New Gusau palace ends old traditional order
The newly constructed palatial palace of the Emir of Gusau is a benefitting structure ushering modern architecture to a traditional people.
Aphase in the traditional history of Gusau Emirate Council will soon be closed and another open as the Zamfara State Government will soon inaugurate the ultra-modern palace for the Emir of Gusau. The old order handed down from generations is giving way to a modernity propelled by a new order and contemporary ways of doing things.
However, the architecture and finishing of the new N500million palace depicts the tradition and culture of the emirate. It is a combination of traditional and modern architecture.
The construction of the palace started in 2017 and is expected to be commissioned before the end of this month as part of the 7th year anniversary of Governor Abdulaziz Yari.
In fact, the new palace has been eliciting reactions from residents of Gusau and the state in general as preparations is underway to commission the edifice.
Many have expressed joy over the development saying that a befitting palace symbolizes the greatness of the Emirate.
The state Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Lawal Liman, said the government embarked on the project in line with its policy to upgrade the status of royal fathers and chieftaincy affairs in the state.
The palace which is one of the modern palaces being built by the government has a spacious reception, dining room, emir’s wing and guest houses.
It also has servants’ quarters and girls’ arena, Sarkin Gida and Sarkin Dogarai quarters, a school and a mosque, perimeter fence with two gates.
A resident, Mannir Abubakar who said the palace could compete with any other anywhere in Nigeria is glad to see that the architecture is attractive.
Near the palace is a conspicuous and magnificent Juma’at mosque. Everything it takes to call the building a befitting palace is available as it is very spacious to accommodate many guests at the same time.
A resident of Kanwuri, close to the Emir’s palace, Ali Yusuf, said he was elated at the modernization of the palace.
Speaking to our reporter, the Secretary of the Gusau Emirate Council, Alhaji Sambo A. Sambo, added that the new building has three conference rooms, two chambers and accommodation for prominent visiting emirs.
“There is also an apartment for his Royal Highness. The old palace was shifted from where it used to be to pave way for the expansion of Gusau Central Mosque. Where the present building is located was formerly a residential house for Sultan of Sokoto,” he added.
He said the contractor put his ingenuity with the consultation of his engineers in order to come out with a perfect structure that would be good looking.
“The Royal furniture are exclusive with all it takes to provide all the comfort and relaxation needed. There is also a pavilion from which the Emir can address his people such as durbar,” he said.
Alhaji Sambo further explained that the pavilion can accommodate over 100 dignitaries. According to him, there are also underground water reservoirs and overhead tanks apart from private apartments for his Royal Highness and the Royal Family.
According to him, there should be a distinction between an individual residential house and a palace stressing that it is one of the best in Northern Nigeria.
He said the palace would be a home to all native inhabitants of Zamfara and even visitors.