welcome to borgu emirate
SHORT HISTORY OF BORGU
Borgu emirate is one of the oldest kingdoms in Northern Nigeria. The emirate is said to be over 100 years old. In fact, both oral and written traditions on the kingdom show that the last emir was the 314th Emir of Borgu.
The history of Bussawa is closely related to the story of one Kisra, a legendary figure said to be a maternal uncle of the Prophet. Kisra was said to be at the head of immigration from Arabia, although some historical accounts suggest that himself never reached the Niger. He was said to have caused tremendous stir by refusing to accept the reforms of the Prophet after which struggle he was forced to cross to Africa and eventually transverse the continent and settled on the Niger.
By the time Kisra and his followers reached Borgu, the area was said to be practically uninhabited. There were however few hunters who lived in small villages and considerable number of Yorubas. Kisra was well received by the inhabitants, and settlement of himself and his followers was entirely peaceful.
From the death of Kisra at Bussa, until the middle of eighteenth century a gap exist. The names of one or two kings are remembered though the dates at which they reigned are now forgotten.
The first chief from whom the successor can be traced was Named KISERU BRODI, whose son Yerima Bussa had encounter with Habe rulers of the North. He was succeeded by KITORO KUNAIDI. Kizagga and Kignara sons of Yerima Bussa followed.
On the death of Kignara no one could be found to accept the SAROTA (leadership). This may be due to the traditional method of succession of the Bussa which ascension the throne Is by oen contest between eligible princes. The one wh open wins the contest automatically ascends to the vacant stool. The new emir could either be son of late, brother or uncle.
However, Kifoyide, full brother of Kignara was said to have persuaded his younger brother Kitoro to accept the throne. Kitoro ruled for about forty years, from about 1793 1835 during which time Mango Park arrived. He was said to have given Kitoro a silver medal, which has been carefully preserved by succeeding kings of Bussa.
Kitoro was succeeded by the eldest son of Kizagga, Kisaru Dogo of whose reign little is known. Upon his death, Dogo ascended the throne.
From the reign of Pwegunu Bewalaki, to the emergence of kignara 11 or Dan Toro and subsequently Kisaru Dogo, Kitoro 11 or Gani and the others, internal squabbles among the ruling class, internecine wars of the Fulani Islamic Reformist Movements, as well as coming of the colonialists, greatly affected the remaining history of Bussawa.
The Biritish which finally controlled the area known today as Borgu Emirate introduced a lot of administrative changes among which is a selection committee for the Emir of Borgu. In 1902, the selection committee selected its first Emir for Borgu stool. Consequently, Borgu has two ruling houses in Bussa for the Emirship of Borgu namely Gbemusu and Fu’i ruling houses. Alhaji Haliru Dan Toro who is from Gbemusu ruling house is the 315th Emir of Borgu
ABOUT BORGU
CLIMATE
Borgu Emirate experiences distinct dry and wet seasons with annual rain fall varying from 228.4 mm to 229.6mm. The mean maximum temperatures, which do not exceed 850f, are between March and June with the lowest minimal temperatures usually from November to January. The climate, soil and hydrology in the emirate permit the cultivation of cotton and other staple crops and still leave ample scope for grazing, fresh water for fishing and forestry. The Dry season commences in October and the humidity could be as low as 120o in December and February.
OCCUPATION
Farming and Fishing are the main pre-occupation of 90% of the population of Borgu people, while the rest engaged in other vocations such as white-collar jobs, business, crafts and arts.
RELIGION
The inhabitants of Borgu emirate are predominantly Muslims. There are however Christians and traditionalist among the inhabitants as well as the settlers.
EDUCATION
New Bussa, the headquarters of Borgu emirate is blessed with Educational Institutions. There are scores of Primary Schools both owned by private and Local Governments. There are about seven Post Primary Institutions in the town. These, include four Federal Government Institutions and three Niger State owned secondary schools.
FEDERAL ESTABLISHMENTS
1. Federal Government Girls College
2. Federal College of Wild Life Management
3. Air Force School
4. Federal College of Fresh Water Fishery Technology.
COMMUNICATION
New Bussa has a modern Post Office. The town is also inked with the outside world through all the GSM operators.
TRANSPORTATION
The location of Kainji Lake National Park as well as other tourist attractions in New Bussa has made transportation easy to the town. Transport to every part of the country is available in the town. There are also taxis plying the town while commercial vehicles
are also available to other major towns in the state as well as Minna, the State Capital
MEDICAL FACILITIES
New Bussa has a General Hospital equipped with modern facilities. Most of the federal establishments in New Bussa also have their own health establishments In addition to this, health clinics built by Local Government and private hands are rendering services to the people.
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES
The favourable climatic conditions of New Bussa, its cosy environment are dual advantage for investors. As people who grow cotton in large scale, establishment of cotton ginneries even textile industries could be of Investment opportunities are also great benefit available in agro-based industries as well as in tourism