From Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse
The Hadejia Emirate council concluded arrangements for the 120 years commemoration of Hadejia resistance against colonial invasion of 1906.
“We’re not merely remembering that resistance, we are preserving its meaning and projecting it’s lessons into the future”.
Speaking while briefing news men, the Chairman main planning committee and also the senior councilor in the Emirate (Galadiman Hadejia) Alhaji Usman Abdul’aziz explained that, the Emirate under the leadership of Emir Muhammadu Mai-shahada in 1906 is one of the Emirate that refused submission to colonial forces.
“In 1906, As British colonial forces moved to consolidate control over Northern Nigeria, Hadejia stood as one of the Emirates that refused submission. under the leadership of Emir Muhammadu Mai-shahada, the People choose resistance, depending their sovereignty, their faith, and their identity”, he said.
He explained that, the British military expedition led by Captain H.C.B. Philips advanced to Hadejia, expecting compliance instead, they met determined resistance from Hadejia warriors. In the course of the battle, Captain Phillips himself was killed, a rare and striking moment in the history of colonial campaigns in the region.
The Galadiman Hadejia who said, that moment in 1906 was not just a battle, but it was a defining expression of courage, sacrifice, and honour, added that, over 800 warriors of Hadejia laid down their lives, including their leader Emir Muhammadu Mai-shahada, who died on the battlefield alongside his people.
The Chairman of the planning committee added that the commemoration is guided by the theme : “Hadejia Resistance: Defending Islam, preserving honour, Heritage, and inspiring the future”.
According to him, the commemoration will take place on two days (Friday 24th and Saturday 25th April, 2026).
He said, Day one is dedicated to reflection, remembrance and historical preservation including special prayer session for the souls of fallen heroes, commissioning of a historical museum and visit to key historical sites.
The senior councilor maintained that, second day marks the grand public celebration of the commemoration with official launch of the landmark publication titled: “Hadejia Emirate: A centenary History of Hadejia Resistance to colonial invasion, 1906-2026”.
