Gabasawa
Gabasawa is a Local Government Area (LGA) in northeastern Kano State, Nigeria. Located about 50 km from the city of Kano, it is a rural community known for its agriculture, weekly markets, and quiet village life. Gabasawa offers travelers an authentic view of northern Nigerian countryside and traditional Hausa culture.
Understand
[edit]Gabasawa has an estimated population of over 150,000 (2006). The area is predominantly inhabited by Hausa and Fulani people who are mostly engaged in farming, herding, and trading. The local economy depends heavily on crops like millet, sorghum, maize, groundnuts, and vegetables, as well as livestock rearing.
The LGA is made up of several towns and villages, with the town of Gabasawa serving as the administrative headquarters. The name "Gabasawa" comes from the Hausa word for "eastern people" or "eastern area."
Get in
[edit]- By road: Gabasawa can be reached via the Kano–Wudil–Gabasawa road. It is about 50 km northeast of Kano city and can be accessed by shared taxis or minibuses from major parks in Kano like Unguwa Uku or Yankaba.
- From nearby LGAs: Roads connect Gabasawa with Gezawa, Kunchi, and Dambatta. Travel is easiest by motorcycle or shared vehicles.
- By air: The nearest airport is Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
Get around
[edit]- Motorcycles (okada): The main form of transport within and between villages.
- Walking: Practical for moving around the central town and markets.
- Tricycles (keke napep): May be available in the main town during busy times.
- Bicycles: Used by locals, especially school children and traders.
See
[edit]- Gabasawa Market: A lively rural market open on selected days, featuring farm produce, clothing, and handmade items.
- Traditional Hausa homes: Explore village architecture made with mud bricks and thatched roofing.
- Local mosques: Reflect simple but historic Islamic design.
Do
[edit]- Attend the market: A good way to interact with locals and see Hausa trade in action.
- Watch farming and herding: Depending on the season, you can observe local agricultural life.
- Join cultural events: During festivals like Eid, expect communal prayers, drumming, and traditional performances.
Buy
[edit]- Fresh farm produce: Including millet, sorghum, tomatoes, onions, and okra.
- Livestock: Goats, sheep, chickens sold in the open market.
- Handcrafted goods: Simple leather sandals, clay pots, woven mats.
- Local snacks and spices: Chili powder, dried beans, and sweetened groundnuts.
Eat
[edit]- Tuwo da miya: Common daily meal served with soups like miyar kuka or miyar taushe.
- Kosai and dankali: Bean cakes and fried sweet potatoes, usually in the morning.
- Fura da nono: Traditional chilled yogurt-like drink made from millet and milk.
- Waina and kilishi: Rice pancakes and dried spicy meat (kilishi) sometimes sold at the market.
Food is mainly served in bukas (local eateries), especially around market areas.
Drink
[edit]- Zobo: Chilled hibiscus flower drink.
- Kunun aya: Sweetened tiger nut milk, very popular locally.
- Sachet or bottled water: Always recommended for visitors.
- Soft drinks: Coca-Cola, Fanta, and similar brands found in shops.
Alcohol is not publicly sold or consumed due to Islamic norms.
Sleep
[edit]- Local lodges: Very limited guesthouses may exist in town with basic amenities. Ask locals for directions.
- Stay in Kano city: Best option for comfort, just over an hour away by road.
Connect
[edit]- Mobile networks: MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile all function.
- Internet: Mobile internet is available, though signal may be weak in some villages.
- Electricity: Sporadic supply with many relying on solar power or generators.
- Water: Boreholes and wells are the primary sources.
- Health care: Primary health centers operate in the town.
- Postal code: 713103.
Go next
[edit]- Gezawa – Neighboring LGA known for leatherwork and markets.
- Kunchi – To the northeast, a rural area with farmlands and traditional life.
- Dambatta – A larger town with increased commercial activity.
- Kano city – For urban experiences, museums, and transport links.