BAUCHI STATE (PEARL OF TOURISM)
Bauchi State is located in the Northeastern part of Nigeria and is an agricultural State. Its vast fertile soil is an advantage for agricultural products which includes maize, rice, millet, groundnut and guines corn. Cattles and other livestock are also reared in the State. Bauch State is a heterogenous State with predominant tribes like Hausa, Fulani, Jarawa, Tangale, Waja, Balewa, Sayawa and Tarewa.Bauchi State is divided into 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs). They are:Alkaleri, Bauchi, Bogoro, Damban, Darazo, Dass, Ganjuwa, Giade, Itas/Gadau, Jama'are, Katagum, Kirfi, Misau, Ningi, Shira, Tafawa Balewa, Toro, Warji, Zaki. Bauchi state is indeed known as pearl of tourism……….
ARTS AND CRAFTS
Aside cultural festivities, bauchi state is known for its arts and crafts which include beautiful embroidered caps and gowns (known as babbanriga), fibre craft, and decorated calabashes. It is also very versatile in the production of metal works (such as weaponry), agricultural tools, pottery, and leather works. The leather works include the production of sitting poufs, bags, footwaers, footballs. Mat weaving is also a common craft in several Local Government Areas like Zaki, Ningi, Misau, etc.
The outstanding festivals include Durbar whose main feature is horse racing. The durbar features the parade of horses from the Eid-prayer ground to the palace of the traditional rulers where the horse-racing and other display of horse manship takes place.
Other festivals are the Kyaro war dance performed by the Warji ethnic groups, Afizere dance a traditional dance of the Jarawa people of Toro Local Government, Takai dance which is popular among the Hausa-Fulanis, Ngat-al-Bajar dance popular among the people of Dass Local Government, Lawurba dance peculiar to Sayawa people of Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro Local Governments, and Amanya, a naming ceremony festival among the Badawa people in Zaki Local Government.
The people of Bauchi State are know for their traditional wrestling and boxing dexterity, which attracts participants even from neighbouring countries of Niger, Chad and Cameroon Republics. The traditional wrestling is known as Kokowa while the traditional boxing is called Dambe.
Aside these festivals, the state also holds the Bauchi State Festival of Arts and Culture (BAFEST). This annual event is held among Local governments. It includes a display of various traditions of the people of the state in the fields of traditional dances, music, arts, crafts, and fashion designs, as well as inventions and innovations.
ATTRACTIONS IN BAUCHI STATE
Bauchi state is endowed with different types of attractions. These attractions include:
GUBI DAM:
The dam is a major source of potable water supply to Bauchi metropolis and its surroundings. It provides a total of 10 million gallons per day to the state. This site is serene and provides an enchanting view of the surrounding rocks. Apart from being a source of drinking water, it also serves as a source of water for irrigation.
SUMU WILDLIFE PARK:
Park in Ganjuwa Local Government. Other places of interest that abound in the state are the palaces in the six emirates.
TUNGA DUTSE:
A rock with more elaborate engravings than the Marshall caves. Legible writings cover an area on the sandstone rock embarkment of about 4m in length in Dwall River. The writings are legible; however, their age and meanings have not yet been determined.
ALKALERI MARKET:
An important attraction beside the national park at Yankari is the large Sunday market at Alkaleri Town. The market which is mainly for marketing grains and cattle also presents both locally manufactured and imported materials as well as gift and craft items. A visit to the market will reveal that most of the ingredients used in preparing traditional dishes and snacks. Close again is the Mainamaji village which provides tourists the opportunity to see the Fulani settlements in their natural environment.
GEJI ROCKS AND ITS PAINTINGS
This is another beautiful work of nature. It is located about 20 kilometers off Bauchi-Jos road and a further 10 kilometer drive northwards. The Rock paintings were probably the works of hunters or herdsmen who used the overhanging rocks as temporary shelter. It gives an insight into the form of ancestral art of the people. The Marshall cave named after the British Conservationist who discovered the caves in 1956 were considered a safe haven against animals and invaders during inter tribal wars. An interesting feature of the route is the presence of baobab trees with barks striped at the base. The tree barks are used for making ropes and jute bags used carrying farm produce by the communities in the area.
YANKARI GAMES RESERVE
Yankari Games Park in Bauchi State presents one of the landmark resource centres in Africa. The Park was built in1956 but was officially opened to the public in 1962. The Park is located around Gaji river in Alkaleri Local Government Area approximately 110 kilometers south-east of Bauchi Town. The gate to the park is located at Mainamaji village, about 43 kilometers to the park itself. It is a home of numerous endangered species with about 50 species of mammals including two categories of Elephants- the short nosed and long-curved tusks species, the dog-faced baboons, cheetahs, monkeys, rhinos, giraffes, ostriches, peacocks, lions, leopards, hyenas, buffaloes, roans’ antelopes, water bucks etc. The reserve’s water is a habitat to over 47 species of fishes, lots of hippopotamus and crocodiles. The park has over 350 species of birds making the Yankari one of the richest animal kingdoms in the world. Apart from its animal habitat, Yankari also contains many archeological, historical and cultural sites which combine to add beauty to its attraction as a tourist haven. The Yankari National Park is the premier game reserve in Nigeria. Yankari Park and Wikki Warm Springs are located around the Gagi River, approximately 1 1/2 hours by road, southeast of Bauchi Town. The beauty and size of The Yankari Game Reserve make it the most pop¬ular reserve in Nigeria. Set up in 1956 and opened to the public in 1962, the main game-viewing areas of the reserve are open all year round. Japanese, Western Europeans, Americans and Southeast Asian tourists visit this park in abundance. The reserve covers 2,058 sq. km. of savanna wood¬land and is well-stocked with elephants, baboons, waterbucks, bushbucks, oribi, crocodile, hippopotamus, roan antelope, buffalo and various types of monkeys. Lions are occasionally spotted as well, despite their natural cam¬ouflage. The best time to visit is between November and May, when tourists are likely to see more game since the dense vegetation has dried out and the animals congregate around the rivers.
The Wikki Warm Springs is one of the best features of the game reserves. Flood-lit at night, it is wonderful after a hot day’s game-viewing to relax in the warm water. The spring gushes out from under a cliff, where the water is at least 6 ft. deep, with a bathing area that extends for 600 ft. to an open area. The park is inhabited by a variety of birds, including the huge sad¬dlebill stork, golliath heron, bateleur eagle, vultures, kingflshers, bee-eaters and more. It is excellent for serious bird-watchers.
DUKKEY WELLS
Dukkey wells- were discovered by ancient men called the “Dukkeyed” people. About 132 wells are found dug in red sandstone area; 31 kilometer North West of Wikki Camp along Maimaji road. The wells were named after the famous dukkey slave transit camp established during the 19th century slave trade. The site was first used by the slaves and their masters when travelling from Dugum to Pali. The Wells were then believed to have been dug by the slaves and were used for water storage. According to Gloria who explains how people of the 19th century developed their own technology of reserving water to cope with water problems in the savannah.
MARSHAL CAVE
The Marshal cave was discovered by a British Conservationist known as Marshal. It has a length of 200 metres, is 10 metres deep, and between 30 and 80 metres wide. There are various caves of various sizes which are believed to have served as a settlement many centuries ago sheltering communities from wild animals and invaders.
MBULA ROCK (SACRED ROCKS OF DASS)
Dass is 48 kilometres from Bauchi town. Its people were believed to have been living in the present location since ancient times. The first Emir of Bauchi waged war against them, but could not defeat them because of the strong defense they had around them assisted by the famous Bula hill. At the foot of the sacred rocks are the remnants of the old buildings of the first’s Chief’s palace and his mosque.
ARTS AND CRAFTS
Aside cultural festivities, bauchi state is known for its arts and crafts which include beautiful embroidered caps and gowns (known as babbanriga), fibre craft, and decorated calabashes. It is also very versatile in the production of metal works (such as weaponry), agricultural tools, pottery, and leather works. The leather works include the production of sitting poufs, bags, footwaers, footballs. Mat weaving is also a common craft in several Local Government Areas like Zaki, Ningi, Misau, etc.
The outstanding festivals include Durbar whose main feature is horse racing. The durbar features the parade of horses from the Eid-prayer ground to the palace of the traditional rulers where the horse-racing and other display of horse manship takes place.
Other festivals are the Kyaro war dance performed by the Warji ethnic groups, Afizere dance a traditional dance of the Jarawa people of Toro Local Government, Takai dance which is popular among the Hausa-Fulanis, Ngat-al-Bajar dance popular among the people of Dass Local Government, Lawurba dance peculiar to Sayawa people of Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro Local Governments, and Amanya, a naming ceremony festival among the Badawa people in Zaki Local Government.
The people of Bauchi State are know for their traditional wrestling and boxing dexterity, which attracts participants even from neighbouring countries of Niger, Chad and Cameroon Republics. The traditional wrestling is known as Kokowa while the traditional boxing is called Dambe.
Aside these festivals, the state also holds the Bauchi State Festival of Arts and Culture (BAFEST). This annual event is held among Local governments. It includes a display of various traditions of the people of the state in the fields of traditional dances, music, arts, crafts, and fashion designs, as well as inventions and innovations.
ATTRACTIONS IN BAUCHI STATE
Bauchi state is endowed with different types of attractions. These attractions include:
GUBI DAM:
The dam is a major source of potable water supply to Bauchi metropolis and its surroundings. It provides a total of 10 million gallons per day to the state. This site is serene and provides an enchanting view of the surrounding rocks. Apart from being a source of drinking water, it also serves as a source of water for irrigation.
SUMU WILDLIFE PARK:
Park in Ganjuwa Local Government. Other places of interest that abound in the state are the palaces in the six emirates.
TUNGA DUTSE:
A rock with more elaborate engravings than the Marshall caves. Legible writings cover an area on the sandstone rock embarkment of about 4m in length in Dwall River. The writings are legible; however, their age and meanings have not yet been determined.
ALKALERI MARKET:
An important attraction beside the national park at Yankari is the large Sunday market at Alkaleri Town. The market which is mainly for marketing grains and cattle also presents both locally manufactured and imported materials as well as gift and craft items. A visit to the market will reveal that most of the ingredients used in preparing traditional dishes and snacks. Close again is the Mainamaji village which provides tourists the opportunity to see the Fulani settlements in their natural environment.
GEJI ROCKS AND ITS PAINTINGS
This is another beautiful work of nature. It is located about 20 kilometers off Bauchi-Jos road and a further 10 kilometer drive northwards. The Rock paintings were probably the works of hunters or herdsmen who used the overhanging rocks as temporary shelter. It gives an insight into the form of ancestral art of the people. The Marshall cave named after the British Conservationist who discovered the caves in 1956 were considered a safe haven against animals and invaders during inter tribal wars. An interesting feature of the route is the presence of baobab trees with barks striped at the base. The tree barks are used for making ropes and jute bags used carrying farm produce by the communities in the area.
YANKARI GAMES RESERVE
Yankari Games Park in Bauchi State presents one of the landmark resource centres in Africa. The Park was built in1956 but was officially opened to the public in 1962. The Park is located around Gaji river in Alkaleri Local Government Area approximately 110 kilometers south-east of Bauchi Town. The gate to the park is located at Mainamaji village, about 43 kilometers to the park itself. It is a home of numerous endangered species with about 50 species of mammals including two categories of Elephants- the short nosed and long-curved tusks species, the dog-faced baboons, cheetahs, monkeys, rhinos, giraffes, ostriches, peacocks, lions, leopards, hyenas, buffaloes, roans’ antelopes, water bucks etc. The reserve’s water is a habitat to over 47 species of fishes, lots of hippopotamus and crocodiles. The park has over 350 species of birds making the Yankari one of the richest animal kingdoms in the world. Apart from its animal habitat, Yankari also contains many archeological, historical and cultural sites which combine to add beauty to its attraction as a tourist haven. The Yankari National Park is the premier game reserve in Nigeria. Yankari Park and Wikki Warm Springs are located around the Gagi River, approximately 1 1/2 hours by road, southeast of Bauchi Town. The beauty and size of The Yankari Game Reserve make it the most pop¬ular reserve in Nigeria. Set up in 1956 and opened to the public in 1962, the main game-viewing areas of the reserve are open all year round. Japanese, Western Europeans, Americans and Southeast Asian tourists visit this park in abundance. The reserve covers 2,058 sq. km. of savanna wood¬land and is well-stocked with elephants, baboons, waterbucks, bushbucks, oribi, crocodile, hippopotamus, roan antelope, buffalo and various types of monkeys. Lions are occasionally spotted as well, despite their natural cam¬ouflage. The best time to visit is between November and May, when tourists are likely to see more game since the dense vegetation has dried out and the animals congregate around the rivers.
The Wikki Warm Springs is one of the best features of the game reserves. Flood-lit at night, it is wonderful after a hot day’s game-viewing to relax in the warm water. The spring gushes out from under a cliff, where the water is at least 6 ft. deep, with a bathing area that extends for 600 ft. to an open area. The park is inhabited by a variety of birds, including the huge sad¬dlebill stork, golliath heron, bateleur eagle, vultures, kingflshers, bee-eaters and more. It is excellent for serious bird-watchers.
DUKKEY WELLS
Dukkey wells- were discovered by ancient men called the “Dukkeyed” people. About 132 wells are found dug in red sandstone area; 31 kilometer North West of Wikki Camp along Maimaji road. The wells were named after the famous dukkey slave transit camp established during the 19th century slave trade. The site was first used by the slaves and their masters when travelling from Dugum to Pali. The Wells were then believed to have been dug by the slaves and were used for water storage. According to Gloria who explains how people of the 19th century developed their own technology of reserving water to cope with water problems in the savannah.
MARSHAL CAVE
The Marshal cave was discovered by a British Conservationist known as Marshal. It has a length of 200 metres, is 10 metres deep, and between 30 and 80 metres wide. There are various caves of various sizes which are believed to have served as a settlement many centuries ago sheltering communities from wild animals and invaders.
MBULA ROCK (SACRED ROCKS OF DASS)
Dass is 48 kilometres from Bauchi town. Its people were believed to have been living in the present location since ancient times. The first Emir of Bauchi waged war against them, but could not defeat them because of the strong defense they had around them assisted by the famous Bula hill. At the foot of the sacred rocks are the remnants of the old buildings of the first’s Chief’s palace and his mosque.
posted by MOROLAKE AGBOLADE at
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