Kaduna State is a popular city in the north-central geopolitical zone of Nigeria with the capital also known as Kaduna. It was created in 1976 out of the old Northern Region of Nigeria. The state derived its name from KADA, which is Hausa word that means crocodile – kaduna is a plural word for KADA. The presence of crocodiles in the river gave birth to the name, ‘River Kaduna’ from which the state derives its moniker. The state has recorded continuous growth to the level of being the commercial hub of northern Nigeria. The major occupation is agriculture, comprising crop production and animal husbandry.

Although Katsina state was carved out of Kaduna state in 1987 there are still many ethnic groups in Kaduna, but the major ones are Hausa, Fulani, Jaba, Gbagyi, Bajju, Adara, Kadara, Kagoma, Kurama, Gwong, Gure, Numana, Atyap, Moro’a, Kaninkon, Koro , Ninzo, Kagoro and Ham. The state shares boundaries with Katsina, Zamfara, Kano, Bauchi, Plateau, Niger states and the Federal capital Territory, Abuja.

The people of Kaduna are hospitable and accommodating and its topology, noted for tourism which is evident in its cultural festivals and many tourist attractions that abound in the state. The notable among the festivals are the following:

Kaduna State Festival of Arts and Culture: This is an annual festival organized by the State Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The festival serves as an avenue for the twenty three local government areas that make up the state to come together and showcase their culture, talents and skills. The festival breeds unity among the different ethnic groups in the state.

Durbar Festival: This is an annual festival that takes place during sallah. Men are seen in beautiful garment and regalia. The festival features horse-riding, religious and cultural displays among others. It brings together thousands of people in very happy mood.

Afan Festival: It is an annual festival celebrated by the Kagoro people of the south of Kaduna state. The festival symbolizes an end of the annual grains harvest and the beginning of hunting expeditions. The festival features traditional dances and other exciting activities.

Kalankuwa Cultural Festival: Celebrated by the people of the northern part of Kaduna state after the harvest season, Kalankuwa is a thanksgiving festival. It takes place between November and December at Bomo, a village in Sabon Gari Local Government Area of the state.

Tuk-Ham: Celebrated by the people of Jaba tribe, Tuk-Ham which features traditional and cultural displays, takes place during Easter Holidays annually.



Apart from the festivals, there are a number of tourist destinations that attract thousands of people to Kaduna State. Some of them are discussed below:

Emir’s Palace, Zaria: The Emir’s palace, which is very rich in cultural artifacts and rare architectural design is located at the opposite of the central Mosque in Zaria.

Amalgamation House: This historic house is the building where amalgamation of the Northern and the Southern Protectorates was declared in 1914 by Lord Lugard. The cease fire that ended the Nigerian civil war in 1970 was also declared in this building.

The Nok: The Nok is a famous archeological site where the Nigeria’s much studied terracotta sculptures originated around 500BC. It witnesses frequent visits by tourists from both within and outside the country.

Lord Lugard Residence: It is a one-storey building that where Lord Lugard, who amalgamated Nigeria resided. It is located right opposite the amalgamation house.

Lord Lugard Hall: Regarded as the centre of political power in northern Nigeria, the hall is the former House of Assembly and House of Chiefs in the first republic. It also became the House of Legislature in the second republic. This historic building is conserved and visited by thousands on daily basis.

Barewa College: Located in Zaria, Barewa College remains the oldest High School in Northern Nigeria that produced most of the notable political and military leaders from the north.

Ahmadu Bello University: The first University established in the Northern Nigeria. Till date, it remains one of the best Universities in Africa.

City Walls, Zaria: Zaria city walls were erected during the reign of Queen Amina. The walls, which circumnavigate Zaria City, are between 14km and 16km long pierced by 8 gates. The walls are conserved till date.

Matsirga Waterfalls: Located in Kafanchan, the water drops 30 metres into a gorge that is supported by a beautiful set of rocks. The place is noted for very cool breeze that keeps tourists staying for days if not weeks. It is a perfect place for relaxation.

River Kaduna: This is the most popular river in the state from which the state got its name. The river is visited for excursion and sight-seeing.

Fifth Chukker Resort: This is a world class sports entertainment facility used for playing and observing the famous sport of polo. It is usually opened to members and to the public with tickets during tournaments.

National Museum: The national museum in Kaduna houses wood carvings, masks, terracotta figures, Benin bronzes, Hausa storytelling exhibitions and music. The place experiences mass visits by people from all walks of life.

CHELTECH, Samaru, Zaria: This is a leather processing Institute where leather processing and uses are taught, using traditional and modern methods of technology.

St. Bartholomew’s Church: The traditional architectural design church built of mud, cow dung and grass by the Church Missionary Society in 1929 in Kaduna is still standing till date.

When touring Kaduna state, you can also visit destinations such as Trappco Ranch and Resort, Lord Lugard Foot Bridge, Kajuru Castle and Kamuku National Park.

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