Apparently the Gobarau minerate situated within the inner city of Katsina town centuries ago has served as a tourists attraction centre.Infact the edifice built centuaries ago has its replica buildings in ancient cities of Mali Niger republic Senegal and in some West African countries . It served as a place of worship during the Trans Saharan trades in the 14 15 and 16 centuries. The minerate was essentially  built to serve as a place of worship.

But as time rolled by the mine rate became a place where teaching and learning of Islam prevailed and to some tradings did took place occasionally.That practice started Long before the 18o4 Sokoto jihad of Uthman V bN Fodio up to the advent of British colonial masters in the 19the century.Regrettably however few ago the building became like a nightmare as reptiles rodents and stray animals turned the place   like their permanent abode.Not only that some miscreants started to use the place as their hideouts when committing heinous crimes.Intrestingly however the current administration of governor Dikko U mar Radda PhD the Gwagwaren Katsina decided to situate itself in the annals of Katsina state history by embarking on the total renovation of the entire edifice and its sorroundings to maintain statusquo ante  of the mission and vision of those behind its construction centuries ago.

Surely in no distant time Gobarau minerate will be a cynosure to all residents of Katsina metropolis as it used to be in the 70s and 80s when on during festive periods such as on Eidelfitr and Eid Elkabir both the young the adults and sometimes the older ones besieged the place and kept climbing the minerate as early as possible to monitor activities within Katsina viccinity and beyond.In the same vein tourists who thronged Katsina for the Sallah festivals visited the mine rate and have snapshots as part of adventure and sightseeing.Thus by the total renovation of the edifice governor Dikko Umar Radda PhD CON deserved a pat on the back for the milestone achievement in that regard and for that We Say Congratulations and keep it up and infact more grease to thy elbow. Bako was former editor with Katsina State Redio Service, now writes for Katsina times Media Group 

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