By Abdulrasaq Olayinka
Geographically located under the southwestern part of the ancient Habe (Hausa) kingdom of Zazzau (Zaria), the city “Abuja” is quite large in population for decades due to the existence of multi ethnic tribes that exists in the area.The largest of all were the “Gwaris” amd and follow by the Koro’s, Hausas among others.
In the early 1800s, when Zaria was captured by the Fulani invaders, Muhammed Makau fled south with some followers and his brothers- (Abu Ja and Kwaka). Abu Ja succeeded Makau in 1825. The full name of the king was Abubakar, he was nicknamed Abuja due to his fair complexion.
Literally, the word “Ja” is referred to as “Fair”or “Red”in Hausa language. Some sources revealed that the word “Ja” is a shortened form of lshaku Jatau, his father’s name. King Abubakar historically founded Abuja Kingdom
Abuja became a major center where exports and imports of goods took place. The dwellers successfully fought the Fulanis and were not enslaved like the neighboring lands. In 1902, Abuja was occupied by the British colonial army, They organized the kingdoms and were crowned as “the emirates” which means kingdom. Until 1975, it remained a quiet part of the country.
Recalling that a motion was made to locate the capital in central Nigeria led to the search for a new capital that year, Abuja was selected from among 33 possible sites. A criteria was put in place for the selection of the capital city which includes: centrality, health, climate, land availability and use, water supply, multi-access possibilities, security, the existence of resources, drainage, good soil, physical planning convenience, and ethnic accord among others.
Altai Suleiman Bara, who was the “Emir” then was asked to meet with his Emirate Council to approve contributing four of the live districts to Abuja to become the new capital. The council was divided as some districts considered it too much of a sacrifice; but in the end, the federal government request was approved. Thus, some states contributed the lands of their regional territory, states such as Niger, Plateau (Now Nasarawa) and Kwara (Now Kogi)states contributed 80%, 16% and 4% respectively. The Government located the Capital to Abuja.The previous town of Abuja was renamed Suleja after the then Emir of Suleiman Barau and Ja the last syllable of the first emirate’s name.
According to tradition, the original inhabitants of the region lived at the base of the rock for centuries without being conquered. The rock was a refuge as well as a mystical source of strength. Asoro (Aso Koro) , the name of one of the local areas, therefore, means people of victory.
In addition, the term Aso Rock is increasingly being used to refer not only to the physical structure of the most imposing rock in the area but also as a symbol of government power and a nation.