Kaduna State facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Kaduna State
State
Flag Seal
Nickname(s):  Centre of Learning
Location of Kaduna State in Nigeria
Country	Nigeria
Date created	27 May 1967
Capital	Kaduna
Government
• Body	Government of Kaduna State
Area
• Total	46,053 km2 (17,781 sq mi)
Area rank	4th of 36
Population  (2006 census)
• Total	6,113,503
• Estimate  (2022)	9,032,200
• Rank	4th of 36
• Density	132.7493/km2 (343.819/sq mi)
GDP (PPP)
• Year	2021
• Total	$27.88 billion 11th of 36
• Per capita	$2,905 14th of 36
Time zone	UTC+01 (WAT)
postal code	8000014
ISO 3166 code	NG-KD
HDI (2021)	0.511 low · 25th of 37
Website	[1]
Preliminary results

Kaduna State (Hausa: Jihar Kaduna, جىِهَر كَدُنا; مدينة كدونا; Fula: Leydi Kaduna, 𞤤𞤫𞤴𞤣𞤭 𞤳𞤢𞤣𞤵𞤲𞤢; Tyap: Si̱tet Ka̱duna) is a state in the northwest part of Nigeria. Its capital city is also called Kaduna. In 2006, Kaduna city was the 8th largest city in Nigeria.

The state was formed in 1967 as North-Central State. It included what is now Katsina State. Kaduna State got its current shape in 1987. It is the fourth largest state by land area. It is also the third most populated state in Nigeria. Kaduna State is known as the Centre of Learning. This is because it has many important schools, like Ahmadu Bello University.

Kaduna State has ancient sites from the Nok culture. This civilization thrived from about 1500 BC to 500 AD. In the 800s, a historian named Ya'qubi wrote about the Hausa Kingdoms here. These kingdoms existed until the early 1800s. Then, the region became part of the Sokoto Caliphate. During the time of British rule, Kaduna city became the capital of Northern Nigeria Protectorate.

The state's economy mainly relies on agriculture. Farmers grow crops like cotton and groundnuts. In recent times, Kaduna State has faced some challenges. There have been conflicts between different groups. For example, in 2002, events in the state capital led to unrest. This caused many people to lose their homes.

Etymology: What's in a Name?

The name Kaduna most likely comes from the Hausa language word kadduna. This word means 'crocodiles'. Long ago, many crocodiles lived in the Kaduna River.

Another idea is that the name comes from the Gbagyi language. The Gbagyi people called the Kaduna River 'Odna'.

History: A Journey Through Time

Zazzau is an old traditional state within Kaduna. It was founded in 1536. Later, it was renamed Zaria, after Queen Amina's younger sister. The Hausa people of Zaria are believed to be the original inhabitants of this area.

The name Kaduna was chosen by Lord Frederick Lugard. He was a British colonial leader. In 1916, he moved the capital of the Northern Region to Kaduna City.

In 1967, the old Northern Region was split into six states. Kaduna became the capital of North-Central State. In 1976, its name changed to Kaduna State. Then, in 1987, Kaduna State was divided again. This created Katsina State.

Kaduna State includes the old cities of Zaria, Kafanchan, and Nok. In 2019, Kaduna State celebrated its 100th anniversary. This makes it one of Nigeria's oldest states.

Recently, Kaduna State has experienced some security challenges. There have been incidents involving groups of bandits. For example, in 2021, students were kidnapped from schools like the Federal College of Forestry Mechanization and Greenfield University. These challenges have continued in recent years.

Geography: Land and Climate

Kaduna State is in the northern part of Nigeria's high plains. The land is covered by Sudan Savannah plants. These are short trees, shrubs, and grasses. The soil is mostly loamy or sandy, with some clay.

Its northern part became Katsina state in 1987. Kaduna State shares borders with seven other states. These include Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, Bauchi, Plateau, Nasarawa, and Niger. It also borders the Abuja Federal Capital Territory. The state is located between 10°38'58" N and 10°25'36" N latitude. It is between 7°22'14" E and 7°32'00" E longitude.

The state is the fourth largest in Nigeria by land area. It is the third largest by population.

The Kaduna River flows through the state. It is a branch of the Niger River. There are rocky areas in Zaria and Kogoro Hill. Some communities can experience flooding during the rainy season.

Climate: Weather Patterns

Kaduna has a hot, humid, and cloudy rainy season. The dry season is hot and partly cloudy. Temperatures usually stay between 55°F and 95°F. They rarely go below 50°F or above 102°F.

Government: How the State is Run

The state government is led by the Governor. The current governor is Senator Uba Sani. His deputy is Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe. The government also includes the Kaduna State House of Assembly and the Kaduna State Judiciary.

There are 14 ministries that work with the state government. They help improve the state. Each ministry has agencies, like the Kaduna State Environmental Protection Authority. This agency handles waste, water, and other environmental issues.

The governor is working to bring people together in the state. He wants to make it welcoming for everyone.

Local Government Areas: Divisions of the State

Kaduna State is divided into 23 local government areas. These areas help manage local affairs.

Economy: How People Make a Living

Sun-dried tomato and pepper farm, Hunkuyi, Kaduna State

From 2002 to 2008, Kaduna State had the 15th largest economy in Nigeria. Agriculture makes up 30% of the state's economy. Farmers grow cotton and groundnuts for export and for making peanut oil. The state also has a National Institute of Leather and Technology. This institute helps improve leather production using modern and traditional methods.

Media: Connecting the State

Kaduna State has many ways for people to communicate. These include radio, television, and internet. There are 21 radio stations and over 4 television stations. Many are owned by the government, and some are private.

Here are some of the radio stations in Kaduna:

People and Culture

Kaduna State is home to many different ethnic groups. There are about 59 to 63 distinct groups. The Hausa and Fulani are the largest groups. Many other smaller groups also live here.

Religions in Kaduna

The main religions in Kaduna State are Islam and Christianity. Some smaller groups also practice traditional worship. People in Kaduna are very religious.

Languages Spoken

Many languages are spoken across Kaduna State. The most common are Hausa and Fulani. Other languages include Gbagyi, Hyam, Jju, and Tyap. Most of these other languages are spoken in Southern Kaduna.

Education: The Centre of Learning

Kaduna is a major center for education in Nigeria. Its nickname, Centre of Learning, shows this. It has many schools, from primary to university level. All secondary schools are owned by the state, federal government, or private groups.

Universities and Institutes

• Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (established 1962)
• Air Force Institute of Technology (Nigeria)
• Federal College of Education, Zaria
• Greenfield University Kaduna
• Kaduna Polytechnic (1968), Kaduna
• Kaduna State University
• National Open University of Nigeria, Kaduna Study Center
• Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Palladan Zaria
• Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna
• Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria

Secondary Schools and Colleges

• Barewa College
• Essence International School
• Nigerian Military School

Transportation: Getting Around

Kaduna State has a good network of roads, railways, and an airport.

Roads

Major roads connect Kaduna to other states. The A2 goes north from Abuja through Kaduna and Zaria to Kano State. The A3 goes northeast to Plateau State. Other important roads connect different towns and cities within the state.

Railways

The Lagos-Kano Standard Gauge Line reaches Rigasa Station in Kaduna. This line connects Kaduna to Abuja and other cities. Kaduna is also linked by rail to Kafanchan.

Airports

Kaduna International Airport was built in 1982. It serves as a key air travel hub for the state.

Architecture: Buildings Old and New

The entrance gate of Zazzau

Kaduna State has many interesting buildings. These include the National Museum, built in 1975. It shows ancient artifacts and cultural items. Other notable structures are Kajuru Castle, Lugard Hall, and the old walls and gates of Zaria.

Traditional Architecture

Kajuru castle

The state's many ethnic groups mean different building styles. The city walls of Zaria are a great example. They were built by Queen Amina of Zazzau. These walls are about 14 to 16 km long and have eight gates. The Emir's Palace of Zaria is another important traditional building. It has beautiful interiors. St. Bartholomew's Church in Zaria, built in 1929, also shows Hausa traditional architecture.

Modern Architecture

Throneroom's Salama radio 14-storey tower, Kafanchan

Modern buildings show the state's development. Many were built by the government. These include Ahmadu Bello Stadium, the Investment House, and Murtala Square.

Health: Caring for the Community

Kaduna State has over 1,000 primary healthcare centers. These facilities serve residents even in remote villages. In 2016, the state government worked with the UK Department for International Development (DFID). They installed solar power in many healthcare centers. This helps improve healthcare services.

Sports: Fun and Games

Many sports are popular in Kaduna State. These include football, golf, swimming, traditional wrestling, and handball. The state government owns a football club called Kaduna United F.C.. The state also hosts the Kaduna Marathon.

Entertainment and Tourism: Exploring Kaduna

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism in Kaduna State organizes an annual festival. This event showcases local talent and promotes unity. It also encourages tourism and celebrates the state's culture. The festival usually happens in November or December.

Festivals: Celebrations and Traditions

• Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha: These are major Muslim celebrations. They mark the end of Ramadan and the Hajj pilgrimage. They are celebrated with colorful traditional dresses and horse parades (Durbar).
• Christmas celebrations: Christians in Kaduna State celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on December 25/26.
• Easter celebrations: Christians remember the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ in March/April.
• Afan National Festival: This festival takes place every January 1st in Kagoro. People from the Agworok land gather to discuss important issues and share their culture.
• Kalankuwa Cultural Festival: This cultural festival is celebrated in the northern part of the state. It's a harvest festival where young people gather to celebrate good crops. It happens in November/December in Bomo Village, Samara.

Other smaller festivals include:

• Batadon Festival
• Ayet Atyap annual cultural festival
• Durbar Festival
• Kaduna State Festival of Arts and Culture
• Kafanchan Day
• Moro’a Cultural Festival
• Ninzo Cultural Festival
• Zunzuk Dance
• Tuk-Ham Festival
• Unum-Akulu Festival

Kamuku Park, a tourism attraction

Tourism: Places to Visit

• Kamuku National Park
• Matsiriga Waterfalls
• Kajuru Castle
• Arewa House
• Murtala Square

Notable People: Famous Faces from Kaduna

• Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab
• Bashir Abubakar
• Katung Aduwak
• Martin Luther Agwai
• Gwamna Awan
• Harrison Bungwon
• Bala Ade Dauke
• Joe El
• Maiwada Galadima
• Ahmad Abubakar Gumi
• Chris Delvan Gwamna
• Shehu Idris
• Toure Kazah-Toure
• Matthew Hassan Kukah
• Danjuma Laah
• Zamani Lekwot
• Audu Maikori
• Ahmed Makarfi
• Jonathan Gyet Maude
• Abdulkadir Balarabe Musa
• Christopher Gwabin Musa
• Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai (born February 1960) Nigerian Politician and former Kaduna State Governor from 2015 to 2023.
• Namadi Sambo (born 1954) Nigerian politician and former Vice President of Nigeria from 2010 to 2015.
• Tagwai Sambo
• Shehu Sani
• Uba Sani (born 1970) Nigerian politician and Governor of Kaduna State since 2023.
• Ishaya Shekari
• Aisha Ahmad Suleiman
• Sheikh Dahiru Usman
• Patrick Yakowa
• Andrew Yakubu
• Mukhtar Ramalan Yero (born 1968) Nigerian politician, deputy Governor of Kaduna State (2010–2012) and Governor of Kaduna State (2012–2015).
• Luka Yusuf
• Ibrahim Zakzaky
• Muhammad Auwal Albani Zaria ( Sept. 1960 to Feb. 2014) Nigerian Islamic scholar.

Politics: How Leaders are Chosen

The state government is led by a governor chosen by the people. The governor works closely with members of the state's house of assembly. The capital city of the state is Kaduna.

Electoral System: Voting for Leaders

The governor of each state is chosen using a special voting system. To win in the first round, a candidate needs the most votes. They also need more than 25% of the votes in at least two-thirds of the state's local government areas. If no one meets these rules, a second round of voting happens. This round is between the top candidate and the next candidate who did well in the most local government areas.

Images for kids

• 

  River Kaduna

• 

  Waterfalls in Kafanchan

• 

  Matsirga waterfalls Kaduna

• 

  Kamuku National Park Kaduna

• 

  ABU senatorial building

• 

  Ten Storey Building in Ahmadu Bello way Kaduna

• 

  Major planted flower

• 

  Kajuru Castle

• 

  Night mode transportation in Kaduna city

• 

  Kaduna city bus

• 

  Ahmadu Bello way in the city of Kaduna

• 

  Green car in Kaduna city

See also

• Kaduna
• Kaduna State Governor
• Kaduna State House of Assembly
• Kaduna State Judiciary
• Ministries of Kaduna State
• Kaduna United F.C.
• Southern Kaduna
• Kaduna kidnapping (disambiguation)