Background History

The rich cultural heritage of the people is reflected in their mode of dressings, music, dance, craftsmanship and hospitality. Hausa culture and tradition have overshadowed others but the Fulani, Mangawa, Ngizimawa and Badawa still maintain their cultures and tradition in their areas of concentration. These are mostly seen through their mode of dressing, food processing and pattern of settlement.

As practicing Muslims the Eid-el-fitr and Ed-el-kabir (sallah) celebrations are the main festivities of the people and these cuts across ethnic barriers being a period of celebration for all Muslims all over the world. The Ed-el-fitr is celebrated on the 1st of shawwal which is the nineth month in the islamic lunar calendar to mark the end of the Ramadan fast while Ed-el-kabir is marked on the 10th of Dhull Hajj, the 12th month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The 12th of Rabiul Awwal which is the 3rd month of the Islamic calendar is marked as a day for maulud celebrations to commemorate the birth of the Holy prophet Muhammad (S.A.W). The celebration is popularly tagged sallar Gani in Hadejia and Gumel Emirates due to the fanfare associated with it. Other festivals of the people include kokawa (Traditional wrestling) and Dambe (Traditional boxing) mostly performed at the end of the harvest season. The Sharo (Traditional flogging) is restricted to the Fulani community. Fishing festivals do also take place in the state periodically as at when organized.