By: Bashir Hassan Abubakar
The race to save one of Bauchi State’s most treasured heritage landmarks has reached a critical point.
Dr. Muhammad Nasiru Yusuf, Managing Director and State Conservator General of the Bauchi State Tourism Development Corporation, issued an urgent appeal this week for immediate intervention to rescue the Baban Gwani Gidan Madaki Monument from imminent collapse.
Speaking during an inspection visit to the historic site, Dr. Yusuf warned that years of disrepair have left the monument dangerously vulnerable. “We are standing before history that could vanish if we do not act now,” he said. “This is not just a building — it is the soul of our cultural identity, a bridge to our past, and a key to our economic future.”
According to him, the Baban Gwani Gidan Madaki Monument holds immense historical and cultural significance for Bauchi State and Nigeria at large. Beyond its heritage value, Dr. Yusuf stressed that the site has untapped potential to become an internationally recognized destination for tourism and academic research, drawing scholars, cultural enthusiasts, and travelers from around the world.
The Conservator General called on government at all levels, private investors, and tourism stakeholders to urgently collaborate on a comprehensive plan for restoration, conservation, and global promotion. Without swift action, he cautioned, the state risks losing both a priceless cultural asset and the economic opportunities it could generate for local communities.
“Preserving Baban Gwani is not a luxury — it is our responsibility to future generations,” Dr. Yusuf declared. “We must reposition this monument as a living center of culture, learning, and tourism before it is too late.”
