Sokoto is a major city in the extreme northwest of Nigeria, situated near the confluence of the Sokoto River and the Rima River. It serves as the capital of Sokoto State and was previously the capital of the former North-Western State. As of the 2006 census, Sokoto had a population of 427,760. The city holds deep historical and cultural significance as the center of the Sokoto Caliphate, one of the most powerful Islamic empires in West Africa, founded by Usman dan Fodio in the early 19th century. Sokoto remains a prominent religious hub, home to the Sultan of Sokoto, the spiritual leader of Nigerian Muslims. Economically, Sokoto thrives on agriculture, with crops such as millet, sorghum, rice, and onions being widely cultivated. The city is also known for livestock farming, leatherworks, and traditional crafts. Additionally, Sokoto has a growing commercial sector and serves as a trade link between Nigeria and neighboring countries like Niger.
Sokoto, a state in northwestern Nigeria, borders Niger to the north, Kebbi to the west, and Zamfara to the south and east. It features short-grass savanna in the south and thorn scrub in the north, merging into the desert. The region has limited rainfall and experiences harmattan winds from November to March. The Sokoto (Kebbi) River and its tributaries drain the state.
Before the 1804 Fulani jihad, Sokoto was ruled by Hausa states like Gobir and Zamfara. After their defeat, Shehu Usman dan Fodio made his son, Muhammad Bello, emir of Sokoto in 1809. Muhammad became the first sultan in 1817, leading the Fulani empire and defending it against uprisings. Sokoto signed trade treaties with Britain in the 19th century but was conquered by British forces in 1903.
The sarkin musulmi (sultan) remains a key spiritual leader in Nigeria. The assassination of Sir Ahmadu Bello, the sardauna of Sokoto, in 1966 fueled ethnic tensions and contributed to the Nigerian Civil War (1967–70).
Agriculture dominates Sokoto’s economy, with crops like peanuts, cotton, rice, sorghum, and millet. The Bakolori Dam supports irrigation but has caused soil infertility. Livestock farming is significant, with cattle, goats, and leather products being key exports.
Sokoto town hosts industries like cement, tanneries, and a modern abattoir, while Gusau has a textile industry and seed-oil mills.
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