Bagwai

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF BAGWAI LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Bagwai Local Government Area is a fast developing local government strategically located in Kano State. It is made up of 27 villages and 10 wards and was created in 1989.

HISTORY

Bagwai Town is almost 200 years old and was founded by Fulani herdsmen under Mallam Haruna Shua the first village head. Seven village heads have since succeeded him to-date.

The name ‘Bagwai’ was derived from a number of Baobab trees that dotted the route from Bichi and which the early settlers used to call ‘Kukar Bagga’ and later changed to ‘Bagwai’. The early settlers of Bagwai came from Bebei with their cattle in search of grazing land and water, both of which they found at Bagwai.

HISTORICAL SITES

Bagwai Local Government has some historical sites such as the twin (Mother and Child) rocks at Dutsen Taguwa, Farin Rakumi in Unguwar Sarki Rafi, Matsefi and Gajel Hills at Galawa Villages.

These sites are as old as the town itself and very dear to its people. The relics of past and ancient activities can also be found. Old and abandoned footpaths, utensils and accessories long forgotten, dried wells and near collapsed mud houses are all evidences of sites that had seen many generations.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

The rocks at Dutsen Taguwa along with the hamlet of the first village head (Gidan Kudendan) and (Gidan Dagashin Bagwai) rank among the oldest buildings in the town.

Tradition has it that these imposing rocks was where the first Fulani camel riders used as resting place in the course of their journeys.

These rocks provided for them a safe heaven from invaders and dangerous animals.

MINERAL RESOURCES

Bagwai Local Government has in abundance mineral resources such as Tantalite, White Lime, Kaolin and Coal at Watari, Dangwaniki and Saburi. These minerals have great economic and industrial potentials.

Tantalite and Lime are used in construction and building of roads and structures while coal is used for domestic and industrial purposes to generate fire for cooking and to power engines in industries.

LIVESTOCK AND FISHRIES

Bagwai Local Government being an area predominant with farmers and cattle rearers, the issue of livestock cannot be overemphasized.

Donkeys and cows are used as transport for goods and humans to and from the farm.

There are ox-drawn vehicles to carry crops to and from markets, and even donkeys are used to draw water from the rivers and the wells. Cattle, Goats, Sheep and local chickens are tended for consumption and commence.

Fish are sought for at the Water Dam and its reservoirs by fishermen.

CASH AND FOOD CROPS

Rice, Groundnuts, Sorghum, Millet, Cow-Pea, Wheat and Vegetables are cultivated at Bagwai. Fruits such as Mango, Guava, Cashew, Orange and Paw-Paw are also cultivated for consumption and commercial purposes.

MARKETS

At Bagwai Local Government Area there are a number of markets such as; the Kasuwan Laraban (Wednesday) and the Kasuwan Lahadi (Sunday) markets. People come from far, near and wide to trade their goods and these markets have become a meeting point for people. Money changes hands in response to goods demanded.

ARTS AND CRAFTS

Bagwai Local Government Area is noted for its local tanners, black and white smiths weavers, Tool makers, Bracelets and Fulani Dresses.

Local tanners get their raw materials from the hides and skins of the daily slaughtered animals, which the tanners sundry and treat to make different articles such as slippers, bags, wallets etc.

The Blacksmiths too are very busy making hoes, cutlasses, shovels for farmers and implements for domestic uses.

The Local Fulani dress makers use a combination of treated cotton now twined into thread to design and embroider dresses for both male and female.

In fact the activities of weavers (matsagar) are very popular here at Bagwai.

You see them in threes and fours with their instruments of weaving in an open space, busy producing cloths mainly for sale.

The supervising authority for the 44 Local Government Areas and the Emirate Council, ensuring effective administration and grassroots development across the state.

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Ministry For Local Governmant and Chieftaincy Affairs, Kano State.