CHAPTER ONE

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

1.0         Introduction

The present Rijau is not what it used to be. At present, there are a lots of development in terms of diversified languages, land, infrastructure, roads hospital, schools, electricity etc. in the town.

Before the coming of immigrants, Rijau was known to be one single compound with various household units within it. It was located on top of a hill called “Ratayagiwa”. The compound is said to be founded by a tribe called ‘Dukawa”.

Adamu claims that, in a Dukawa society, tradition belief that eldest man in the family unit is regarded as a head of the family. This shows that there has been somebody who is recognized as a ruler1. Danmasani observed the development of political system in Rijauland. However, the political development came as a result of the coming of Muhammadu Sambo from Yautumaki, in Katsina State. Sambo who obtained a flag from Uthman. Danfodio established a political administration in the area. Until the period of the British colonial rule in 1914 that the traditional political institution was serious affected in the area. But the independence of Nigeria in 1960 came with a new transformation on both political and socio-economic aspects2.

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Finally, in 1976, the establishment of Rijau Magama Local Government led to the rapid development. In 1991 Rijau local Government was created under the Banagida regimes. As a result, other developments sprang up most of which include establishment of schools, health centre constructions of roads, electricity, pipe borne water and others3

1.1         Significance of the Study

It is worthwhile to investigate and study the evolution of Rijau District. This will make readers have clear understanding of the beginning and the development of political system as well as the socio-economic activities of Rijau people.

The study is of great importance to the entire community. This project can also be a guide to those who go on with similar topic in their researches.

1.2         Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aims and objectives of this study is:

1.                  To acknowledge the people with the earlier development of Rijau political system.

2.                  To understand the factors that led to the political and socio-economic changes in the area.

3.                  To find out the development and underdevelopment in the pre-colonial and colonial political system of the area.

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1.3    Statement of the Problem

Many writings have been done on Rijau. These include those on the economy, political, religion and cultural settings of the town by different writers. But most of these writings do not cover the aspect of Rijau’s evolution.

Therefore, there is the need for the researcher to provide the historians and the communities as a whole with the history of the evolution of Rijau”.

It is to satisfy this need that the researcher embarked upon the writing of this project.

1.4        Scope and Limitations

The scope of the study covers Rijau district and the case study of Rijau local government in the pre-colonial and post-colonial periods.

1.5         Literature Review

The work of Adamu, “The Sarauta System, in Sarautar Bauchi Rijau” discussed about the establishment of Sarautar System in Kasar Bauchi Rijau. According to him, “a man called Muhamamdu Sambo came from katsina and soon became popular with the Dukawa people and finally involved in the Sarauta system4.

Bell in his book, Pioneer Doctor, The Struggler and Rewards discussed on the coming of missionary and their activities in Rijauland. Which include, the establishment of the health care centre in 1949, that was formally called United Missionary Society

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(UMS) Memorial Hospital and nursing school in 1955 which later changed to Tungan Magajiya School of Health and Technology5.

In research project Attahiru, “History of Rijau” analyse the history of Dukawa-their socio-economic and political activities. He also analysed the role of women in finding the name ‘Rijau”, that was formally called as ‘Irjau”6. In addition, he emphasized on the coming of immigrants into Rijauland. He explain their impact as they develops a wider range of language and established political system7