welcome to suleja emirate
SHORT HISTORY OF SULEJA
When he Fulanis invaded Zaria in 1804, the Zazzau rulers under Muhammadu Makau, the 60th fled to what is now known as Suleja. Before then, they settled at Zuba.
In 1883, Makau defeated the Fulani at a battle and became the ruler of the whole area. Though the control of most of the Northern Nigeria passed into the hands of the Fulanis, Suleja was never defeated.
The title “Sarkin Zazzau” (Emir of Zazzau was retained and is still the official title of Suleja Emirs today). Following Makau’s death at a battle in Lapai emirate in 1825, the mantle of leadership fell on his brother, Jatau, nicknamed Abuja (i.e Abu the red) meaning the light complexioned Abu.
Abuja led his people, first to Gwari Babba (now Lambata) where he was crowned Sarkin Zazzau. From Lambata, he left for Izom.
In 1829, a new emirate capital was named Abuja, after the King. The first but built in Abuja was Zauren Zazzau (Zazzau Hall).
Suleja is now internationally known because of Dr. Ladi Kwali pottery centre which has won prizes nationally and internationally. When the new Federal Capital was to be chosen for the country, the greater part of Suleja was excised for the new Federal Capital. This was due to its central location and excellent climate and geographical features. In February 1979, the name Abuja was conceded to the proposed Federal Capital and the town was re-named Suleja after the Late Ever. Alhaji Suleiman Barau.
ABOUT SULEJA
CLIMATE
The climate of the area is characterized by dry season from November to March/April and wet season from April/May to October. Suleja has a relatively high annual rainfall of 1640mm (64.5 inches( concentrated into three months of July, August and September. The usually cloudless dry season has high temperature with extreme maximum occurring in February and March (38oc). By contrast, the rainy season is cooler and more humid
OCCUPATION
Suleja is blessed with abundant fertile land and farming is predominantly the occupation of the people. Suleja people are large scale producers of yam for domestic and commercial consumption.
RELIGION
The inhabitants of Suleja are predominantly Muslims and Christians.
EDUCATION
Suleja has several public and private primary schools as weft as post-primary institutions including Suleja Academy for the Gifted.
COMMUNICATION
Suleja has a modern post office and telephone services. joined to the National Automatic System (CODE 09), Mobile Phone Operators like the MTN, GLOBACOM, Airtel, etc, making it possible for people and business to connect any part of the world b, telephone.
TRANSPORTATION
Suleja, being a satellite town to Nigeria’s Faderal Capital is linked by road to all the neighbouring state capitals, Abuja and other parts of the country. The Suleja intra and inter-town road network have been greatly improved.The town enjoys the services of local taxi cabs, buses and commercial motorcyclists.
MEDICAL FACILITIES
Suleja has a General Hospital with 108 bed capacity and being complemented by ante-natal and post-natal clinics. In addition to these, there are numerous private clinics and a number of pharmaceutical chemists in the town.
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Suleja has a standard industrial layout equipped with all necessary infrastructures like electricity, water, access roads and communication system. In the town, there abound first generation and new generation banks as well as other financial institutions. One thing that is easily associated with Suleja is pottery. The internationally acclaimed Dr. Ladi Kwali Pottery Centre is based there. Also the would-be investors in the town may enjoy some years of tax relief. Gurara and Mayanka waterfalls and the sacred Zuma Rock are some of the tourism potentials in Suleja.