The Katsina State Government has commenced the implementation of recommendations aimed at revitalising historical sites and promoting the state’s rich cultural heritage, with an implementation committee embarking on inspections of key heritage locations and cultural assets across the state.
The committee, chaired by Dr. Mustapha Shehu, has begun visits to major historical sites to assess their condition, document existing facilities and determine the scope of restoration work required under the government’s heritage development programme.
The initiative also includes plans to improve the traditional Eid Durbar celebrations in the Katsina and Daura Emirates, a move expected to preserve cultural traditions, enhance the status of the emirates and promote tourism in the state.
Speaking during the inspection tour, the committee chairman, Dr. Mustapha Shehu, who was represented by his deputy and Katsina Emirate representative on the committee, Dr. Sada Salisu Rumah, said Governor Dikko Umaru Radda had placed high priority on preserving the dignity of the state’s traditional institutions and protecting its cultural heritage.
He explained that the implementation committee was established to execute recommendations earlier submitted by a panel of experts, with the objective of preserving Katsina’s historical and cultural legacy for future generations.
According to him, the initiative reflects Governor Radda’s commitment to safeguarding the prestige of the emirates and ensuring that the state’s cultural assets are properly documented, protected and promoted.
During a visit to Durbi Takusheyi, the committee identified locations for tree planting and the construction of boreholes to support irrigation and provide water for the local community. Members also assessed historical monuments that would require information boards and other visitor facilities.
The Galadiman Takusheyi, Alhaji Shamsu, commended the Katsina State Government and the Katsina Emirate for the attention being given to the historic site and pledged the community’s commitment to protecting it.
Other members of the implementation committee represent the Daura Emirate, the Ministry of Works, the Ministry for Local Government Affairs, the National Museum, Katsina, and the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.
On arrival in Daura, the committee paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Faruk Umar, to seek his blessing before inspecting the emirate’s historical sites.
Dr. Rumah briefed the Emir on the committee’s mandate, while the monarch praised Governor Radda’s foresight in initiating the programme, describing it as a landmark effort that would elevate the global profile of Katsina State’s traditional institutions.
The Emir also expressed confidence in the calibre of professionals appointed to the implementation committee and directed that they should be given every support required to carry out their assignment.
The committee subsequently visited Kusugu Well and the Ancient City of Daura, where members measured, documented and assessed facilities in line with the recommendations of the earlier expert committee, while identifying areas requiring restoration.
As part of efforts to improve the Eid Durbar tradition, the implementation committee, acting on the advice of the Emir of Daura, travelled to the Maigatari Horse Market in neighbouring Gumel Emirate to study its operations and identify suitable horses for use during traditional celebrations.
The delegation met with leaders of the horse dealers’ association, including its chairman, Alasan Barau, and the Buwaran Sarkin Gumel.
Horse traders advised the committee on sourcing quality horses at affordable prices and proposed the establishment of horse breeding and training centres to ensure a sustainable supply for future Durbar festivals.
The Emir of Daura reaffirmed his full support for the committee’s assignment.
“The people entrusted with this responsibility are capable individuals and they are my children. I have complete confidence in them,” the monarch said.
Speaking after the first phase of the exercise, Dr. Mustapha Shehu, through his deputy, Dr. Sada Salisu Rumah, said the programme consists of both short-term and long-term projects.
Dr. Sada Salisu Rumah
He said immediate priorities include restoring prominent heritage sites such as the Gobarau Minaret, Durbi Takusheyi and the Ancient City of Daura.
Among the recommendations already being implemented are the construction of protective perimeter fences around heritage sites, installation of entrance gates and the provision of information boards to improve site security and enhance visitors’ understanding of their historical significance.
On the Eid Durbar, Dr. Rumah said the committee’s assessment revealed a shortage of horses in some emirates.
He said one recommendation calls for district heads to be provided with horses, noting that horses remain an essential symbol of traditional authority and a key feature of the Durbar.
He added that the Emir of Daura advised the committee to begin its search for suitable horses at the Maigatari Horse Market because of the area’s long-standing reputation for horse breeding.
According to him, there are also plans to establish a horse breeding centre in Katsina State to ensure a steady supply of horses for future Durbar celebrations.
He disclosed that after completing its assignment in Gumel, the committee would continue inspections in Mai’adua and other designated locations.
The committee listed its major projects as the restoration of the Gobarau Minaret, revitalisation of Durbi Takusheyi, rehabilitation of the Ancient City of Daura, restoration of the historic Kusugu Well, improvement of the Eid Durbar in Katsina and Daura Emirates, provision of quality horses for district heads and the preservation of traditional customs that are gradually disappearing.
Upon completion of its statewide inspections and assessments, the committee is expected to submit a comprehensive report to Governor Dikko Umaru Radda to guide the full implementation of the state’s heritage preservation, cultural promotion and tourism development programme.
