Sokoto: Seat of the Caliphate

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.