Actors and actresses have been the highlights of entertainment for quite some time, from stage acting to filmmaking. They always try to bring fun to our daily lives with their mimicking and imitating of different characters. Kannywood film stars are not left out in this – as they try to bring to life the fun and intricacies of the beautiful culture of northern Nigeria and through many years they have succeeded. But unfortunately, as life is not in the hands of any, along the lines some talented Northern film stars have lost their lives either to one phenomenon or the other. In this article, we will get to know 6 of our Kannywood actors who died in 2021.
Kannywood Actors who Died in 2021
1. Zainab Musa Booth
Among the Kannywood actresses that died in 2021 is Hajiya Zainab Booth. She was born in 1961. Her parents were both Nigerians, with Scottish ancestors. Consequently, she happened to be one of Kannywood’s most well-known and older actresses.
Zainab who is the biological mother of Maryam and Amude Booth, two well-known Kannywood performers was one of the first Kannywood actresses to kick off acting in the Kannywood film industry in the 90s.
The 61 years old actress who was usually seen playing a motherly role in movies was reported dead on Thursday, 1 July 2021 few days after undergoing brain surgery abroad.
Zainab was a well-known Nigerian Kannywood actress who appeared in numerous Hausa films since the inception of Hausa filmmaking in Northern Nigeria.
2. Ahmad Tage
Ahmad Tage, also known as ‘Ahmad Tage kannywood’ was known for his hilarious and comedy-filled roles, died on the 13 September 2021 at his residence in Kano after a brief illness. This talented actor was among the film stars that brought the Kannywood industry to where it is today.
One of his popular movies was Motar Alfa (2016), and he also directed the movie Gidan Gado (2017). His sudden death was a big shock to both the Kannywood movie industry and his fans.
3. Fatima Tarauni “Kaka Tabawa”
Among the popular actresses in Kannywood, the industry lost in 2021 is Hajiya Fatima Tarauni, also known as Kaka Ta Bawa from Dadin Kowa. Hajiya Fatima who was a Kannywood actress lost her life in Kano on the 11th March 2021. She was most popular for her appearance in the TV series Dadin Kowa which was introduced in Arewa24.
4. Isyaku Muhammed Forest
Forest is a Kannywood vocalist as well as an APC change agent (APC). During President Muhammadu Buhari’s 2015 and 2019 campaigns, he was one of his most talented singers.
This legendary Kannywood actor who was about 61 years old died on 15 September 2021 at the Isolation centre hospital in Kakuri Kaduna. This renowned actor was also a former employee of the Kaduna State sports, culture, and tourism board. He was survived by eight children and one wife. The deceased appeared in many Kannywood films.
6. Garba S.K
Garba S.K is one of the pioneer actors in the Kannywood industry, who died before the year 2021 ended. S.K, a popular musician who has been battling diabetes since 2019 died on 15th December 2021. His burial took place the following day.
The deceased had been rumoured to be dead numerous times before, before his demise.
Conclusion
These and many more tried to leave a lasting legacy for the next generation in their various field of expertise and in more ways than they succeeded.
Before my admission into ABU Zaria, I never knew that Nigeria has some states that have extremely cold temperatures especially during the harmattan season, which are mostly the northern part of the region. Visiting these places at the end of the year, you might capitulate that these places are as chilly just like most European countries during the winter. To give an insight into the coldest places in Northern Nigeria, this article will incorporate the top 8 coldest places in northern Nigeria during the harmattan season in no particular order.
8 Coldest Places in Northern Nigeria
1. Jos, Plateau State
If you are blindfolded and lead into Jos especially during the harmattan period, you would argue and mistake the area for some European countries. This is as a result of the coldness of the weather there is much like the winter.
Located in the North Central Zone of the six geo political Zone of the country and surrounded with rocks and stones, Plateau State stands out to be among the coldest state in Northern Nigeria with a weather temperature of 17°c. This has however made the place a favourite holiday location for both tourists and expatriates based in Nigeria right from colonial times till this present day- earning it”the home of Peace and Tourism”.
2. Kano, Kano State
Although the weather in Kano State is exceptionally hot during the year, capriciously changes from November down through December, which is the Harmattan season- to the early year.
With an average low temperature ranging from 11 to 15^c, the state stands out to be one of the coldest places, not only in northern Nigeria but the country at large.
3. Wammako, Sokoto State
With a temperature of about 19°c, Sokoto State happens to be one of the most affected parts of the northern region by cold – especially in Wammako Local government. The State stands out close to the onset of the Harmattan wind, exposing it to severe cold during the period – mostly November – December to the following year.
Even though the temperature is usually hot in the afternoon during the dry season, it is always cold and windy in the morning and at night, to the point – if you step out of your room at this time, you might be swept off your balance with the intensity of the wind blowing alongside the cold.
4. Gembu, Taraba State
Despite the fact that Jos is a frigid town, Gembu on the Mambilla plateau is far colder. This town is located in Taraba state’s Sarduana LGA and has a height of 4,423 feet, making it the country’s highest. In December and January, temperatures in Gembu can drop to as low as 1°c due to the high elevation around the Mambilla plateau axis.
Like every other state in Nigeria, Taraba State is a very comfortable place during the wet season and warm during the dry season.
5. Zaria, Kaduna State
Coming to Kaduna (Zaria to be precise) from Kwara State for the first time around the early month of January, I started experiencing coldness at its zenith around 6: 00 in the noon. On reaching Zaria which was my destination – at around 8: 20 thereabout, the cardigan I came with couldn’t withstand the level of coldness anymore. This is to show how extremely cold the state was then and even today.
Early in the morning, the temperature is always around 19°c. During this time, it is always a burden to perform an ablution, talk more about bathing.
Furthermore, It shouldn’t be much of a surprise to you while you are under the scorchy sun and yet be threatened with cold.
6. Kubwa, Abuja
Taking into consideration the coldest places in Northern Nigeria, Adamawa state is not left out – importantly, a place like Mubi in the said state. Adamawa is an elevated land area and has some significant rocks – with this, the place is also prone to coldness.
The weather temperature is extremely cold during harmattan with an average temperature ranging from 15. 2°c, making it one of the coldest places in Adamawa state.
7. Funtua, Katsina State
The highest temperature ever recorded in Funtua in Katsina state was 39 degrees Celsius in December. At this time of year, the state temperature can drop to as low as 7 degrees Celsius.
The harmattan period can result in foggy conditions in the atmosphere.
8. Toro, Bauchi State
With a low temperature of about 20°c in the day, Toro in Bauchi State is also considered to be one of the coldest states in Northern Nigeria, while it is believed that the temperature is quite lower than this in the morning and at night.
Conclusion
Since cold temperatures can be good for your skin’s health due to the fact that it constrains blood vessels in the skin, which makes the blood vessels less likely to have redness and swelling, why not visit one of the places listed above and have a first-hand experience on how lovely it feels to experience cold at its zenith here in Nigeria?
Even though on most occasions I do visit my uncle whose house is located at Alagbado, area of Kwara State which is a few turns away from Sobi hill, It has never occurred to me to go see how the Rock which happens to be the tallest Rock in the whole of Ilorin, looks like making it one of the tourist attraction sites in Kwara state.
Not until a faithful day when a friend of mine initiated the visit.
What is Special about Sobi Hill?
Sobi hill is located along Akerebiata – Sobi road, before Sobi barracks, Ilorin – East local government of Kwara State. The Hill derives its name from the town it was erected in. Approximately, the Hill is about 394 meters above sea level. Which provides a magnificent panoramic view of all sides of Ilorin from its topmost spot. Its lush green vegetation and spectacular landscape it a premium destination in Ilorin. It is thus not surprising that the place was of significant importance during the old times
My Experience Visiting Sobi Hill
On that misty morning when my friend called to initiate the idea of visiting this most enchanting scenery, which most people pay from afar to visit. What struck my mind was how to get to the cliff of the hill. However, on getting there, the answer was answered with the stretch of the white mark on the rock, which when tailed, leads to its topmost spot.
When we got to the hill, we were instructed to off our shoes since it servers as a place of worship for some people, which makes the place a holy spot for worship. At first, I wanted to be a hard nut to crack thinking it would be hard hiking on the rock without our shoes on. But in the end, I had no choice but to obey since my friend had already pulled off his.
A view of Ilorin from the top of Sobi Hill Picture credit: Naidrenalin.com.ng
Having climbed the first part of the two parts the hill has, we got tired and decided to have some rest. In the first part, we saw some of the places which are within Ilorin, but not the panoramic view of the town as a whole.
However, after about ten minutes break, we proceeded to the second part which leads uppermost part where we saw the whole of Ilorin Town.
On the cliff of the hill, one thing most could not answer to how it got there is a small building, situated on the highest level of the rock; known as”House on the rock”. This house is said to be as old as the Rock itself which no one could give an account of who built it. Furthermore, it is in this house most carry out their spiritual obligations; both Muslims and Christians.
Aside from the “House on the Rock,” many people come to pray at the rock since it is believed that prayers are answered quickly there. Some prayed hard for weeks or months on it. On the hill, there are several places of worship, all of which are led by pastors or clerics. Furthermore, one of the Hill’s distinctive features is the harmonious coexistence of Muslim and Christian worshipers.
There were great numbers of people, ranging from prayer warriors at the hill and those who came specifically for the sake of tourism. But the only difference to show which area is for prayers and recreation was the use of stone, which serves as demarcations denoting no trespassing zones, meant for praying. And the other side without any sign is where tourists could stay.
Trust me, there were interesting people which you wouldn’t want to miss when you visit the hill; they will welcome you warmly, briefing you about the history of the Mountain, current activities, and wildlife found on the hill.
Furthermore, we wouldn’t have gotten to know most areas from the cliff of the hill, if not for a guy we hiked the hill together with. The way he was able to mark out most of the city from the top of the cliff is still much of a surprise to me. However, as was a new experience for me, so I watched everything with rapt attention.
With the most enchanting scenery, we were flushed with the joy of ecstasy of nature as an elusive joy seeps into our hearts enjoying the view of the harmonious city of Ilorin. Such an elixir of life is the Sobi hill which you wouldn’t want to miss when you visit Ilorin, Kwara State.
Around 11: 40 am, we decided to call it a day and return home. I thought descending the hill would also be strenuous than climbing it, but it was less. At some point, we needed to move at a fast pace to avoid sloppy hills.
Interestingly, as we descend, we were treated to new and stunning views.
It all began in the middle of the 16th century when a young, fearful, puissant and skilful woman was born into the royal family of King Nikatau, the 22nd ruler of Zazzau, and Queen Bakwa Turunku. Her name was Amina, also known as Queen Amina of Zazzau. Her younger sister was Zaria ( which was later named after the modern city of Zaria) and an older brother named Karama.
Early Life of Queen Amina
Amina grew to be loved and adored by everyone, both within and outside the palace because of her courage and boldness. As the favourite of her grandfather, she was thought the ways of kings of Zazzau and was allowed to train her battle skills under the deadly cavalry soldiers of Zazzau which enabled her to acquire military skills and made her the first woman to lead the kingdom of Zazzau to war.
How Amina triumphed quickly from a lady into a warrior was not much of a surprise to her parents as was believed she was born to be one. As a child, her grandmother Marka, the favourite wife of her grandfather Sarkin Gobir, once caught her holding a dagger. Amina holding the dagger was not the main bowl of contention to Marka, rather it was how she held it exactly as a warrior would. Seeing that, they had no iota of doubt that she would eventually be a soldier.
At the age of 16, Amina already had numbers of suitors dying to have her hand in marriage, which among was Makama who promised to give 10 slaves and the emir of Kano who couldn’t resist having her as a wife and proposed 50 males slaves as well as 50 bags of white and blue clothes.
After the death of her parent around 1556, Amina’s brother; Karama has crowned the king of Zazzau. During this time, this young female warrior had gained a leading role in her brother’s cavalry and was then a megastar in her military prowess.
Amina the Warrior
After 10 years in her brother’s calvary, she had already gained a large number of well-trained and deadly soldiers with 20,000-footmen and 1,000 cavalry warriors. Shortly after she rose to the position of a queen after the death of her brother; Karama, she launched a 34-year battle against her neighbours to increase Zazzau territory.
As a commander, one of her first messages to her people was a request that they “resharpen their weapons” which no doubt helped her in gaining control over vast swaths of country stretching to Kwararafa and Nupe. This paved the way for her in creating trade routes throughout northern Africa.
However, in other to protect her new land, Amina built walls around every territory she conquered. These walls became common across the nation until the British conquest of Zazzau in 1904. Fortunately, many of them survive today known as Amina’s wall.
How Queen Amina of Zazzau Died
There are many contradictions concerning Amina’s death. Many authors cited she died in VOM Jos, while other historians said she died in ATAGARA (present-day Idah in Kogi state).
It is disheartening for this courageous warrior who lived approximately 200 years and ruled for about 34 years but never had a child because she refused to get married. Legends have it that in every battle, she takes man from the conquered kingdom, spends the night with him, and behead him in the morning.
She is so much celebrated today among the Hausa in traditional Hausa praise songs as Amina, the daughter of Nikatau, A woman as capable as a man.
In conclusion, be a woman to lead men to victory, so they could fall on the battlefield of greatness because being a hero like Amina is the term named #slay queen.
Kwara state happens to be one of the most popular states in Nigeria, created on the 27 May 1967, under the military Government of General Yakubu Gowon. This state came into being after the 4 regions which constituted what is Known as Nigeria were broken down into 12 states.
When this state came into being, it was first known as the West-central State, but as time passed, it was renamed to what we now have as ‘Kwara State’, with its state capital named Ilorin.
Known as the state of harmony, the state tends to achieve this more by transforming the state into a tourism mecca and always welcomes its people, investors, and tourist, etc. To bring unity among them. Some of the places to visit in Kwara state include:
1. Okuta Ilorin
Literally ‘Okuta’ in Yoruba means ‘stone or rock, ‘while ‘ Ilo- irin’ means metal or blade sharpener. This is where the popular city of ‘Ilorin’ was coined. Decades ago, before the invention of sharpening steels for knives, cutlass, and weapons. There was a popular man, whose name was OJO ISEKUSE, he happens to be the founding of the city ILORIN. This man during this time devised a method for sharpening his blades with the use of a large stone/rock. However, it was from this place that the name Ilorin was formed.
People from the neighbouring towns when going to Ilorin to sharpen their blades or farm utensils would say ‘they are going to ILU ILORIN’, meaning (we are going to the town of Blade sharpening’.
Therefore this Rock is still much in Ilorin city and has become a centre for tourism which you wouldn’t want to miss out when you visit Kwara state.
2. Olofa of Offa’s Palace
Offa happens to be one of the 16 local governments in Kwara state. Created in 1991, It houses about 10 wards and has different major towns, which are: Adeleke, Igbewere, Igbadu, and Offa, with Offa being the Headquarter and has the offa Palace as the ancestral home of the people of offa in it.
Even though this place is a royal house, it is always open for everyone; both natives and visitors making it one of the best places to visit in Kwara state.
3. Owu Water Fall
This ambience cool environs and lust tribute to nature is one of the most visited places in Kwara state. Located in Owa Kajola, in the Ifelodun Local government area of Kwara state, this palisade was said to be built in 1976 and happens to be the highest and spectacular natural waterfall; not only in Nigeria but in the whole of Sub-Sahara Africa.
Towering about 120 meters above sea level to the base where it cascades to an ice-cold pool. Trust me, you wouldn’t want to miss the ambience of this tropical island.
4. Esie Museum
Among other tourist attraction sites Kwara state can boost is the Edie museum. Located in the Esie local government area of Kwara State, it was built around 1945 and housed thousand tombstones sculptures, which human beings. It is the first Museum in Nigeria.
5. Sobi Hill
This is the tallest landmark in Ilorin, which from it, you can be able to view almost every part of Ilorin city. People do visit this place in Kwara state specifically for two reasons; for the view or spiritual reasons. It is believed that prayers are mostly answered there.
To get to the cliff of this hill, there is a white mark at the back, which when tailed, would lead to its top.
6. Dada Pottery
This place is by the left-hand side of Sobi specialist hospital. It is as old as Ilorin itself because it is believed that ile-dada (Dada House) happens to own the oldest women in Ilorin and inherited this craft from their ancestors.
Dada pottery is where mud pots are made. Here, assortments of pottery products ranging from water storage vessels to cooking utensils as well as decorative pottery items are produced. It is notable to be one of the largest and oldest pottery-making institutions in Nigeria and one of the interesting places to visit in Kwara state.
When visiting the place, you will have to give as little as you can afford to the women on duty, according to the tradition which is known as “Owo Iya” (matriarch’s levy).
7. Ilorin Central Mosque
This is the second-largest mosque in Nigeria after the National mosque in Abuja. It has a 20, 000 capacity. It is situated right beside the Emirs palace, in the busy market of Ilorin.
The mosque has several golden domes, which accentuates the majesty of this imposing place of worship.
8. Asa Dam
History has it that it was a woman, whose name was ‘ASA’ that transformed into this big river, which now serves as a major source of water for the whole of Kwara state.
However, Asa Dam was built to maximize the supply of potable water by approximately 50,000 cubic meters per day, to the towns within the state.
Conclusion
Kwara state is truly a tourist state with lots of interesting places to visit. Which one of the places will you be visiting in Kwara state when you go?
