KWAMI FAMILY BATAGARAWA HOLDS ITS 1ST GENERAL FAMILY MEETING IN BATAGARAWA, CELEBRATING HISTORY, SCHOLARSHIP AND UNITY

The Kwami Family successfully held its 1st General Family Meeting at Government Science Secondary School, Batagarawa, on 6th June, 2026 bringing together descendants, scholars, community leaders, and invited guests in a historic gathering aimed at strengthening family ties and preserving the rich heritage of the Kwami people.

The event was hosted by Alhaji Kasim Iliyasu, Chairman of the Kwami Family Union, while the Chief Imam of Batagarawa, Liman Maiwada Mu’azu, attended as the Special Guest of Honour.

Delivering presentations and lectures during the event were distinguished speakers including Dr. Ibrahim Aminu Batagarawa, Alhaji Ahmad Lema, Alhaji Sada Batagarawa, Malam Muhammadu Musbahu, Dr. Hajara AbdulKadi Batagarawa, and Prof. Samaila Mu’azu, who explored the historical, religious, social, and developmental contributions of the Kwami people.

During the presentations, it was highlighted that Kwami traces its origin to the Malle people (present-day Mali), who established an Islamic center in Kwami as a strategic base for the propagation of Islam before continuing their journey toward Kano. This early foundation positioned Kwami as one of the notable centers of Islamic learning and scholarship out side Katsina town.

Speakers emphasized that scholars from Kwami made remarkable contributions to Islamic scholarship and socio-political development within the Katsina Emirate, particularly in Batagarawa District.

Because of its renowned scholars, Kwami became an important center for the advancement of Islamic education through the establishment and strengthening of Islamic schools. These institutions served as centers for teaching and learning, preserving Islamic knowledge and producing generations of scholars who contributed to the spiritual and intellectual development of Batagarawa and surrounding communities.

Historical accounts presented at the gathering noted that Kwami actively supported the Sokoto Jihad movement inspired by Shehu Usman dan Fodio’s Islamic reform mission, which sought to strengthen Islamic values and promote justice and unity among Muslim communities.

It was recalled that Malam Muhammadu Na Alhaji, who was born and raised in Kwami, played an important role during this period, and Kwami became a strategic garrison under his leadership during the jihad.

Following the jihad period, Kwami also emerged as an important political center and served as the headquarters of the Ƴandakawa rulers before their later relocation to Tsauri.

Presenters explained that political developments after the jihad led to struggles involving Malam Ummarun Dallaje, Malam Ummarun Dunya, and Malam Muhammadu Dikko, son of Malam Muhammadu Na Alhaji. Historical narratives indicate that around 1816, Malam Muhammadu Dikko the son of Malam Na Alhaji relocated from Katsina to Kwami where he established a palace, making Kwami a temporary center of political influence before the Ƴandakawa later settled in Tsauri.

In her lecture, Dr. Hajara AbdulKadi Batagarawa emphasized the critical role of women in tarbiyyar yara (child upbringing). 

She highlighted that mothers and women generally remain central to moral development, transmission of values, and sustaining family and community traditions across generations.

Participants described the gathering as a milestone in preserving the identity and history of the Kwami people. The event concluded with renewed commitments to strengthen family unity, promote education, preserve historical records, and encourage future generations to sustain the values and legacy of Kwami.

Also children and Youths beautifully recited verses from the Holy Qur'an, which added more excitement and inspiration to the event.

The meeting ended with  awards presentation to all patrons, and Executive Members and appreciation to organizers, guests, speakers, and participants whose contributions ensured the success of the historic occasion.