A new campaign spearheaded by heritage advocates is urging the Nigerian National Assembly (NASS), through the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review, to rename certain local governments to honour Shehu Usmanu Danfodiyo, the legendary founder of the Sokoto Caliphate and one of Nigeria’s most influential historical leaders.
According to a memorandum submitted to the Committee by the Chairman of the SokotoDNA Heritage Development Initiative, on July 26, 2025, the towns of Degel and Sifawa hold special historical significance as the “Country Homes” of Shehu Usmanu Danfodiyo. Danfodiyo, who spent over four decades in Degel and six years in Sifawa, where he founded his residence, Mosques, schools, and vibrant communities of scholars and followers known as Jama’a. These communities were the epicenter of his revolutionary movement geared toward promoting peace, justice, and Islamic intellectualism.
The memorandum emphasizes that renaming these local government areas to reflect Danfodiyo’s lasting contributions would be an important tribute — one that preserves and highlights the profound impact of his leadership on Nigerian history and culture.
SokotoDNA believes that such changes would not only celebrate a defining national figure but also bolster cultural heritage awareness, foster community pride, and strengthen the historical identity of these regions.
As Nigeria continues embracing its diverse historical roots, this proposal is gaining traction among traditional leaders, historians, and civil society groups. Efforts are being made to engage relevant stakeholders, within and outside NASS, for awareness creation towards renaming and recognizing these local governments in honour of Shehu Usman Danfodiyo’s legacy.
This initiative reaffirms the importance of linking place names with Nigeria’s rich past — reminding citizens and future generations of the enduring values of peace, scholarship, and justice championed by one of the nation’s foundational figures.
