Gov Radda Hails New Book on Katsina History
A new book on the history of Katsina, titled “Katsina: A Tapestry of Time and Prospects,” has been presented to Governor Dikko Umaru Radda on Wednesday at the Government House by the authors, led by Prof Sani Abubakar Lugga.
The production of the book was initiated by the Katsina State Government in 2024.
In his remarks, Governor Radda said it was imperative to document the rich history, culture and heritage of the state for future generations and global recognition.
“From the onset, I believe that such a book must be written by our own people who understand our history, our culture, and how best to present it to the world,” he said, adding that it was important to tell our story rather than relying on foreign narratives.
“We must tell our story ourselves. For too long, others have documented our history better than we have, while we neglect and sometimes even destroy our own heritage,” he stated.
The governor highlighted the depth and richness of Katsina’s historical and cultural background, noting that archaeological findings point to a civilization dating back thousands of years.
“Our history spans thousands of years. What we need is to properly document it, preserve it, and present it proudly to the world,” he added.
The governor expressed concern over the neglect of historical sites and the declining appreciation of cultural identity.
“It is unfortunate that we often fail to value what we have. We abandon our culture and promote others, while destroying our own heritage,” he lamented.
“This book will serve as a reference point for our youth, helping them understand who they are and where they come from.”
Governor Radda shared personal experiences reflecting global appreciation for African cultural identity, including traditional attire.
“Our culture is unique and respected globally. We must preserve it and be proud of it,” he said.
He commended the committee for producing a high-quality publication suitable for presentation to dignitaries, partners, and investors.
“This is the kind of book we can proudly present to visitors and use as a tool to promote our state across the world,” he said.
The governor emphasized the need to improve the state’s global image, especially in the face of negative narratives.
“We must work together to project Katsina in a positive light. Negative portrayals affect all of us and discourage investment,” he stated.
He assured that his administration’s would continue to support initiatives that promote development and cultural preservation.
“We will continue to support efforts that add value to our state and improve the lives of our people,” he added.
Earlier, the Secretary to the Government of State (SGS), Barrister Abdullahi Garba Fasakari, hailed the committee’s landmark achievement in documenting Katsina’s identity.
He revealed that the committee was inaugurated in June 2024 with the mandate to review and produce a standard Coffee Table Book that reflects the state’s heritage.
According to him, the committee went beyond its initial assignment and delivered a comprehensive publication capturing the history, culture, and socio-economic life of the people.
He explained that the book highlights key aspects such as language, religion, traditions, and the historical evolution of Katsina State.
The SGS commended the committee for successfully completing its assignment and producing a globally competitive publication, noting that the project reflects the administration’s commitment to preserving history and promoting cultural values.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Committee, Professor Lugga, explained that the committee was initially tasked with reviewing three existing manuscripts but later expanded its scope to produce a completely new book.
He said the decision was taken after it became clear that the earlier materials could not meet the required international standard.
According to him, the committee submitted a memorandum to the Governor, which was approved, allowing them to produce an original and comprehensive publication.
He said the book captures the history of Katsina from pre-colonial era through colonial rule, the First Republic, the military era, and the present democratic dispensation.
The chairman added that the publication is designed to attract investment by showcasing the state’s potential and opportunities.
He disclosed that the committee recommended the rehabilitation of historical monuments as well as the production of a documentary to complement the book.
He further explained that extensive fieldwork was carried out, including original photography, cultural documentation, and cross-border research to ensure authenticity.
According to him, the project took one and a half years to complete due to the strong emphasis on quality and originality, while the printing process lasted about five months.
Professor Lugga described the publication as a major step toward preserving the identity and heritage of Katsina State for future generations.
