Daura
Daura is a town in Katsina State, North West Nigeria.
Understand
According to the Hausaland myth, the Daura Emirate is regarded as one of the Hausa Bakwai-“seven true Hausa states”.
The population of Daura was estimated to be 78,000 in 2021. Daura was once a part of Kaduna State but in 1987, it became part of the new Katsina State.
Get in
Daura does not have an international airport. The closest airport to Daura is Gombe Lawanti International Airport (GMO). The distance from Gombe Lawanti International Airport to Daura is 93.5 miles/150.5 kilometres.
- 1 Gombe Lawanti International Airport (GMO) (Sani Abacha International Airport).
Get around
See
- Kusugu well, Opposite Sarki Tafida house, ☏ +234 703 048 8000. Daily 8AM - 6PM. The Kusugu well is an ancient well which is now a tourist attraction centre. Kusugu well was discovered in the 7th century during the reign of Queen Daurama. According to traditional history, this well is where the hero Bayajidda defeated the snake Sarki. Back then, It was the only source of water for the people in those days was occupied by a dangerous snake which denied people access to the water except on Fridays. When Bayajidda, the son of Abdullahi the ruler of Baghdad, visited the town, he heard of the water problem and asked the way to the well. At the well, he put the calabash in and the snake seized it. He then pulled the snake to the surface and cut its head with his sword. The dagger he supposedly used is also on display.
Do
- Visit the Emir's Palace. 24hours. Emir Palace was constructed in the 18th century and is popular as a tourist centre because of its unique architectural structures. The palace was buildings that reflect the early 19th century northern Nigerian traditional architectural designs. The palace has a reception area, clinic, mosque, an old council chamber (tsohuwar majalisa), and a children’s playground.
- Attend Gani Festival. The Gani is an annual cultural festival celebrated in the ancient city of Daura. The Festival derived its name from the Hausa word ‘Gani’ which means “meeting”. The festival took a new form with the introduction of Islam in Daura. It is now the Islamic festival of Eid-el Maulud to commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). During the occasion, a colourful durbar is led by the Emir amidst drumming, singing, dancing, acrobatic displays and comedy. A display of horsemanship, costumes, attires and historical artefacts is put on display the festival. Gani is celebrated every 12th of Rabiul Awwal of the Islamic calendar.
- Kalankuwa. Kalankuwa is a post-harvest youth festival that started in 1935 and performed in celebration of the successful completion of the cropping season. The celebration is also to celebrate the coming of "Kaka" - a time of prosperity, abundant food, increased economic and social activities. An important activity that takes place during this festival is a kind of drama. In this drama, the youth imitate the Hausa traditional form of authority, which highlights the role of Sarki (King) as the political head of the community as well as the custodian of the people’s culture.
other activities like the Kalankuwa traditional wrestling, boxing, singing and dancing also take place. Kalankuwa takes place annually in villages like Shinkafi, Dankanjiba, Dutsen Safe, Rimin Guza, etc.
Buy
Eat
In Daura, there are popular delicacies that locals enjoy. These foods are indigenous to the northern part( north-west and north-central states ) of the country and visitors are advised to try them.
- Tuwo Masara: The word "Tuwo" in Hausa refers to any of the staple traditional Hausa foods. The word "Masara" in Hausa means corn. Tuwo Masara is usually made from corn, sometimes rice or millet flour.
- Miyan Karkashi: "Miyan" is the word for soup in Hausa language and "Karkashi" is a vegetable that is dried then ground into powder. A pinch of potash "Kanwa" is added to the powdered form of Karkashi and the mixture is whisked. This is done to increase the viscosity of the soup. The soup can then be taken with a swallow e.g Tuwo Masara.
Restaurants are not as many as you would find in Southern Nigeria especially modern restaurant that serve intercontinental dishes. It would be hard to find restaurants that serve intercontinental cusinies as the dishes are not really eaten by locals that reside there. Restaurants in Daura include:
- Alhaja Restaurant, ☏ +234 84 583 549. Daily 9AM - 11PM. Alhaja Restaurant offers customers dine-in, takeaway and delivery options.
General restaurants and places to eat are:
- City Restaurant Exclusive, Student Center Umaru Musa Yaradua University, ☏ +234 803 388 6223.
- Shalele Continental Restaurant & Hotel, Ring Rd.
Drink
In North West Nigeria, there are drinks that are indigenous to the people and place. In Daura, there are certain beverages that must be tried. They include
- Kunun Gyada also known as "Groundnut milk": is made from raw groundnuts and rice into a light porridge. It is similar to akamu also called pap or ogi, which is consumed in the southwestern region of the country.
- Kunu also known as "kununzaki": is another popular and indigenous drink. It is made from grain such as millet or sorghum, although some people use maize as well. The drink vary in colour depending on the ingredient used. When made from sorghum, it is a milky light-brown colour; and when ti is made from millet and maize, it is whitish in colour.
- Fura Da Nono: Fura da nono is considered a drink by some while for some, its a snack. The word 'Nono' in Hausa means "cow’s milk" and is sold by the Fulani women but many people prefer to use plain yogurt instead. Fura is millet dough balls. To make Fura da Nono, the Fura is mixed with Nono and sugar to taste. This is a drink mostly preferred when served cold however it can ve enjoyed otherwise. Fura is the most important food in Daura. The people of Daura drink flowers at all times, in the morning or during the day or at night. Most people drink Fura at lunchtime but most are drunk at night after dinner. Fulani women can be seen in every street selling Fura da Nono in Daura. Fura is also available in modern stores.
- Zobo: This is made from dried Roselle plant flowers. The flower plants are boiled with water, ginger and pineapple fruit and a bright red drink made. Others might add garlic, flavouring or other ingredients varying on a person's preference. It is best enjoyed when cold.
Sleep
- Daura Motel, Along Komgolam Road, Mai Adu (by the left side of the road just before Dan Marna filling station). Daura Motel is owned by Kastina State government. With ₦10,000 one can get a room..
- FGC Daura, Mamman Daura street, Along Kano-Kankia-Katsina Road.. This hotel is a 3-star hotel.
- Takare Guest Inn, 1 Mamman Dura Street.. Takare Guest Inn is close to Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.