Africa's Most Dangerous Snakes

Facts and information about Africa's most venomous snakes

Africa has some of the most dangerous and venomous snakes in the world. Get your facts and information about the Black Mamba, Boomslang, Puff Adder, Gaboon Viper, Egyptian Cobra and more of Africa's deadly snakes. Find out what the different types of snake venom will do to the victims body.

Remember, fatalities from snake bites are quite rare and the vast majority of snakes are actually not venomous. Venomous snakes will often avoid humans, and if they bite they rarely inject their full venom load.

Black Mamba

The Black Mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis) is one of Africa's most dangerous snakes and feared in East, Central and Southern Africa. It's aggressive when cornered and will not hesitate to strike. It can reach speeds of up to 12 mph (20 km/ph). It's the largest venomous snake in Africa with adults reaching an average of 8 feet in length (2.5m). Black Mamba's are not black at all, but brown/olive skinned. Their mouths are inky black which they show when threatened. Black Mambas live in savanna, scrub, tree hollows, and sometimes people's homes. If a Black Mamba encounters prey it can strike up to 12 times, each time delivering enough neuro and cardio-toxic venom to kill a dozen men within 1 hour. Without anti-venom, the mortality rate is 100%.

Puff Adder

The Puff Adder (Bitis arietans) is considered to be Africa's deadliest snake because it is responsible for the most human fatalities. Puff Adders reach an average length of around 1 meter, and they're solidly built with a wide girth. Color patterns vary depending on where they live, their habitats extend throughout Africa except for dense rain forests and deserts. The Puff Adder has large fangs and its venom is powerful enough to kill a grown man with a single bite. Puff Adders rely on camouflage for protection and lie still if approached. Because of this, people tend to step on them and get bitten. Many fatalities occur because bites are not treated correctly, leading to infection and gangrene.

Boomslang

 The Boomslang (Dispholidus typus) is an extraordinarily dangerous snake found in sub-Saharan Africa. Human fatalities are rare, since this snake is very timid, but spectacular. It's venom is haemotoxic, which means that it affects the body’s natural blood clotting mechanism resulting in the bleeding of the internal organs. Sometimes it can take as long as 24 hours before the symptoms of the venom can be felt or seen. Once it gets to work however, a person can bleed to death from every orifice. The Boomslang is a tree-dwelling snake (Boomslang means "tree snake" in Afrikaans). Females are brown, and males are light green with black highlights. The Boomslang reaches an average length of 5 feet. Its fangs are at the back of its head.

Gaboon Viper

The Gaboon Viper (Bitis gabonica) has the longest fangs and the highest venom yield of any venomous snake in the world. Gaboon Vipers can be found in West, Central and parts of East Africa, they prefer forested areas. Adults reach an average length of around 5 feet. While the Gaboon Viper delivers a huge dose of venom, the venom is not as toxic as some of the other snakes on this list. A single bite could kill a man however. Gaboon Vipers are very interesting looking snakes with a huge triangular shaped heads and pretty black, brown and pink markings. Gaboon Vipers are quite passive and rarely bite unless provoked or stepped on (even then they don't always bite).



The Egyptian Cobra (Naja haje) is a deadly venomous snake most commonly found in Egypt but also in other parts of North Africa. The Egyptian Cobra has glands located behind its eyes which produce a deadly neurotoxic venom that's released through its large fangs. The venom of an Egyptian Cobra is so deadly it can kill a full grown Indian Elephant in 3 hours. In humans its venom causes paralysis and death due to respiratory failure. The adults average about 2m in length and are usually yellowish to dark brown with brown cross bands. Egyptian Cobras are aggressive snakes that live in dry to moist savanna and semi-desert regions. It is thought that Cleopatra used an Egyptian Cobra to commit suicide.

Egyptian Cobra

 

 

 The Saw-Scaled or Carpet Viper (Echis genus) are small, bad tempered, highly venomous snakes found north of the equator in Africa. Adults vipers reach an average length of just 20-30 inches. Their venom is hemotoxic and very virulent. This means the venom causes spontaneous internal bleeding, sometimes days after the bite has occurred. The Saw-Scaled viper is named for the sound it makes as its scales rub together producing a warning sound similar to a "sizzle". These venomous vipers are active after dark and that's when most of their victims are bitten.

Saw-Scaled or Carpet Viper

 

Cape Cobra

The Cape Cobra (Naja nivea) has a powerful venom and is one of the deadliest snakes in Southern Africa. Cape Cobras grow to an average of around 4 feet. Cape Cobras are particularly dangerous because they tend to be nervous and aggressive. Without treatment, the mortality rate in humans is 60% and death normally occurs 2-5 hours after being bitten, usually as a result of respiratory failure due to the onset of paralysis. The Cape Cobra is a beautiful looking snake some are yellow, some copper/mahogany colored and some are purplish/black. The Cape Cobra loves to hunt for rodents and can climb trees to raid weaver bird colonies. The Cape Cobra is common throughout dry regions in Southern Africa.



The Eastern Green Mamba (Dendroaspis angusticeps) is a venomous snake related to the highly dangerous Black Mamba. The Green Mamba is less aggressive and smaller than the Black Mamba, they average around 6 feet. The Green Mamba's venom is also significantly less toxic, however a single bite could certainly be fatal to a human. Green mambas are highly arboreal and almost never touch the ground. They are generally found in south-eastern Africa. Like their name, Green Mambas are a lovely grass green color, but yellow when born. 

Eastern Green Mamba

 

 

 

 

Snake Venom and What it Does to its Victims

Depending on the species of snake, there are 5 types of venom that have been identified. Each venom acts differently inside the body of the victim:




Neurotoxic venom - Cobras and Mambas - attacks the central nervous system, and starts to affect movement, breathing, swallowing, speech and sight  Haematoxic venom - Boomslang - affects the blood by using up the clotting factors so it no longer coagulates leading to extensive blood loss into the tissues
Cytotoxic venom - Puff Adders - attacks the body cells or tissues, this bite is extremely painful, with much swelling and marked symptoms of shock. 
Myotoxic venom - sea snakes - attacks the muscles and can lead to death from kidney and heart failure.

Source: Eco Travel Africa

Christmas in Africa. How Africans Celebrate Christmas

Christmas is celebrated throughout the African continent by Christian communities large and small. There are approximately 350 million Christians in Africa. On Christmas day carols are sung from Ghana on down to South Africa. Meats are roasted, gifts are exchanged and family visits made. The Coptic Christians in Ethiopia and Egypt celebrate Christmas on the 25th of December in their calendar, which is the 7th of January for most of the rest of us. Kwanzaa is not celebrated in Africa, as it's an African-American holiday. And unless you're in the Atlas Mountains in Morocco, there's little chance of anyone enjoying a white Christmas in Africa.
Even in some of Africa's predominantly Muslim countries, Christmas is still marked for celebration. In Dakar, Senegal's capital, hawkers are happy to sell plastic trees and inflatable santas. "While secularism may mean elsewhere that each person is free to celebrate his or her own holidays, many in Senegal have interpreted it to mean they should celebrate all holidays." (Mail & Guardian).

Gift Giving

Those who can afford it will generally give gifts at Christmas but the holiday is not nearly as commercial as it is in Europe or the Americas. The emphasis is more on the religious aspect of celebrating the birth of Jesus and singing in church, than it is on gift giving. The most common thing bought at Christmas is a new set of clothes to be worn to the church service. Many Africans are too poor to be able to afford presents for their kids and there aren't too many toy stores in rural Africa to shop at anyway. If gifts are exchanged in poorer communities they usually come in the form of school books, soap, cloth, candles and other practical goods.

Christmas Dinner

As in most Christian cultures, celebrating Christmas dinner with friends and family tops the list after attending church. In most countries Christmas is a public holiday and people take the opportunity to visit friends and family. In East Africa goats are quickly snapped up at the local markets and roasted on Christmas day. In South Africa the sun is hot and the beaches are full of families enjoying braais (bbq's) or traditional Christmas dinners with paper hats, mince pies, turkey and plum pudding (a vestige of the British colonial legacy.) In Ghana Christmas dinner is not complete without fufu and okra soup and in Liberia rice, beef and biscuits are the order of the day. Zimbabweans make sure there's plenty of bread, jam and tea to eat along with their goat meat.

Church Services and Caroling

The history of Christianity in Africa dates back to the 1st Century AD. What every missionary has found since that time is that Africans are very spiritual people. (Besides Christianity, the other main religions are Islam and indigenous beliefs). Going to church is generally the main focus of Christmas celebrations in Africa. Nativity scenes are played out, carols are sung and in some cases dances are performed. One of my earliest Christmas memories in Malawi is watching groups of young children go door to door to perform dances and Christmas songs dressed in skirts made of leaves and using home made instruments. They received a small gift of money in return. In many countries the processions after the Christmas Eve church service is a joyous occasion of music and dance. In the Gambia for example, people parade with large intricately made lanterns called fanals in the shape of boats or houses. Every country has their own unique celebrations no matter how small their Christian population.

Christmas Decorations

Decorating shop fronts, mango trees, churches and homes is common throughout African Christian communities. You may see fake snow decorating store fronts in Nairobi, palm trees laden with candles in Ghana, or oil palms loaded with bells in Liberia.

How to Say Merry Christmas

In Akan (Ghana) Afishapa
In Zimbabwe Merry Kisimusi
In Afrikaans (South Africa) Geseënde Kersfees
In Zulu (South Africa) Sinifisela Ukhisimusi Omuhle
In Swazi (Swaziland) Sinifisela Khisimusi Lomuhle
In Sotho (Lesthoto) Matswalo a Morena a Mabotse
In Swahili (Tanzania, Kenya) Kuwa na Krismasi njema
In Amharic (Ethiopia) Melkam Yelidet Beaal
In Egyptian (Egypt) Colo sana wintom tiebeen
In Yoruba (Nigeria) E ku odun, e hu iye' dun!

White Rhinoceros Images

White Rhinoceros

The African rhinoceros is a very large animal, with a heavily armoured body and a distinctive horn. There are five separate species of rhinoceros' in the world. The main two species are African rhinos and Asian rhinos. In Africa, there are two species of the rhino, the black rhinoceros and the white rhinoceros. Asia has the remaining three species, the Indian rhino, Javan rhino and Sumatran rhino.
The white rhinoceros has two horns. Despite its name, the rhino is light grey in colour. They weight about 2 and a half tonne, stand about 1.7 metres tall and 4 metres long. The white rhino often live in groups, which can range from any number up to about ten. They feed on grass and leaves. These animals are highly endangered, and have been a protected species for many years.

White rhinos are found in the grasslands of South Africa and also north Zaire. They have no natural predators due to their size. Humans however can be a predator to these beautiful creatures, by illegal hunting and poaching.

Rhinos mark their territory with urine. They enjoy bathing in mud to cool down on hot days.

Female rhinos can reproduce at around three years, whilst male rhinos are not able to reproduce until around seven years. After reproduction, usually one calf is born. The new born rhino can stand on its own just one hour after it is born, and feeds off the mother for 9-12 months. The rhino usually stay with the more for a further period of two to two and a half years before gaining independence and living solitarily.

The rhinos horn was much sought after in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Trading rhinoceros horn is illegal all over the world. There are only 2,500 black rhinos left in the world, a minute number considering only a hundred years ago there was almost a million (estimated) black rhinos in Africa.

The African rhinoceros is a very large animal, with a heavily armoured body and a distinctive horn. There are five separate species of rhinoceros' in the world. The main two species are African rhinos and Asian rhinos. In Africa, there are two species of the rhino, the black rhinoceros and the white rhinoceros. Asia has the remaining three species, the Indian rhino, Javan rhino and Sumatran rhino.

Scientific Name
Ceratotherium simum                  

Common Names
Square-lipped rhinoceros

Classification

 
Close Relatives.

Discover the top ten animals you should see when on safari in Africa. From the Big 5, to the elegant giraffe -- here's my list of "must-see" animals that makes a safari in Africa so worthwhile. Of course, if you get a chance to go on multiple safaris, some of the rarer animals like the pangolin, or African wild dog will offer more excitement than a giraffe or two.

1. Lion

To see a lion in its natural habitat is one of the main attractions of going on safari in Africa. You're more likely to see one snoozing than in active pursuit of dinner since they tend to rest for about 20 hours a day. Lion populations are dwindling, but you will see them in the major parks and reserves including Kruger, Maasai Mara, and the Serengeti. Lions are social and live in prides (unlike other cats) so they are easier to spot than a cheetah or leopard.

2.Elephant

 The African elephant is the largest land mammal on earth and you'll be in awe the first time you see one on safari. Elephants live in woodlands, forests, deserts and savanna, spread across 37 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Elephants are quite peaceful if left alone, but if threatened - watch out. There's nothing quite like being charged at by 12,000 lb's of animal, flapping its ears and trumpeting loudly. Elephants can be over 14 feet tall and 30 feet wide. They drink 30-50 gallons of water every day and are vegetarians.

3. Giraffe

 The giraffe is my favorite animal to spot on safari. They have blue tongues, little 5 inch knobs on their heads and (obviously) outrageously long necks. The giraffe neck contains special veins and blood valves to stop the giraffe from blacking out when it takes a drink. Because the giraffe is the tallest mammal on earth they are quite easy to spot. This is satisfying for everyone on safari since viewing animals when the bush is thick or the grass tall, is no easy task. If you're out camping in the African bush you'll never be startled by a loud growling or grunting from a giraffe, they are very quiet.

4. Leopard

 The African leopard (Panthera pardus) is more numerous than the African rhino in the Big 5 pantheon, but they are just as difficult to spot on safari in Africa. Leopards use trees as observation platforms and for protection, so you have to remember to look up to see this solitary, beautiful cat. Leopards are shy and nocturnal, quite modest for a cat that can climb, swim and live in a wider range of habitats than most other wild cats.

5.Rhino

 There are two species of rhino in Africa, the Black rhino (Diceros bicornis) and the White rhino (Ceratotherium simum). Black rhinos have suffered the most drastic reduction in population in the last 20 years (there are only about 4000 left in the wild) so its rare to see on on safari unless you're in an area where they have been re-introduced. The white rhino is more numerous numbering at over 17,000 and they are heavily concentrated in Southern Africa. Rhinos are large mammals, an adult white rhino can weigh in at 6,000 lb's! Rhinos are shortsighted, a little bad tempered, but magnificent to look at.

6. Cheetahs

Cheetahs are rare and beautiful cats, well known for their incredible speed. While they are the fastest animals on earth and decent hunters, it's difficult for them to stop their kills from getting scavenged by aggressive hyenas as well as lions. Their preference for wide open spaces also puts them in competition with man and cattle. Cheetahs are not easy to spot on safari, only around 12,000 remain in the wild, spread through eastern and southwestern Africa. Your best chance of seeing them is in Tanzania's Serengeti or in various reserves in Namibia.

7.Gorilla

 You have to take a special safari to see the mountain Gorilla because they are so rare and live in a relatively tiny area of East Africa. There are only around 720 mountain gorillas left on earth and when you opt to see them, you are also helping their survival. It's an easy side trip to take if you're on a traditional safari in East Africa.

8. Hippopotamus

Hippos can be found in lakes and rivers throughout sub-Saharan Africa and are easy to spot on safari. One of the best places to see hippos is the Luangwa River in Zambia, pods have numbered over 100 members during the dry season. An adult male hippo can run at speeds of 20mph, not bad for an animal that weighs up to 3.5 tonnes. Hippos are among Africa's most dangerous animals, and responsible for many human fatalities.

9. Nile Crocodile

The Nile Crocodile can be found in almost every major river throughout the continent as well as many lakes. Crocs are easy to spot on safari, you'll often find them sunning themselves on river banks with their mouths wide open. Crocodiles have been around for over 200 million years, and they certainly look prehistoric. Adult males can reach lengths of up to 18 feet. They are responsible for a number of human fatalities every year and are considered to be one of Africa's most dangerous animals.

10. Zebra

Zebra are very common throughout East and Southern Africa although mostly confined to national parks and reserves. They always look healthy, it's easy to see why they're the favorite prey of lions and hyenas. Since they look so much like horses its tempting to want to ride them, but they are very difficult to tame. Zebra are grazers and can gather in huge migratory herds. No two zebras have exactly the same stripe pattern. They're as unique as our finger prints. You can also find out why zebra and wildebeest migrate together.

Ndubuisi Kanu

Rear Admiral (retired) Ndubuisi Godwin Kanu was appointed military governor of Imo State, Nigeria in March 1976 during the military regime of General Olusegun Obasanjo. He was the first governor after the decree that established the state from part of the old East Central State. He was transferred to become governor of Lagos State in 1977, leaving office in July 1978.
Naval career

Ndubuisi Kanu was born in Abia State in 1943 of Igbo origin. Joining the navy, he went to India for cadet training. His naval career included positions in Personnel, Logistics and Training. He obtained honorary Doctorate Degrees from the Imo State University and the Federal University of Technology, Owerri.

In July 1975 as a lieutenant commander he was appointed a member of Murtala Muhammed's ruling Cabinet, the Armed Forces Ruling Council. Appointed governor of Imo State in March 1976, he brought in town planners to prepare a plan for Owerri.[4] Kanu built roads in Owerri metropolis, expanded that number of Local Government Areas to 21 and founded the Imo Broadcasting Service, which went on air in December 1976.[citation needed] He later became Rear Admiral and Naval chief.
Post-retirement

After he retired he joined the pro-democracy movement and played a leading role in the agitation for the actualization of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election. He founded and is Chairman of RANGK LTD, a maritime consultancy, is Chairman of the Ohaneze Transition Caretaker Committee (OTC).and was Director of Fidelity Bank PLC. Kanu became a top National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) chieftain and became Chairman of the coalition in 2013.

In May 2008, Kanu called for a return to true federalism in Nigeria. In an interview in November 2008 he attacked what he called Unitarism, the excessive concentration of powers at the centre, and called for fundamental dialog between the different ethnic nationalities of Nigeria. He attributed the conflict in the Niger Delta to the lack of regional power.[5] In another interview, he pinpointed the second stage of the General Ibrahim Babangida regime as the time when things started to go wrong, with increasingly centralized control.

He was among leaders who spoke in January 2010 at a Lagos rally of the Save Nigeria Group calling for Vice-President Goodluck Jonathan be made acting president during President Umaru Yar'Adua's illness.

Kanu has been married thrice and has ten children - Simone, Audrey, Kelly, Karen, Paula, Jeffery, Vanessa, Samantha, Laura and Stephen.

His current wife is Gladys Ndubuisi-Kanu.

About Kano State

Kano State is a state located in North-Western Nigeria. Created on May 27, 1967 from part of the Northern Region, Kano state borders Katsina State to the north-west, Jigawa State to the north-east, Bauchi State to the south-east and Kaduna State to the south-west. The capital of Kano State is Kano.
The state originally included Jigawa State which was made a separate state in 1991.

Economy and society

Economy and Resources Nigerian economy since the colonial times has been largely driven by export of raw materials. This was one of the aims of colonialism and even subsequent western strategies of neo-colonialism and globalization. Northern Nigeria, especially Kano, was a major producer of groundnuts. In fact Kano produced about half million tons which was about half of Nigeria’s commodities as the main source of foreign exchange and government revenue. The oil boom of the 1970’s made the government to neglect agriculture. Many of the rural dweller rushed to the cities in search of “greener” pastures.


Government at the federal and state levels formulated policies for the revival of agricultural productivity and poverty alleviation, because the survival of the society was threatened, as Nigeria became an importer of food. Among these policies were the Operation Feed the Nation, Green Revolution , Better Life for Rural Women and Family Economic Advancement Programme. Agricultural practitioners have complained that they have not benefitted from previous programs, hence the present state of poverty especially in northern Nigeria. The federal Government made attempts to encourage industrialization in Nigeria though several programs and institutions such as NIDB (Nigeria Industrial Development Bank), NBCI (Nigeria Bank for Commerce and Industry) and NERFUND (National Economic Recovery Fund).


The people of Kano have been known for the “extensive initiative and perseverance”. Kano merchants have been famous in West Africa some of them were even legendary for example the late Alhaji Alhassan Dantata who was the wealthiest Nigerian at the time he died. Alhaji Aliko Dangote one of the wealthiest African industrialists is a great-grandson of the late Alhaji Alhassan Dantata. Kano businessmen, including Dantata pioneered the first textile industry in Nigeria the Gwammaja Textiles established by the Kano Citizens Trading Company. It should be noted that even the pre-colonial period, Kano “was probably Nigeria’s most celebrated textile exporting center.”


Kano’s products were in high demand even in North Africa and it was rightly observed by Professor Elizabeth Isichei in her book A History of Nigeria that: Almost as far as the Nile, and certainly in Southern Morocco, the blue haiques and burnouse of semi-Arab and Moorish tribes are the products of craftsmen in Kano and Sokoto, and this ‘country cloth’ as it is called, is worth much more along the coast than any turned out in Manchester.


Private investors established most of the industries in Kano. The regional government, during the first republic, established no industry in Kano as it did in Kaduna and Sokoto, which hosted the textile and cement industries respectively. The Federal Government established only one industry in Kano, the National Truck Manufacturers (NTM), a commercial vehicle assembly plant that was never viable because of its precarious foundation and it was closed and later privatized. But in Kaduna, the federal government established a fertilizer plant, a motor assembly plant and a refinery. The last two are all functioning and the refinery is perhaps the most important industry in northern Nigeria.


Most of the industries established in Nigeria during the oil boom era were import substitution-based and with the fall in prices, the value of naira crashed, most of them collapsed because they relied on imported raw materials. The worst affected were those in the North especially Kano. This is because, the transportation cost from Lagos to Kano skyrocketed. Hence, they could not compete with those in Lagos or Otta and since there is no railway, it will be difficult to restore such establishments. Energy supply to Kano has also remained epileptic. The cost of diesel, which is used by generators, has also skyrocketed, especially in Kano. These and other reasons made many factories to close and render their workers unemployed.



AGRICULTURE Agriculture is one of the most important pillars of the State’s economy with about 75% of the total working population engaged directly or indirectly in this activity. The principal food crops cultivated in abundance are Millet, Cowpeas, Sorghum, Maize and Rice for local consumption while Groundnuts and Cotton are produced for export and industrial purposes. During the colonial period and several years after the country’s independence, the groundnuts produced in the state constituted one of the major revenue sources of the country. Kano State is a major producer of Hides and Skins with over 80% of the tanneries located in the industrial estates of the state producing high quality tanned leather ranked among the best in the world, which are exported. Some of the exportable commodities grown in Kano State include Sesame, Soya Beans, Cotton, Garlic, Gum Arabic an Chilli Pepper. Most of these commodities are available at Dawanau Market about 13Km from the Kano city center. Kano State contributes over 20% of Nigeria’s non-oil export revenue.



COMMERCE Commercial activities in Kano received its first encouragement with the establishment of Kurmi market by the Emir of Kano Muhammadu Rumfa in the 16th Century CE. Subsequent leaders made contributions to the emergence of Kano as a leading commercial center in the Sudanic Africa. For example, the first two Emirs of Kano, Ibrahim Dado and Sulaimanu in the 19th century encouraged traders to move from Katsina because of Maradi raid. This was one of major contributing factors that made Kano the richest province in the Sokoto Caliphate. The Jihad leaders of the caliphate encouraged Kolanut trade and kano was the greatest beneficiary with an annual turnover of about $30 million. Kano merchants were also very innovative and they were able to integrate commerce and craft industry during the pre-colonial period this contributed to the prosperity of the province. Kano was producing an estimated 10 million pairs of sandals during that period because of an estimated 10 million pairs of sandals during that period because of economic harmony. Emir of Kano Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi (1953 – 1963) established the Bompai Industrial Estate which was the first of its kind in the state through a loan guaranty that was later used against him by the Northern Regional Government.


Kano State is most important and largest commercial center in Northern Nigeria. With about 10 million people, it provides a stable and continues market for both manufactured and semi-processed goods. The volume of trading activities conducted on daily basis in the markets, notably Muhammadu Abubakar Rimi (Sabon –Gari), Kwanar Singer, Kantin Kwari, Kurmi and Dawanau markets signify the state’s great potentials as a market for various products.


In addition to the large and unique markets, Kano is also blessed with plentiful and various kinds of agricultural products which provide huge raw materials for Agro-Allied industries. Agricultural products like Maize, Guinea Corn, Rice, Cotton and Groundnuts are readily available to serve as raw materials for oil milling, flour and textile industries. Other agro based raw materials are Gum Arabic, Livestock, Hides and Skin, Cowpeas and Citrus fruits.


Similarly, the second Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in the country has been approved by the federal government and the state government is making efforts for its actualization. It is expected to provide additional impetus to both local and foreign investors. Furthermore, the state is one of the three states in the Northern part of the country that serve as a dry port and Inland Container Depot (ICD) for import/export activities of the hinterland shippers.


The impressive infrastructural facilities such as the Malam Aminu International Airport road and Railway links to other parts of the country as well as the excellent road network within the state provide unique opportunities for the steady growth of commercial activities. There are over 100 branches of commercial banks. Similarly, there are several branches of insurance companies and brokerage firms making Kano the leading financial center of Northern Nigeria.


The Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Cooperatives is charged with the responsibility of registration, supervision, inspection and auditing of all types of Cooperative Societies in the state. The Ministry also conducts public enlightenment programs to sensitize the public on the advantages of cooperative organizations.


INDUSTRIALIZATION Kano State is the second largest industrial center in Nigeria and the largest in the Northern Nigeria. There are at present over 400 privately owned medium and small scale industries in the state producing various items, such as textile materials, tanned leather, foot wears, cosmetics, plastics, enamel ware, pharmaceuticals, ceramics, furniture and bicycles. Others include agricultural implements, soft drinks, food and beverages, dairy products, vegetable oil, animal feeds etc. The strategy put in place by the State Government to boost the growth of industries was to provide large industrial areas such as Sharada industrial areas (Phase I, II, and III) the Challawa Industrial Area and Tokarawa Industrial layout. More of such industrial estates are being envisaged in the very near future.


TOURSIM Kano is blessed with abundant tourism resources which include historical monuments and sites, as well as unique places of great interest, such as Kurmi market established in the 15th century is in the heart of Kano City, the centuries-old city wall with some of its gates still standing. The Gidan Rumfa (Emir’s Palace) is the oldest and largest traditional palace in Nigeria. It is the oldest continuous sit of the authority in Nigeria. It was established by Sarkin Kano Muhammadu Rumfa (1463 – 1499) and its has been in continuous use since that time. Although the Sarki’s authority has been transformed to community leadership, his influence is still profound and everyday common people seek solace in his leadership for his intervention in some of their predicaments.http://kano.gov.ng/new/index.php/2012-02-28-03-51-05/ecosoc

Kano's once booming manufacturing sector has been stagnant over the last 15 years. Largely due to volatile power supply. Plans are being considered to build a Nuclear Power Station in the North-Eastern region of Nigeria. The plant is to be fueled from Uranium mined in neighbouring Gombe state and supplied over a rail network.

Local Government Areas
The state is home to 44 Local Government Areas (LGAs):
LGA Name     Area (km2)     Census 2006
population     Administrative capital     Postal
Code
Fagge     21     198,828     Waje     700
Dala     19     418,777     Gwamaja     700
Gwale     18     362,059     Gwale     700
Kano Municipal     17     365,525     Kofar Kudu     700
Tarauni     28     221,367     Unguwa Uku     700
Nassarawa     34     596,669     Bompai     700
Kumbotso     158     295,979     Kumbotso     700
Ungogo     204     369,657     Ungogo     700
Kano Metropolitan Area     499     2,828,861         700
Dawakin Tofa     479     247,875     Dawakin Tofa     701
Tofa     202     97,734     Tofa     701
Rimin Gado     225     104,790     Rimin Gado     701
Bagwai     405     162,847     Bagwai     701
Gezawa     340     282,069     Gezawa     702
Gabasawa     605     211,055     Zakirai     702
Minjibir     416     213,794     Minjibir     702
Dambatta     732     207,968     Dambatta     702
Makoda     441     222,399     Makoda     702
Kunchi     671     111,018     Kunchi     703
Bichi     612     277,099     Bichi     703
Tsanyawa     492     157,680     Tsanyawa     703
Shanono     697     140,607     Shanono     704
Gwarzo     393     183,987     Gwarzo     704
Karaye     479     141,407     Karaye     704
Rogo     802     227,742     Rogo     704
Kabo     341     153,828     Kabo     704
Northern Kano State     8,332     3,143,899         701 to 704
Bunkure     487     170,891     Bunkure     710
Kibiya     404     136,736     Kibiya     710
Rano     520     145,439     Rano     710
Tudun Wada     1,204     231,742     Tudun Wada     710
Doguwa     1,473     151,181     Riruwai     710
Madobi     273     136,623     Madobi     711
Kura     206     144,601     Kura     711
Garun Mallam     214     116,494     Garun Mallam     711
Bebeji     717     188,859     Bebeji     711
Kiru     927     264,781     Kiru     711
Sumaila     1,250     253,661     Sumaila     712
Garko     450     162,500     Garko     712
Takai     598     202,743     Takai     712
Albasu     398     190,153     Albasu     712
Gaya     613     201,016     Gaya     713
Ajingi     714     174,137     Ajingi     713
Wudil     362     185,189     Wudil     713
Warawa     360     128,787     Warawa     713
Dawakin Kudu     384     225,389     Dawakin Kudu     713
Southern Kano State     11,554     3,410,922         710 to 713

Languages
The official language of Kano State is English but the Hausa language is commonly spoken. Ibrahim Ado-Kurawa (2003). "Brief History of Kano 999 to 2003". http://www.kanostate.net/. Kano State Government Nigeria. Retrieved 2009-12-07.

Population
According to the 2006 census figures from Nigeria Kano State had a population totaling 9,383,682. The credibility of the census has been disputed most noticeably by Gani Fawehinmi – a Lagos-based advocate and activist. The Attorney-General of Kano State, Maliki Kuliya Umar, had filed a complaint before the Census Tribual alleging that the figure released by the commission was inaccurate. He contended that Kano’s population should have been 12,257,350 as against the figure released by the commission.

Officially, Kano State is the most populous state in the country.[3] The state is mostly populated by Hausa people.


From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

AU concerned over South Sudan unrest

Addis Ababa - The African Union said on Tuesday it was "deeply concerned" about events in South Sudan following two days of deadly fighting in the young nation, and urged restraint.

The AU "urges the government and leadership of South Sudan and all other stakeholders to exercise maximum restraint and avert any further escalation”, the head of the AU's executive council, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, said in a statement.
Gunfire erupted between rival troops in the capital Juba late on Sunday.
President Salva Kiir accused his arch-rival and former deputy Riek Machar of attempting to stage a coup but said it had been defeated.
The AU said it was ready to assist in finding a solution to the crisis.
Dlamini-Zuma urged the rival factions "to seek the resolution of their differences through peaceful means, with due respect for the rule of law, human rights and constitutional legality".
Since independence in July 2011, Kiir has struggled to stem rampant corruption and quell rebellion and conflict in the deeply impoverished but oil-rich nation, left devastated by decades of war.