Conference in Honour of Amb. Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, CFR, Sardaunan Katsina.

• Draw attention to the rich historiography of Katsina.
• Contribute to the development of the historiography of Katsina.
• Promote the intellectual tradition of Katsina and Katsinawa.
• Publish a book on trends and issues in the history of Katsina.
• Promote interest in research on the history of Katsina.
• Promote an understanding of the culture and people of Katsina.
• Provide periodic opportunities for Katsinawa to reflect and brainstorm on the past and present problems affecting people and society.
• Reflect on the history of Katsina, its culture, tradition, and socio-economic dynamics
• Document some of the socio-political contributions of Katsina and Katsinawa to the development of Nigeria.

Occasions such as the installation of traditional title holders are usually marked with pomp and pageantry- singing, dancing, and cultural displays. More often than not, the intellectual and historical gains of society are hardly brought to the fore. The ceremonies are therefore usually one-sided. In Katsina, it is a well-established fact that the cultural development of the society has been holistic: the material and intellectual developments of the society go together and Katsina has excelled in both over the centuries. It is in recognition of this fact that the Sardaunan Katsina, His Excellency, Ambassador Ahmed Rufa’i Abubakar, CFR,  a consummate diplomat, Intelligence Officer, patriot, intellectual, philanthropist, and pious and modest public servant decided to hold a Conference as an important part of the ceremonies marking his installation as the third Sardaunan Katsina. Hence, a two-day conference with the theme: Tradition and Modernity: Trends and Issues in the History of Katsina are being organized in his honor on the occasion of his installation as the Sardaunan Katsina.

The installation ceremony has given us the opportunity to reflect on the history of Greater Katsina, its culture, tradition, the dynamics of modernity, and the consequent changes it has brought on the people and the direction of the development of our society, especially in this very challenging time. Beyond singing and dancing characteristic of such ceremonies therefore and bearing in mind local challenges, the Conference is providing us with the avenue for sober reflection and assessment of the historical trajectory of our society today. It is an opportunity for people to engage in a fruitful dialogue toward understanding the dynamics and fundamental changes in the direction of society.

It is in the light of the above that we have carefully outlined germane and critical issues in the history of Katsina, which we are going to examine under four sub-themes, namely Historiography, Traditional Institutions/Leadership; Culture, Heritage and Sports; Chieftaincy and Security. We have accordingly, therefore, identified scholars with research interests in the history of Katsina and especially the areas earmarked for discussion at this conference. These are diverse scholars with different backgrounds and orientations from within the state.  One very important thing to point out also is that in the choice of the contributors/presenters of papers, we brought on board younger academics with a view to encouraging their intellectual and career development. Of particular interest here are the three ladies included in the list of presenters: Malama Murjanatu Abdullahi, Malama Hadiza Sani Katsina, and Malam Zinatu Babangida. Apart from being gender-sensitive,  we have also not overlooked the possible contributions of lay historians - traditional oral historians that occupy positions in the society, hence we have invited Wakilin Tarihi of Daura and Halilu Shinkafi of Katsina to grace the occasion and deliver goodwill messages. The overriding objective at the end of the Conference, produce a  rich and high-quality publication that will represent a meaningful contribution to the historiography and history of Kastina state in general and as well promote a better understanding of its current development trajectory and challenge.

1. Prof. M.D.Suleiman - Chairman

2. Prof. Ismail A. Tsiga - Member

3. Dr Samaila Suleiman - Member

4. Dr. Waisu Iliyasu - Member

5. Dr Ibrahim S. Kankara    Secretary

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https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/view/67432446/conference-paper-presenters