Prominent Towns in Kano

Gaya
Latitude:  11.8606        Lat (DMS) 11° 51' 38N        
Longitude: 9.0027        Long (DMS) 9° 0' 10E
Elevation (Feet): 1669
Population Est.(2006): 201,016
Zip Code: 713102
History
According to history Gaya is believed to be the origin of a man named Kano who first settled in the present Kano State on his search for ironstone. Gaya served as an important terminus of a migratory corridor through which there was an influx of immigrating peoples especially from Eastern Sudan
Gaya has a Local Government which Its headquarters are in the town of Gaya in the north of the area.
Gaya was one of the districts that made up the then South-East administrative area with headquarters at Birnin-Kudu. With the reforms, Gaya Local government area was created. Presently made up of 10 wards, its headquarters is in Gaya town- a distance of about 64Km from the State capital. The people engage mainly in agriculture, producing crops such as cassava, groundnut, millet, Guinea corn, Rice, Beans. Other occupations include trading, hunting and blacksmithing as can be seen in the homepage of the website.
Gaya, from available records, played an important role in the establishment of Kano. Firstly, Gaya served as an important terminus of a migratory corridor through which there was an influx of migrating people especially from eastern Sudan, the maghrib and middle-east.
Secondly, Gaya seemed to have provided Kano with a name. According to historical account, the people that migrated into Gaya where warriors and hunters
Among them were seven brothers: Sharada, Chikaji, Dan Alahandu, Gabari, Kuka, Gaya and Kano.
Kano was the leader of the hunting and blacksmithing clan who in search of iron ore went to Dala and subsequently settled there, and became one of the founders of ancient Kano.
When Kano left Gaya for Dala hill, Gaya after whom the present day” Gaya” was named, succeeded him.
Occupation: Predominantly Agriculture, others include cattle rearing, trading, blacksmithing, and hunting.
Crops Produced: Guinea corn, millet, groundnut, cassava, beans.
Reputed to be the best producer of cassava in the state
Livestock: Cattle, poultry, sheep, goats.
They also have Mineral Resources in the town and most popular minerals they have Silicon.
This is prominent among the people in the community. It is a means to identify and celebrate a major occurrence in the community.
There are two vivid festivals distinct in the communities which are:
The Dambe Festival
Prominent among the festival held in Gaya is the Dambe festival.
This is a form of traditional boxing, an annual event which is organized by hunters and usually takes place after the harvest season.
It is a form of relaxation, fun and entertainment.
The Shadi Festival
This is a Fulani festival. It is a week-long event of dancing, celebrations and feasting. It can be termed a festival of many colours.
The Fulanis are usually dressed in bright and beautiful attire. An important aspect of the Sha∂i festival is in the display of bravery and courage, THE YOUNG Fulani men are beaten with sticks, it is an avenue for the brave ones to pick wives.