Sallah Durbar welcome message

It is my great pleasure to welcome you to Katsina State, the “Home of Heritage and Hospitality,” where history, culture, and tradition come alive. I kindly invite you to explore our ancient monuments, experience our vibrant festivals and immerse yourselves in the warmth of our people; so as to drive an unforgettable journey through time and heritage.

Our cultural festivals, including the Grand Durbar, are a spectacle of grandeur that showcases our rich and deep equestrian and cultural traditions and regal heritage. Indeed, it is a matter of great pride to note that the iconic Sallah Durbar, a cherished tradition that has endured for over two centuries, owes its origins to the religion of Islam coupled with a show of power and readiness to dispel any potential military threat by foes of the intertribal wars of yesteryears.

By the grace of Allah (SWT), we have just witnessed a splendid display of our culture during the Durbar that marked the end of the Muslim Fasting of the glorious Month of Ramadan. Here, I would like to remind us that, as far back as 1956, a Durbar was staged in Kaduna to honour Queen Elizabeth II, who was at that time the Colonial Head of the Nigerian State. Katsina picked the first place as it was only the Katsina contingent, led by His Royal Highness Alhaji Sir Usman Nagogo, which was given a standing ovation by Her Majesty the Queen and all the VIPs. That 1956 FIRST, reminds us of the numerous FIRSTS recorded by Katsina and Daura Emirates, thereby making Katsina State to stand out in Nigeria. Katsina and Daura Emirates, which now make up our dear Katsina State, were FIRST historically in many areas, a few of which I am listing here:

• The first and most famous Well in Nigeria is the Kusugu Well in Daura dug around 900 AD; and the first Palace to be built in Hausaland was that of Queen Daurama in Daura that was also built around 900 AD. Both monuments still exist.
• The first Hausaland Kings (Sarakuna) were the grandchildren of Prince Bayajidda and Queen Shawata of Daura who ruled the Seven Hausa States around 990 AD.
• The first and most famous Hausaland equivalent to today’s University was the Gobarau Islamic Centre Katsina, which was established in 1493 AD and affiliated to the famous Sankore University of Timbuktu. The minaret of the Mosque of that Centre is still standing tall in Katsina.
• The first Scholar to propagate Islam to Yorubaland and to write many Books that are still in use, including the one on the history of the Yoruba People, which is the first mention in writing of the Yoruba Tribe, was by the Katsina Scholar Sheikh Abu-Abdullah Muhammad bin Masani Al-Barnawi Al-Kashinawi, known as DAN MASANI (1595-1667)
• The first recorded Poem from Hausaland (currently on display at Arewa House Kaduna) was by the Katsina Sheikh Muhammad bin Muhammad Al-Sabbagh Al-Kashinawi known as DAN MARNA (1630-1675), who wrote a Poem in praise of King of Katsina Karya Giwa for his successful Jihad on 24th Safar 1070 AH (10th November 1659 AD). His other Poem was in praise of Sultan Ali ibn Umar of Kanem-Borno (1639-1677) for defeating the Jukum Kingdom of Kwararrafa.
• The first international famous Book from Hausaland was written on Astrology, Astronomy, Mathematics, and Trigonometry by a Katsina Scholar, Sheikh Muhammad bin Muhammad Al-Fulani Al-Kashinawi (1660-1743), who wrote it in Cairo, Egypt; and it is still in use!
• The first Book on Islamic Jurisprudence that was widely used in Hausaland was written by Katsina Sheikh Abdullah ibn Muhammad ibn Abdussalam Al-Futi Al-Kashinawi known as Abdullah Thiqah (1741-1802)

In addition to the above listed FIRSTS, Katsina State established the first College, the first Pharmacy School, the first Treasury, the first Agricultural Centre, the first Veterinary Centre and the first Sports Club in Northern Nigeria. Katsina State established the first Community owned Islamic University in West Africa and produced the highest handicapped Polo Player in Africa. Katsina State also produced the first and only Northern Nigerian Military Governor; the first Hausa/Fulani to become an Army General; the first Hausa/Fulani to become an Inspector General of Police; the first Northerner to broadcast on an international radio station; the first Northern Civil Engineer; the first two Northern Chartered Accountants; the first female Hausa/Fulani Doctor; the first Northern Veterinary Doctor; the first Northern Permanent Secretary; the first Emir to officially visit England; the first Emir to perform the Hajj; the first West African to travel for the Hajj by motor vehicle; the first two Northerners to become Lawyers; the first Northerner to become Chief Justice of Nigeria; the best Polo team in Nigeria; the first University Graduate President of Nigeria; etc, etc.

We shall, insha Allah, do everything possible to bring back those glories bestowed on us by our forebears, by our grand fathers; and by our grandmothers the Queens of Daura. As a Government, we pledge this to our good people of Katsina State.

Beyond history, Katsina is embracing modernity, with ongoing reforms aimed at boosting tourism, preserving our heritage, and expanding opportunities in the creative economy. During your visit, we encourage you to explore freely, engage with our local communities, and experience the hospitality that defines Katsina State. We are committed to ensuring that your visit is both enjoyable and enriching.

Once again, welcome, and we look forward to sharing the beauty and history of Katsina State with you.