Bida, Nigeria
Region: Niger State
Geographic Coordinates: 9.080400, 6.010000
Temperature Range: 18.0°C to 38.0°C (64°F to 100°F)
Climate: Bida has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: a dry season from November to March and a wet season from April to October.
Population: 173849
Language: Hausa
Bida is a city situated in Niger State, Nigeria. The town is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and history and is one of the oldest settlements in the state. The population of Bida stands at over 200, 000 people, And it’s located on the banks of River Kaduna. One of Bida’s most intriguing features is its traditional architecture. The city has unique mud houses with intricate designs and patterns that serve as natural insulation against the hot climate while also being beautiful.
The town has a long history of crafting exquisite pottery, Weaving, And dyeing fabrics using natural dyes made from plants such as indigo and henna. These crafts have been passed down for generations. Bida also boasts a rich musical tradition dating back to ancient times. During festivals or celebrations in the city, Visitors can hear zanfada music played on various brass instruments like trumpets, Trombones, Tubas, And drums. The Emir’s Palace located in Bida serves as an important cultural center where visitors can learn about Bida’s royal history.
It was built-in 1857 by Emir Muhammadu Kudu Nasarawa before being renovated by his successor Emir Yahaya Hamza. For outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore nature while visiting Bida can hike up Mount Zuma Rock or take canoe rides along River Kaduna while fishing opportunities are available too. food lovers will find delight in trying out dishes like tuwo shinkafa (rice pudding), Miyan kuka (soup made from baobab leaves), And tsire (roasted peanuts). These dishes are must-tries for anyone visiting the city.
In conclusion, Bida offers visitors an opportunity to experience Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage through its unique mud houses to traditional crafts, Music, And food. There is something for everyone in this historic town.’
- Wadata Hill: A scenic hill located on the outskirts of Bida that offers a panoramic view of the town.
- Bida Emir’s Palace: A historic palace that serves as the traditional home of the Emir of Bida.
- Kainji Lake National Park: A vast national park located near Bida that is known for its diverse wildlife and scenic beauty.
- Gidan Kwano Museum: A museum located in Bida that showcases the cultural heritage of the Nupe people.
- Zungeru Historical Town: An ancient town near Bida that was once a colonial capital and is now known for its historic architecture and cultural significance.
- Gurara Falls: One of Nigeria’s most beautiful waterfalls, located about 50 km from Bida.
- Baro Port: An important river port on the Niger River near Bida that serves as a gateway to other parts of Nigeria and West Africa.
- Jebba Hydroelectric Power Station: A major hydroelectric power station located about 60 km from Bida that provides electricity to many parts of Nigeria.
- Lapai Archaeological Site: An archaeological site near Bida where artifacts dating back to prehistoric times have been discovered.
- The major industries and businesses in Bida, Nigeria are:
- Agriculture
- Trading
- Handicrafts
- The town is known for its production of:
- Yams
- Rice
- Corn
- Millet
- Other crops
- Trading is also a significant industry in Bida as it serves as a commercial hub for nearby towns and villages.
- Additionally, the town has a thriving handicraft industry with skilled artisans producing items such as:
- Pottery
- Weaving textiles
- Leatherworks
- Metalworks
- Other small scale industries include:
- Tailoring/fashion design businesses
- Food processing companies
- The establishment of the Bida Emirate by a group of Gwari people in the 15th century who migrated from Zaria. The city grew rapidly and became an emirate under Etsu Zubairu’s leadership in the 16th century.
- Etsu Nupe’s reign: In 1849, Etsu Nupe (Mallam Muhammadu) ascended to the throne as ruler of Bida Emirate, where he ruled for over 50 years with diplomacy and military prowess.
- Fulani Jihad: In 1804, Usman dan Fodio led a jihad against many Hausa states including Bida Emirate which resulted in significant changes to political power structures.
- British colonialism: Britain established its colonial rule over Nigeria including Bida Emirate in 1900.
- Ahmadu Bello: Ahmadu Bello was one of Nigeria’s prominent politicians who played an important role in Nigeria’s independence struggle as well as post-independence politics before his assassination on January 15th,1966.
- Ibrahim Babangida: General Ibrahim Babangida is a former Nigerian military ruler who hails from Niger State (where Bida is located). He served as President between August1985 – August1993).
- Mohammed Kudu Haruna : Mohammed Kudu Haruna was a prolific writer,journalist and media consultant whose works were published across several newspapers both locally and internationally.He hailed from Agaie,a town close to bida .
- Baba Ari : Baba Ari is an indigene of Bida and a renowned artist known for his paintings, sculptures, and installations exhibited worldwide.
- Nupe people are the dominant ethnic group in Bida Emirate, known for their rich cultural heritage that includes traditional dances, music, and festivals such as the annual Etsu Nupe’s Durbar festival.
- Bida Brass Works is a famous brass casting industry that has been in existence since the 16th century. It is known for its production of intricate brass artworks including statues, masks, and other decorative items sold locally and internationally.
- Bida Emir’s Palace: This historical monument showcases the traditional architecture and culture of the Bida people.
- Wushishi Transmitter Station: Built in 1963, this radio broadcasting station is one of the oldest transmitters in Nigeria and is still operational today.
- Federal Polytechnic Bida Museum: This museum houses artifacts, photographs, and documents related to the history of Bida and its people.
- Gbako Rock Formation: This natural wonder features towering rock formations shaped by erosion over millions of years.
- Kainji Lake National Park: Located just outside of Bida, this park offers visitors a chance to see wildlife such as elephants, baboons, antelopes, and more.
- Lapai Pottery Village: Known for its traditional pottery-making techniques passed down through generations, this village is located near Bida.
- Zungeru Historical Town: Once Nigeria’s colonial capital city with many historical landmarks like old railway stations & colonial buildings.
- Gurara Falls: About an hour’s drive from Bida lies these breathtaking waterfalls which are a popular destination for tourists in Nigeria.
- Eyo Festival – Lagos
- Osun-Osogbo Festival – Osogbo
- Durbar Festival – Kano and other northern states
- New Yam Festival – various parts of the country
- Argungu Fishing Festival – Kebbi State
It is possible that there are smaller local events and festivals specific to Bida that may not be widely known outside of the community itself.
- Tuwo Shinkafa: This is a popular Hausa dish made from rice flour and served with various soups or stews.
- Suya: A spicy grilled meat skewer that is a popular street food in Nigeria.
- Pounded Yam: A staple dish made from yam that is pounded until it becomes soft and stretchy.
- Kilishi: Similar to beef jerky but with a Nigerian twist, Kilishi is dried meat seasoned with spices.
- Alhaji Restaurant: This restaurant serves traditional Nigerian dishes such as jollof rice, fried rice, and pepper soup.
- Mama’s Kitchen: Known for its delicious Tuwo Shinkafa and other Northern Nigerian dishes.
- Bida Fried Rice Spot: This restaurant specializes in fried rice and offers various flavors like chicken, shrimp, vegetable among others.
- Kebbi Kitchen & Barbecue Spot: Popular for its grilled meats (suya) as well as other Northern Nigerian delicacies like tuwo shinkafa etc.
- Mama Amaka Restaurant : Serves both local delicacies of the Northern region of Nigeria including soups like Miyan Taushe etc., as well as intercontinental dishes such as Chinese noodles etc.
- Taste buds fast food : Offers both African/Nigerian foods such Jollof Rice , Egusi Soup , Pounded Yam alongside foreign dishes.
- Bida Polo Club: Offers horseback riding lessons and polo matches.
- Wadata Park: A public park with a playground for children and benches for relaxation.
- Gidan Kowa Park: A public park that features a small zoo with various animals like monkeys and peacocks.
- Emir’s Palace: Visitors can tour the palace grounds, learn about local history and culture, or watch traditional dances.
- River Niger Waterfront: A scenic spot along the riverbank where visitors can picnic or take boat rides.
- Local Markets: Bida has several markets where visitors can shop for souvenirs or local crafts like woven baskets or pottery.
Please note that this information is based on research only and may not reflect current conditions on the ground in Bida, Nigeria. It is always best to check with local authorities or tourism offices for up-to-date information before planning any travel or recreation activities in an unfamiliar area.
