Katsina

Katsina is a Local Government Area and the state capital of Katsina State in northern Nigeria.[1] Katsina is located some 260 kilometres (160 mi) east of the city of Sokoto and 135 kilometres (84 mi) northwest of Kano, close to the border with Niger. In 2016, Katsina’s estimated population was 429,000.[2] The city is the centre of an agricultural region producing groundnuts, cotton, hides, millet and guinea corn[1] and also has mills for producing peanut oil and steel. The city is largely Muslim, and the population of the city is mainly from the Fulani ethnic group.

Former Nigerian President Umaru Yar’Adua was a nobleman of Katsina.[3]

The current Governor of Katsina is Aminu Bello Masari,[4] who was sworn in as the executive governor of the state on 29 May 2015, succeeding Barr. Ibrahim Shema.[5]

The Katsina Royal Palace ‘Gidan Korau’ is a huge complex located in the centre of the ancient city. It is a symbol of culture, history and traditions of ‘Katsinawa’. According to historical account, it was built in 1348 AD by Muhammadu Korau, who is believed to have been the first Muslim King of Katsina. This explains why it is traditionally known as ‘Gidan Korau’ (House of Korau). It is one of the oldest and among the first generation palaces, along with Daura, Kano and Zazzau. The palace was encircled with a rampart, ‘Ganuwar Gidan Sarki’ (which is now gone). The main gate which leads to the palace is known as ‘Kofar Soro’, while the gate at the backyard is called ‘Kofar Bai’ (now gone). The Emir’s residential quarters at the epicenter of the Palace is a large compound built in the typical traditional architectural style]].[6] The current Emir of Katsina is Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir Usman.a Fulani legacy