From Paul Orude, Bauchi
A palace built 200 years ago without pillars has been uncovered in Kafin Madaki, Ganjuwa Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
The discovery came to light when members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Bauchi Council paid a courtesy call on the district head of Ganjuwa, Baba Mohammed Gidado, on Wednesday.
The journalists had earlier visited Sumo Wildlife Park, one of the tourist attractions in the state and home to a variety of game, including giraffes, zebras, elands, and other wild animals.
The visit was part of a two-day workshop organised by the Chapel, with support from the Bauchi State Government, on emerging trends in journalism.
At the traditional ruler’s palace, the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Auwal Hassan, explained that they were there to pay homage, saying the entourage comprised, among other journalists, the Chapel Chairman, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed.
Mohammed explained that they were scheduled to visit Yankari Game Reserve on Thursday as part of the workshop to showcase the tourist attractions in the state.
Responding, the traditional ruler thanked the journalists for the visit, saying that besides Sumo Wildlife Park, Ganjuwa has many natural and cultural sites that are yet to be known to many tourists.
Gidado thanked the journalists for the visit, saying it would offer an opportunity for the world to know about the significant tourist sites in the state, including Ganjuwa.
He revealed that the palace he is occupying was built 200 years ago by a local architect using local materials.
“You see this palace; it was built over 200 years ago,” he revealed.
“What is amazing is that there is no single rod or pillar in this structure you are seeing.
“The man who built it did not receive a Western education; he did not study engineering or building technology. He was an ordinary citizen that God gave us—wisdom, blacksmiths, local engineers.
“The palace was built by one man in two years.
“After constructing this palace, he moved to Bauchi to build the one for the Emir of Bauchi; from there he moved to Zaria to build the palace of the Emir of Zazzau; after that, he moved to Birnin Gwari, and after that, he did not build any palace again before he was killed.”
Taking journalists on a tour of the palace, Gidado disclosed that it has the capacity to regulate alternating weather, which he said is one of the mysteries of the structure.
“As long as you keep coming to Ganjuwa, you will continue to see amazing and wonderful things,” he said.
The monarch expressed regret that the abundance of pre-colonial talents was destroyed due to constant conflicts among ethnic groups.
“The Sumo Wildlife Park is one of our tourist sites in Bauchi,” he explained.
“We discussed the place recently with the Permanent Secretary of the Tourism Board.
“The governor wants to upgrade the park and has even constructed a dam. This is good news.
“The park can be a huge source of attraction for tourists from all over Nigeria and the world.
“Many have never left their place of birth, so Ganjuwa is an ideal place to come.
“When people come to places like these, they appreciate God’s gift to Nigeria.
“And thankfully, Ganjuwa is one of the most peaceful places in the state.”