Sokoto City

Sokoto city is the capital city of Sokoto state located within the Northwest geopolitical division of Nigeria. Sokoto city is the seat of the Sokoto caliphate and an important center of Islamic learning in Nigeria. The dominant tribes in Sokoto city include the Hausa, Fulani, Zabammara, and the Tuareg ethnic groups with Hausa and Fufulde as the commonly spoken languages. Popular districts in Sokoto city include Abdullahi Kure road, Ali Akilu, Yauri flat area, Mabera Tsohon Gida, Gidan Igwai, Hajiya Halima, Rijiyan Dorawa, Mabera Gida Gwadabe, Government house, Gawo Nama, and the low cost Gwiwa. Tertiary institutions in Sokoto city include the Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto state University, Sokoto state Polytechnic, an the National Open University of Nigeria. 

Sokoto city has an estimated population of about 1,077, 532 inhabitants with Islam as the commonly practiced religion. The Sultan of Sokoto is the traditional and spiritual leader in Sokoto city and also acts as the spiritual head of all Muslims in Nigeria. Popular landmarks in Sokoto city include the Government House, Sokoto Museum, Waziri Junaid history and Culture Museum, Sultan Abubakar international Airport, National Gallery of Art, Usman Farouk Secretariat,the Federal High Court, and the palace of the Sultan. Hospitals in Sokoto city include the Usman Dan Fodio University Teaching Hospital, Murtala Muhammed specialist hospital, Saraki specialist hospital, Hussaini medical center, and the Salihu Buhari and Binta specialist hospital.

GEOGRAPHY

Sokoto city is one of the hottest cities in the world. The city is found in the farthest part of the Northwest geopolitical zone and is located near the confluence of the Sokoto and the Rima rivers. Sokoto city has a Semi-arid climate with a 12 percent humidity and winds blowing at the speed of 24km/h.

The city falls under the Sandy Savannah and has features of the dry Sahel region. Sokoto city has sparse hills with the topography around the Sokoto-Rima river characterized by plains with rich alluvial soil. Sokoto city has two seasons which are the dry and rainy seasons which last between November – February and from June to October respectively. The city of Sokoto is also known for strong harmattan winds.

ECONOMY

Agriculture is a major economic activity engaged in by Sokoto city dwellers with crops such as millet, maize, beans, and rice grown in the city. Trade also flourishes in Sokoto city with the town hosting important markets such as the Old market, Sokoto central market, Kasoa Dankure market, and the Kasoa Rubber market.

Also, cattle rearing provides a sizeable percentage of the city’s population with a means of livelihood.

HISTORY

Sokoto city was used as a post by Muhammadu Bello to launch attacks on Dufua in the year 1806. In pre-colonial era, Sokoto city was the home of the Gobir and Kebbi Kingdoms before it was conquered by the British in the year 1903.

Sokoto was also the capital city of the defunct Northwest state.