Yobe to rebuild headquarters of ancient Kanem Borno Empire

Bidders to wait for two more weeks
The Yobe Government has said it is planning to rebuild Birnin Ngazargamu, the headquarters of 15th Century Kanem Borno Empire under its dynasty to boost tourism and research.

Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Baba Malam Wali, who disclosed this in Damaturu at the weekend while briefing journalists on how to rebuild the ancient city, said the ruins of the ancient city of Ngazargamu; which was the capital of Kanem Borno Empire between 1460 and 1809, are still visible in Gaidam Local Council of the state.

Malam-Wali said government had already constituted a committee under the chairmanship of the SSG with the Vice- Chancellor and the Registrar of the state’s University while historians, archeologists and Islamic scholars are also members of the panel.

He said the committee had commenced collecting archives on the history of Ngazargamu at the Arewa House, Kaduna and Ibadan Museum, while the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) had been commissioned to create a model of the 15th Century city.

His words: “Some scholars in Germany have already indicated interest to work on the Ngazargamu project.

“We have also communicated to UNESCO for consideration of the city as a world Heritage site,” he said.

He added that the state government is to partner National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) to excavate the ruins of the oldest city.

The SSG, who stated that the site would showcase life in Ngazargamu, administrative skills, commerce and the rich Islamic knowledge the capital city was known for, said: “The city has tourism potentials, which will be exploited by the state government to attract scholars, researchers and tourists from across the world with financial benefits to the state.”