Jigawa is the eighth most populous state in Nigeria. Located in Nigeria’s northwest geopolitical zone, Jigawa seamlessly blends culture and modernization, creating an environment conducive to tourism.
Tourism in Jigawa, which is best known for its economic and social activities, is just beginning to develop. If you are dreaming of visiting, here are three things you can do when visiting Jigawa State.
Visit the Sawaba Monument
Ride the popular Keke Mai Kafa Uku i.eVolume. (white tricycle) and experience the sights and sounds of Dutse, the capital of Jigawa. Start at the Sawaba Monument in the Mallam-Aminu Triangle, reminiscent of Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) in Lagos. Learn about the history of the names written on the monument and their impact on Jigawa State. Then proceed to Dutse International Airport if you did not enter the state by air.
Remember to look out for the Gawo tree that stretches around Dutse. These trees have the opposite cycle to normal plants and bloom when other plants lose their leaves and vice versa. Also admire the rock formations scattered around the city, reminiscent of the town of Abeokuta, where the Olumo Rock is located.
If you don’t mind traveling, visit the Emir’s Palace in Dutse Gumel Kazaure or the dye factory in Ringim.
Create Beautiful Memories while Rock Climbing
Dutse means rock in Hausa. Not only the city is full of rock formations like the Dutse rock range, other parts of the state are also rocky. In Birnin Kudu LGA, people climb the plateaus to see the Birnin Kudu paintings (one of the oldest cave paintings in Nigeria, depicting human civilization between the Neolithic and Metal Ages).
You can also see old rock gongs that were once used to produce music or as alarm bells. Roni LGA also has a number of nearby rocks that are great for rock climbing and photography to remember your time in Jigawa.
Explore Nature’s Beauty
Jigawa has a lot to offer for ecotourism. You can also play golf and have a family picnic at the Royal Golf Course and Nature Park near the center of Dutse.
Royal Golf includes an amusement park, a golf course and a nature park. Here you can observe various tree species and wildlife such as antelopes, camels, crocodiles, fish and deer on 120 hectares of fenced grounds.
Finally, there is the opportunity for forest bathing in the Gwaram Forest Reserve.
Other notable places include Dabar Magini Bird Sanctuary in Guri LGA, Garin Gabas ancient cultural tourism settlement, Shadai Pond famous for its medicinal properties, Gwaram Ruins and Amaryawa Rocks.
