Bauchi, Nigeria
Region: Bauchi
Geographic Coordinates: 10.315800, 9.844200
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 40.0°C (68°F to 104°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 693700
Language: Hausa
Bauchi is a state located in the northeastern part of Nigeria. It shares borders with six other states, Including Kano, Plateau, Gombe, Yobe, Taraba and Jigawa. The state has a population of over 5 million people and is home to several ethnic groups such as the Fulani, Hausa and Tiv. Bauchi is known for its rich history and cultural heritage. The state was founded in 1976 during the military regime of General Murtala Mohammed. Prior to this time, It was part of the Northern Region of Nigeria.
Bauchi has a diverse range of historical sites that reflect its cultural heritage such as the Yankari National Park which is one of Africa’s most popular wildlife reserves. One interesting fact about Bauchi is that it has some unique geological features such as hot springs which are believed to have medicinal properties. These hot springs can be found at various locations throughout the state including Gubi Lake and Wikki Warm Springs. Another notable feature in Bauchi State is its agriculture sector which plays a significant role in its economy.
The state produces crops such as maize, Rice, Millet and sorghum among others. Fishing also plays an important role in the economy with fish ponds dotted around different parts of the state. The education sector in Bauchi State has made significant progress over recent years with several tertiary institutions established within its borders including Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Federal Polytechnic Bauchi (FPB) and Federal College Of Education (FCE) Azare amongst others.
In terms of transportation infrastructure development within Bauchi State; there have been improvements made over recent years with ongoing road construction projects aimed at improving access to different parts within the region while also making travel easier for locals living within these areas. tourism remains an important aspect within Bauchi State due to its numerous attractions like ancient rock formations, Natural springs and wildlife reserves. With a vast range of tourist attractions and investment opportunities in various sectors, Bauchi State is an ideal destination for tourists looking to explore Nigeria’s cultural heritage while also experiencing the country’s rich history.
- Yankari National Park
- Tafawa Balewa Tomb Complex
- Emir’s Palace
- Wikki Warm Springs
- Sumu Wildlife Reserve
- Gubi Lake and Resort
- Bauchi Central Mosque
- Kariyo Hill Resort
- Assum Island Game Reserve
- Burra Rock Paintings
Major Industries and Businesses in Bauchi, Nigeria
- Agriculture
- Cotton
- Groundnuts
- Maize
- Rice
- Sorghum
- Mining
- Limestone
- Clay
- Gypsum
- Coal
- Tourism
- Yankari National Park
- Manufacturing
- Textiles
- Leather products
- Food items
- Healthcare
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Education
- Primary schools
- Secondary schools
- Tertiary institutions
- Trading activities
- Wunti market
- The Bauchi Emirate is a significant traditional ruling system in Nigeria. It was founded as a city-state in the 14th century and later became part of the Sokoto Caliphate in the 19th century.
- Yankari National Park, located in Bauchi State, is one of West Africa’s most extensive game reserves, covering an area of over 2,000 square kilometers. It was established in 1956.
- Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was Nigeria’s first prime minister and served from 1957 until his overthrow and death during a military coup in 1966. He was born and raised in Bauchi State.
- Alhaji Shehu Shagari served as Nigeria’s president from 1979 to 1983 after serving as a federal minister under Tafawa Balewa’s government.
- The Boko Haram insurgency has affected many parts of northern Nigeria, including Bauchi State since its inception in the early 2000s, leading to numerous attacks on civilians and security forces.
- In May 2001, Nigerian soldiers attacked Zaki Ibiam village located near Benue state bordering Bauchi state killing over two hundred people mostly women and children; this event is known as Zaki Ibiam massacre.
- Isa Yuguda governed Bauchi State from May 2007 to May2015 under People’s Democratic Party (PDP) after serving previously as a minister under President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration.
- Bala Mohammed has been serving his first term as Governor of BauchI state since March2019; he previously worked as Minister for Federal Capital Territory between2010-15 under President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.
- Yankari National Park is a large wildlife reserve that boasts diverse wildlife, hot springs, and waterfalls.
- Bauchi Emir’s Palace is a historic palace that serves as the residence of the Emir of Bauchi.
- Wikki Warm Springs are natural hot springs located in Yankari National Park.
- Tafawa Balewa Tomb and Museum is dedicated to Nigeria’s first Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.
- Sumu Wildlife Park is a game reserve with various species of animals including lions, elephants, giraffes, and antelopes.
- Bauchi State Government House is the official residence of the Governor of Bauchi State.
- Zaki Ibiam International Market is one of the largest markets in Nigeria where visitors can buy local crafts and textiles.
- Buzaye Pottery Village is a village famous for its traditional pottery making techniques passed down through generations.
- Bauchi Central Mosque is an impressive mosque located in the heart of Bauchi city.
- National Museum Gidan Makama displays artifacts from across Northern Nigeria showcasing their rich cultural heritage.
- Football (soccer) is the most popular sport in Bauchi and Nigeria as a whole.
- The state has produced several football teams that have participated in national competitions such as the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL).
- Notable football clubs from Bauchi include Wikki Tourists FC, Ningi United FC, and Yarmalight FC.
- Basketball is also gaining popularity in Bauchi with more youth taking an interest in the sport.
- The state has produced basketball teams that participate in national competitions such as the Nigerian Basketball League.
- Other popular sports played in Bauchi include handball, volleyball, athletics (track and field), boxing, and wrestling.
- Durbar Festival: This is a traditional festival celebrated in Bauchi during Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. It involves a colorful parade of horses, camels, and other animals.
- Bauchi Cultural Carnival: This is an annual event that showcases the rich cultural heritage of the people of Bauchi State through music, dance, drama, and other forms of artistic expression.
- Gubi Lake Fishing Festival: This festival celebrates the fishing culture of the people living around Gubi Lake in Bauchi State. It features fishing competitions, boat races, and cultural performances.
- Yankari Game Reserve Festival: This festival celebrates the natural beauty and wildlife found at Yankari Game Reserve in Bauchi State. It features cultural performances by local tribes as well as guided tours of the reserve.
- Nafada Rice Festival: This festival celebrates rice farming in Nafada town located in Gombe State which is close to Bauchi state bordering it to its south-western part. It features exhibitions on rice farming techniques and equipment as well as cultural dances and music performances.
- Tafawa Balewa Day Celebration: This day commemorates Nigeria’s first prime minister Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa who hails from Tafawa Balewa town located within Bauchi state. The celebration includes speeches by government officials, parades by school children, traditional dances among others.
- Kalban Hill Climbing Event: This event takes place annually at Kalban hill near Toro Local Government Area (LGA) within Bauchi state. It involves hiking up Kalban hill which stands over 2000m above sea level with beautiful scenery along its path. The event also includes camping, cultural dances among others.
- Bauchi Film Week: This week-long event is organized annually to showcase Nigerian movies with emphasis on those produced within Northern Nigeria including Hausa language films. The event features workshops, seminars, film screenings and award presentations.
- Tuwo Shinkafa: A popular dish made from rice flour and served with different soups such as miyan kuka, miyan taushe, and miyan kubewa.
- Kilishi: A spicy beef jerky that is a favorite snack among locals.
- Danwake: A type of dumpling made from beans and served with a spicy tomato sauce.
- Masa: A type of rice cake that is fried and served with honey or other sweet toppings.
- Suya: Grilled skewered meat that is seasoned with spices and peanut butter paste.
Some popular restaurants in Bauchi, Nigeria include:
- Oasis Garden Restaurant: Known for its outdoor seating area and variety of local dishes.
- Tashar Gida Restaurant: Offers traditional Nigerian dishes in a cozy setting.
- Yahuza Suya Spot: Famous for its delicious suya meat skewers cooked over an open flame.
- The Grill House Restaurant & Lounge Bar: Offers a mix of African and continental cuisine along with a bar serving cocktails, wine, beer etc.
- Kilishi Palace: Specializes in kilishi (spicy beef jerky) but also offers other Nigerian dishes like jollof rice, pepper soup etc.
- Yankari National Park is a large wildlife park located in Bauchi State, Nigeria. It is home to a wide variety of animals, including elephants, lions, hyenas, baboons and many more.
- Sumu Wildlife Park is located in the town of Ningi and is home to a wide range of wildlife, including antelopes, monkeys and baboons.
- Tafawa Balewa Square is a public square located in the heart of Bauchi city that offers a great place for people to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
- The Emir’s Palace Garden provides visitors with an opportunity to experience traditional Nigerian architecture while enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
- Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Tomb & Park features beautiful gardens as well as a tomb dedicated to Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa who was Nigeria’s first prime minister.
- Dass Games Reserve is another wildlife reserve that offers visitors an opportunity to see various animals such as giraffes and warthogs among others.
- For golf enthusiasts seeking recreational activities in Bauchi, Bauchi Golf Course provides them with an ideal place for golfing amidst beautiful scenery.
- Zaki Biam International Market offers visitors the chance to shop for local crafts and souvenirs while also enjoying delicious local cuisine at nearby restaurants or food stalls within its vicinity.
