By Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar KatsinaTimes, Tuesday, 10 June 2025 —

The Katsina State Government has inaugurated a high-powered committee to oversee the restoration and preservation of key historical and cultural heritage sites across the state.

The committee, officially named the Katsina State Heritage Restoration Committee, was inaugurated on Tuesday at the office of the Secretary to the Government of the State (SGS), following the directive of Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, Ph.D., CON. The Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Garba Faskari, conveyed the approval via a letter dated 9th June 2025.

Chaired by Senator Ibrahim Ida, CON, Wazirin Katsina, the committee brings together stakeholders from traditional institutions, government ministries, and cultural agencies. The committee's mandate includes developing strategies for preserving major heritage sites such as the Gobarau Minaret, Durbi Takusheyi, Old Katsina College, and Kusugu Well in Daura.

Committee Composition

The committee consists of the following members:

• Representative of the Daura Emirate
• Executive Director, History and Culture Bureau
• Representatives from the Ministries of Works; Local Government & Chieftaincy Affairs; and Justice
• Executive Director (Infrastructure), Development Management Board
• Special Assistant on Infrastructure
• Curator, National Commission for Museums and Monuments
• Sadi Abba Matazu, Director of Research and Documentation
• Prof. Bashir Aliyu, former Executive Director at History and Culture Bureau 
• Sarkin Magina Katsina
• Representative from the SGS Office, serving as Secretary

Terms of Reference

The committee is tasked with:

1. Collaborating with the National Commission for Museums and Monuments to conserve historic sites.
2. Restoring the structural integrity and authenticity of these heritage locations.
3. Developing a Conservation Management Plan for sustainable heritage protection.
4. Proposing a Cultural Preservation Policy to safeguard traditional practices like the Durbar.
5. Advising on repurposing facilities formerly used by Katsina Teachers College.
6. Co-opting experts and stakeholders to assist in the assignment.
7. Submitting a full report within four weeks.

In his inaugural speech, Senator Ibrahim Ida expressed gratitude on behalf of the committee for the trust placed in them by Governor Radda. He described the assignment as “noble” and committed the committee to deliver “practical and cost-effective” strategies that would revitalize the state’s cultural identity and boost tourism.

“Our assignment includes the revival of iconic sites such as Gobarau Minaret, Kusugu Well, Durbi Takusheyi, and the Old Katsina College,” he said, adding that the team would also review traditional festivals like the Hawan Sallah and Hawan Sarki for improved organization and sustainability.

He appealed for government support in ensuring full cooperation from relevant agencies and access to needed records and locations, as well as a conducive working environment.

“We are confident that our recommendations will lay a strong foundation for a cultural renaissance in Katsina State,” he concluded.

The committee is expected to commence site assessments and stakeholder engagements immediately, with its final report due before the second week of July 2025.