Spoiling for an adventure to the remote parts of Northern Nigeria? Sokoto State is
the first place that actually comes to mind because of its popularity
as the seat of the caliphate. This thriving caliphate dates as far back
as 1804 where a grounded and conspicuous system of governance was
instituted by Uthman Dan Fodio. Over the years, the city has preserved
its air of royalty and this legacy is being carried forward by the
Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, who is the custodian of culture
and the spiritual leader of Muslims.
Another
thing that stands Sokoto out is the Sahara desert. Laid bare for the
eyes to see is an unfiltered display of how the people have survived
desert encroachment for decades. All these combined have resulted in an
enviable way of life, an evergreen culture, and a resilient caliphate
that wields so much influence.
Sokoto
is among the earliest states created in Nigeria on February 3, 1976
with an estimated population of 4,244,399 and it has a total of 23 local
governments. One can fly into the Sadiq Abubakar 111 International
Airport in Sokoto from any airport in Nigeria. Jovago.com, Africa’s No 1 hotel booking portal unveils Sokoto where you are guaranteed a swashbuckling and idyllic adventure.
Top three sites
Sultan of Sokoto Palace
The
magnificent and imposing palace of the Sultan of Sokoto is located in
the center of the city. The Palace has gone beyond a mere edifice to
become a place for taking political decisions and making religious
pronunciations. In addition, it is a cultural and traditional haven
where you will see relics of the different Sultans of Sokoto like
regalia, robes as well as turbans. The Sultan’s Palace has also become a
tourists attractions welcoming quite a substantial number daily.
Surame Cultural Landscape
The
Surame Cultural Landscape is on the tentative list of the UNESCO’s
World Heritage Site. It was enrolled on this list on the 8th of October
2007. The ancient kingdom existed in the 15th and 16th centuries
according to the World Heritage Site reviews. Despite the seeming
extinction of its ancient tombs, you will still see clear signs of the
place being inhabited for decades. This is a clear indication of Hausa
civilization.
Sokoto Museum
This
is a museum that holds artifacts and monuments of the ancient okoto
Caliphate. The museum revolves around the supposed founder of the city –
Uthman Dan Fodio. On display here are some of his private belongings
like his throne, regalia, sword, map and other items.
Sleeping
There
are quite a number of hotels domiciled in Sokoto. Since getting a
quality hotel and the best prices are currently guaranteed by
Jovago.com, you don’t need to worry about where to rest for the night.
Some of the available hotels are Shukuru Coral hotel, Grand Ibro Hotel, and Golden view hotel.
Unwinding
The
big restaurants are scantily located in different parts of the city as
there are more low budget restaurants than eateries. They include Sayala restaurant limited, Majaddas restaurant and snacks, Abusi Do restaurant, Maslaha restaurant and Hajia Rukayat restaurant.
Shopping
The
level of development in Sokoto cannot be compared to that of Lagos or
Kano despite the fact that it has existed for less than a century. So,
you rarely find the big malls in Sokoto. Not that they are not available
but they are not much. To fill up this space are the small kiosk and
malls like All ages bookstore, Kofar Rini Electronics, Scanwel Nigeria limited and Spectrum books limited.
Fun fact
The
Sokoto Caliphate is one of the most powerful traditional institutions
in Nigeria. The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar leads thousands
of Muslim adherents in the country and he is a first class traditional
ruler. In addition, he is the 20th Sultan of Sokoto.
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