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.

The 2024 Tourism and Technology Summit Africa will explore digital solutions in transforming African tourism, with keynote speaker Johnny Muteba.

The 2024 edition of the highly anticipated *Tourism and Technology Summit Africa (TATSA)*, organized by *My Beautiful Africa* and *iSmart Africa*, will take place on December 12, 2024, at the prestigious Oriental Hotel in Lagos.

This year’s summit is themed *“Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers: Transforming African Tourism through Technology.”*

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TATSA 2024 promises to be a groundbreaking event, bringing together thought leaders, innovators, and stakeholders from across the tourism, travel, aviation, hospitality, real estate, and technology sectors.

The summit will explore the future of travel and tourism on the African continent and highlight how digital solutions are revolutionizing the travel experience.

The summit will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions, exhibitions, and networking opportunities, offering valuable insights into how technology can be harnessed for sustainable growth, improved customer experiences, and enhanced global competitiveness within the tourism industry.

Johnny Muteba, CEO of *Build Africa Group*, will deliver the keynote address, offering his expertise on the role of technology in reshaping the African tourism sector.

This year’s event is proudly supported by top industry players, including *Travelogue*, *Befenchy House of Style*, *Cybertron*, *LIVE*, and the *Pan African Chamber of Commerce*, among others.

With the rapid growth of technology across various industries, the summit aims to empower stakeholders in the tourism sector with cutting-edge knowledge and practical tools to excel in this fast-evolving landscape.

Top essayists of the 2024 Carnival Calabar Essay Competition receive awards, as Folashade Tinubu Ojo emphasizes the importance of literacy.

The 2024 edition of the Carnival Calabar Essay Competition saw top essayists recognized for their exceptional work. The event, sponsored by Mrs. Folashade Tinubu Ojo, the Iyaloja General of Nigeria, took place in Calabar, Cross River State.

The competition, now named the *Folashade Tinubu Ojo Carnival Calabar Essay Competition*, awarded cash prizes and accolades to deserving students.

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In the essay category, Master David Okon Offiong, a student at Police Secondary School, Calabar, won the first-place prize.

In the short stories category, which was open to students in higher institutions, Awhobiwom Lucy Betiang from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, claimed the top honor.

Participants in both categories wrote on the theme of the 2024 Carnival Calabar, “Our Shared Prosperity.”

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Cross River State Carnival Commission, Mr. Gabe Onah, highlighted the competition’s role in promoting literacy, developing young talent, and reviving the reading and writing culture among Nigeria’s youth.

“Writing essays allows individuals to explore different perspectives, fostering critical thinking,” Onah remarked.

In her keynote speech, Mrs. Folashade Ojo expressed her satisfaction with the students’ performances, stressing the importance of fostering a love for reading and writing.

She urged parents, guardians, and teachers to take an active role in encouraging good cultural ethics and values. Ojo reaffirmed her commitment to supporting such initiatives, noting that they are essential for building a vibrant, inclusive future for young Nigerians.

“I am committed to supporting and sponsoring initiatives like this. Bringing back the love for reading and writing is critical in safeguarding our communities,” she said.

The event also featured vibrant cultural displays by secondary school students, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.

Mr. Austin Cobham, the Executive Secretary of the Carnival Commission, also praised Mrs. Ojo for her unwavering dedication to sustaining the literacy components of the Carnival.