I had the best fura and yogurt in Katsina, if there was one thing I miss so much, it must be yogurt and Mansho Suya. Estimated Budget:If you get to break your trip to Abuja or Kaduna.Transport fare to Katsina is below 4,000Transportation round the city- 2kEntrance fee to tourist attractions: They are mostly free, but you’ll be asked to drop a stipend for maintenance. Where is the next destination to be explored after Katsina?IFf you are part of the community from Instagram, you already know the answer. if you are not, would you like to take a guess? Hint: it is a 3hours drive from katsina Alright, guys, that is that on today’s episode, I hope you are getting inspired to pack your bags already. Thank you all, see you same time, the same place this Thursday. Alarinka Cares
The Northern Nigeria you don’t know: A message to the rest of Nigeria
I’m going to be a heroI’m going go Lend a voice to themI’m going to document the sights and sounds of their harsh reality, their struggles, hardship, and chaos. The very intentional chaos that has built stumbling blocks between them and development, between them and non-northerners and also their issues with westernization. That was my mission! The moment I finally let go of the negativity reports and feedback I got, regards my plans to explore North. They need help! They must need help.People need to hear their voices. Would you blame me for having this kinda thought of trying to go have the first-hand experience and change the existing negativity narratives? I was shocked, amazed and angry all at this same time. “But this was not what I heard or read, this is a different story,” I thought to myself. The North you don’t know!The north you don’t know is peaceful, easy-going, welcoming and nice, beautiful and magnificent, different from the other walls of cities I’ve known or seen. The North you don’t know!Are happy people living their daily lives by upholding their culture with a bright smile, with their radio held on their wheelbarrows as they go about making their daily bread. Their women are beautiful, graciously dressed, ready to help before you ask, looking elegant in their hijabs and long socks. The North you don’t know! Their children are free, happy and cute. They mostly play around in their panties, some are on the street helping their families, going to the farm. The north you don’t know! On the daily, working hard to serve as the food basket of the nation( rice, pepper, onions, meat etc) yet the rest of Nigeria is busily outcasting them. What a shame! I forgot about my mission, the nonsense voice I was hoping to be, the help I was hoping to render.They don’t need me to save them, I need them to save me, from all the negativities I’ve been fed, from all the news that had made me scared over the years and neglected them.I need them to save me so I can save the rest through them, All I have heard is bomb blast that had destroyed and ripped some of their wealth, homes and happiness, herdsmen that have killed some fathers and rendered the home useless without a head figure. All I’ve heard is of chaos, disaster and how unsafe it is for a non-northerner who doesn’t understand their language or isn’t familiar with their culture to dwell among them. The north has gone through different chaotic phases due to insurgencies which undoubtedly has led to massive killings and kidnappings…yet they seem to be the happiest people ever contrary to what I had imagined. The North is not frightened, they have accepted their fates and they’ve learned to live to be happy, they are brave and fearless, they are made of thick skin and their experiences have made them choose happiness over resentment. The North you don’t know! The north you don’t know doesn’t need you to save them, they need you to see them.To embrace them, to visit them, to come to live with them, to eat and dine with them.Because this is the only way to truly know them and help change the narrative. Changing the narrative by telling others about how peaceful they made you feel, how homely it was while your visitation lasted..only this way will non-northerners be able to break down the fearful walls we’ve built for years. Only this way, will investors find it a good ground to make investments, foster growth and create opportunities. The north you don’t know!Is the one you’ll never know until you choose to know… The North you don’t know is the one you will never know,untill you choose to know- Alarinka2019 I hope you guys had an amazing time reading and viewing today, thank you for returning.see you next week Alarinka cares
The Chronicle Of Northern Nigeria: The Road Trip(Episode 2)
Welcome back! Let continue the gist, shall we? there is chin-chin and fura at the back for refreshment, please grab a seat. As you all already know, I’m the Queen of road trips(Alarinka of Africa😂) but if you know you are capable of spending 48hrs on the road like me, then I’d call for a collab. On the 14th of October, I began searching and enquiring all through the transportation companies in Lagos simply get a bus to convey me to Sokoto.Yes! Sokoto was meant to be our starting point but let’s get back to the gist. At the late hour of the day, I put a call through a transportation company called “Cross country” to confirm if truly they will be leaving from Lagos to Sokoto directly. Lo and behold, their customer service personnel confirmed it and gave me a terminal closed to my house to book my bus. How much sir, I asked, he replied 12k and I paid with all the excitements in me that I’m about to begin this unknown adventure I’ve been warned not to embark on. 14th of October 2019, I left my house at exactly past 5 am due to the information that was given to me the day before by one of the officials that our bus was to leave by 6 am. On getting to the terminal, I discovered we were intentionally misinformed just so, Brethren it ended in hot tears. We actually didn’t leave Lagos till 10:am, a journey of over 16hrs hadn’t started by 10 am ha? I kept my cool. 30mins into the ride, the driver started talking stylishly that his last bus-stop was Abuja(still no information was passed on how I was going to get to my destination). On getting to Ijebu Ode at exactly 12:15 pm, this driver had to drop a woman going to Lokoja and gave her 2k that they will be taking her back to their park because the bus that was meant to take her to Lokoja already left( whaaatttt, just like that, in no respective manner)I and a woman intervened and we almost got beaten us up and were exchanging abusive words.. Let’s not talk how mannerless and reckless the driver was! From 6:00 am to 8 pm I was still not in Abuja. 15th of October at exactly 2 am, we made it to Abuja, Nigeria. it was raining on getting to the park, and this was all we were offered, seats outside in the cold, with mosquitoes having their best super yet. Take this as a stern insight.“Don’t ever embark on a Lagos to Sokoto Journey at a stretch”.Break the trip, Abuja is a very good starting point and if you can leave Lagos early, Kaduna is another option to start from. Thanks to a plug from Instagram turned friend @abujacitytourist for giving me shelter. Thank you, Remi. I’m still looking for a way to drag the whole of Cross country for what they did but I guess that’s a battle for another day. Have you ever been in this kind of situation? if you were in my shoes what would you do? l will be in the comment section. Thank you all, see you same time, same place this Thursday. Alarinka Cares