Ndem Nkem
Zamfara is one of the oldest Hausa States situated in Northern Nigeria and although it is not one of the most popular regions in the country, it is sophisticated in its own right.
There is a lot more to Zamfara than meets the eye – between the landscapes and population lies a wealth of intriguing history filled with religious and ethnic influences. Jovago.com has 7 interesting facts about Zamfara.
Agriculture
The State thrives on farming which is why they bear the slogan “farming is our pride”. Some of the popular agricultural resources include livestock, rice, wheat, tomatoes, guinea corn, maize, groundnut, cotton, tobacco, and beans. The state capital has become as important commercial center in the country as people from neighbouring countries like Niger visit to trade.
Tombs as Tourist attractions
Two major tourist attractions within the state are the Namoda’s Tomb, Kaura Namoda and Sambo Dan Ashafa’s Tomb, Wonaka. The first was a warrior who was appointed Sarkin Yaki of the eastern campaigns of the Sokoto Jihad, while the later Sambo Dan Ashafa was the founder of Gasua town whose progenies are now traditional rulers of Gasua, Wonaka, Yandoto and Ruwan Bore.
Islamic Religion
Consisting of five major ethnic groups in the state, including the Kanuri, Fulani, Karekare, Bade and Hausa. It is no wonder to the total population living in this city are Muslims. The percentage of people who practice other religions are minimal and this population is largely composed of immigrants.
Drinking
If you are in Zamfara and are looking for a bar to chill and have a few drinks, you might want to think again. Consumption of alcohol is frowned upon and you stand the risk of being publicly flogged if found indulging in the substance.
Sharia Law
Zamafara was the first state in Nigeria to adopt Sharia Law, an Islamic legal system derived from the religious precepts of Islam. The people consider it a divine law, as it originates from the Quaran and the Sunnah and despite all the controversies stemming from the application of the law and its implications on human rights, it is still practiced within the state. As a result amputation of hands and limbs, beheading, and stoning are not entirely illegal within there.
Crime
Although there are civil disturbances within the state at intervals, the crime rate in Zamfara is relatively low. Possibly because of the strict sharia law, the people refrain from dubious activities such as stealing, murder and other nefarious offences.
Artisan gold mining
Gold is not regarded as a major mineral resource in Nigeria, however, the deposits of the natural resource is quite substantial in Zamfara state that it has now become a major source of income, especially as worldwide gold prices has recently escalated.
