A 200-year-old pillarless palace built with local materials has been uncovered in Ganjuwa, Bauchi State, showcasing remarkable pre-colonial architecture

A remarkable 200-year-old palace, built without a single pillar or rod, has been uncovered in Kafin Madaki, Ganjuwa Local Government Area of Bauchi State, Nigeria.

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This incredible architectural wonder was revealed when members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bauchi Council, visited the district head of Ganjuwa, Baba Mohammed Gidado, during a courtesy call on Wednesday.

The discovery came as part of a two-day workshop organised by the Chapel, with support from the Bauchi State Government, focused on emerging trends in journalism.

The journalists had earlier toured Sumo Wildlife Park, a popular tourist attraction home to giraffes, zebras, elands, and other wildlife.

During the visit, the district head proudly shared the fascinating history of the palace, which stands as a testament to the ingenuity of local architecture from two centuries ago.

“You see this palace; it was built over 200 years ago,” Gidado revealed. “What is amazing is that there is no single rod or pillar in this structure you are seeing.

The man who built it did not receive a Western education; he did not study engineering or building technology. He was an ordinary citizen blessed by God with wisdom and craftsmanship.”

The traditional ruler explained that the palace was constructed using only local materials and was completed in just two years.

After building this historic structure, the same architect went on to construct the Emir of Bauchi’s palace and the Emir of Zazzau’s palace in Zaria before his untimely death.

One of the most intriguing features of the palace is its ability to regulate temperature, offering comfort regardless of the season.

“The palace has the capacity to regulate alternating weather, which remains one of its mysteries,” Gidado said while taking the journalists on a tour of the historic site.

The district head expressed his hope that the journalists’ visit would help draw global attention to Ganjuwa’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.

Besides the pillarless palace, the area also boasts the Sumo Wildlife Park, which the Bauchi State Government plans to upgrade with a newly constructed dam.

“The park can be a huge source of attraction for tourists from all over Nigeria and the world. And thankfully, Ganjuwa is one of the most peaceful places in the state,” Gidado added.