Katagum is all set for a state
By Adamu Bello Mai-Bodi
POLITICS DIGEST – For more than three decades, the people of katagum senatorial district in Northern Bauchi State have been clamoring for a state of their own out of the present Bauchi State. The entire people of the region which comprises seven LGAs are fully in support of their elites in this respect. Inherently, the proponents’ reasons for this agitation range from the need to bring development closer to the people, the fight against marginalisation, accelerating the rate and pace of socio-economic, infrastructural and political development of the region. The people of the area proposed for Katagum state are educationally sound, economically viable, highly industrious and undoubtedly rich in history.
The region derived its history from the kingdoms of Tashena and Shira that emerged between 1000 and 1400 AD, just about the period when the Maghumi was establishing the Kanem Bornu Empire. In 1804 when the Jihad of Sheikh Usman Dan Fodio broke, the two kingdoms were transformed into three emirates of katagum, Misau and Jama’are, with their founder as Mallams Ibrahim Zaki, Gwani Mukhtar and MUhammadu Wabi respectively.
Besides its sound historical background, katagum comprises people that are homogenous and live very peacefully together from time immemorial. They share the same religious belief, social values, culture and tradition as well as economic and political homogeneity. During the period of political and ideological conflict between Bornu and Sokoto empires which culminated into wars of territorial expansion, this region owing to its security, peace and harmony attracted immigrants from war torn territories.
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In terms of land area, the proposed katagum state is larger than Ekiti, Kwara, Yobe, Taraba, Ebonyi, Nasarawa, Bayelsa etc. With over 2.7 million population comprising mainly adequate productive and trainable human resources, and almost all its over 15,035 km2 land area arable, the katagum region’s economic viability not only sustains it, but also contributes immensely to national economic development. 80% to 90% of the people of the area engage in one form of agricultural activity or the other, producing various agricultural products and mineral resources. Official data shows that over 50% of the total crops produced in Bauchi State, especially grains, come from this proposed Katagum State. In a nutshell, the region is economically viable with livestock, solid mineral and water resources.
In commerce and industries, the region has the renowned Zaki Flour Mills in Azare, which process all sorts of grains, the multi-million Naira Arewa Ceramic Company in Misau, the formerly famous Madangala Sheep Ranch, large scale Rice Mills, multiple quarry sites and numerous other small scale industries, crafts and functioning crops/livestock markets.
These, when properly handled can generate huge revenue for the proposed state, and would provide thousands job positions to the people of the area. The booming commercial activities in the region have since attracted commercial development and micro-finance banks in their numbers.
It is worthy of note that katagum has a long standing request with the federal government on this regard plus two positive recommendations from the Second Assembly in 1981 and the National Conference of 2014. Aside having these powerful recommendations, Katagum has the manpower capable of handling the affairs of a state. In fact it is the most educationally advantaged zone in Bauchi State with about 146 PhDs, 47 professors and counting. Katagum zone is also a place where many agricultural activities have taken a firm root and the people are highly industrious.
The coming together of these exalted Emirates of Misau, Katagum and Jama’are (all of which a holder of Dan fodiyo flag) in pursuit of this common goal signifies seriousness from the region that comprises of people that are well equipped with all the wherewithal to dot the i’s and cross the t’s in ensuring the mission is accomplished.
The socio-cultural affinity of the people, their rich historical background, their sense of commitment to their common good and very favorable geographical conditions are just few among what make the proposed Katagum State eminently qualified for a state.
Now that all hands are on deck toward the constitutional amendment that will look into the issue of states creation, the peace-loving populace of Katagum zone are appealing to the leadership of the National Assembly and all stakeholders to as a matter of to as a matter of justice, equity and fairness, endorse the actualization of our dream. State creation is for development not for division. I always refer to Gombe, katsina, Zamfara, among other newly-created states as evidence of rapid development.
Adamu Bello Mai-Bodi
Writes from Gidado Bombiyo Residence,
Abdurrahman Street K/kaji Azare.
[email protected]
