by Thaalith Abubakar Gimba | Apr 7, 2022 | History
Egypt usually flashes people’s minds whenever they think about the word pyramid. But then, it will baffle you to learn that it wasn’t only Egyptians who were skilled when it comes to constructing pyramids. Countries like Sudan, Peru, Mexico, Spain, Rome, China et al, cannot be sidelined because they also erected their own versions of pyramids which were worthy topics of discussion. History knows better.
However, Nigeria is not left out amongst the countries that built pyramids. Why Nigerian pyramids aren’t talked about much again is simply for the fact that it has disappeared. It’s not a structure made from blocks or stones or construction materials, but it is a food pyramid that existed for a considerable while and mysteriously disappeared into thin air. It was called “The Groundnut Pyramid”. Sacks of groundnuts neatly arranged atop each other in the form of a pyramid. A nifty idea many perceived it to be.
Moreover, it shall forever be engraved in the history books that northern Nigeria was responsible for the erection of that food pyramid. A pyramid that once tremendously supported the country’s economy in colonial and post-colonial Nigeria. Yet, the 20th century didn’t prepare a decent end for the Groundnut pyramid.
Origin of Kano Groundnut Pyramid
Turning back the hands of time to the early 20th century, Kano became one of the northern cities that took it upon herself to produce a large number of groundnuts. She gained popularity as international countries started benefiting from her groundnut production.
In the year 1912, a lot of farmers shifted their focus more on the cultivation of the aforementioned crops rather than giving other crops their attention, because the profit from groundnut was convincingly overwhelming. However, they delivered a huge chunk of the produce to Lagos via railway to keep their marketing tempo running successfully.
By the year 1919, some years after the amalgamation of the northern and southern protectorate of Nigeria, Alhaji Alhassan Dantata arrived in Kano. He went to Kano after learning about the success of Groundnut in the city. As a business merchant who travelled far and wide, he initiated the idea of erecting a pyramid with groundnuts inside their sacks and it was welcomed. Within a few years, his initiative rose him up to become one of the most accomplished merchants in Kano, distributing his groundnuts to the Royal Niger Company (RNC). His company stored his groundnuts in Kofar Nasarawa and arranged them as Pyramids prior to their shipment. A groundnut pyramid requires up to 15,000 sacks of groundnuts to be erected.
Seeing the feat that Kano reached, places like Bebeji, Dawakin Kudu, Kofar Mazugal, Malam Madori and Brigade also built groundnut pyramids in Kano.
The Backbone of Nigeria’s Economy
There was a given time, when groundnut production, was a piece of cake for Nigeria. She stood tall amongst other sister countries when she exported to European nations. It was one of the backbones of Nigeria’s economy.
With the sale of groundnuts, Nigeria was able to generate a gigantic revenue that kept the country moving. Unfortunately, not for long, it stop being the source of revenue the moment crude oil was discovered in Nigeria.
Factors that Led to Extinction of Groundnut Pyramid
One of the greatest mistakes Nigeria made was allowing the groundnut pyramid in Kano to fall victim to a great decline. She could have avoided this blunder if only she diversified her economy for so many reasons.
Furthermore, a lot of factors contributed to the extinction of the groundnut pyramid which shall be learned.
1. Discovery of Crude Oil
From the very moment Nigeria discovered the presence of crude oil in 1956, there has been an outright abandonment of agriculture. Before its discovery, agriculture was the primary source of the country’s revenue as it exported a lot of agricultural produce like rubber, cocoa and coffee, groundnut, palm oil and palm kernel, and hides and skin. But then everything soon changed.
The oil boom remains one of the gifts God gave Nigeria. It should have been an added value to Nigeria as a whole but Nigeria wasn’t intuitive enough to diversify her economy. It turned her attention from the groundnut pyramid to the crude oil.
2. Rosette Virus
This is a common disease that is known for attacking groundnut plants and is caused by aphids. When this epidemic surfaced, it wiped out a large degree of the crops. We can say that the outbreak of this virus also contributed immensely to the decline of groundnut production. It also discouraged farmers from planting the crops because they felt that there was no apparent remedy for it.
More so, Agricultural Development Programs (ADP) were not given proper consideration. Alas, it ultimately led to the dissolution of the pyramids.
3. Drought
One of the key reasons why the groundnut production couldn’t yield again was because of the insurmountable drought that crept in. Looking at it from a geographical point, it has been discovered that Kano is substantially vulnerable to drought than many regions. Man cannot fight nature. However, nature can only be controlled. But in this case, it was utterly impossible to control. Nigeria had not upgraded in their agricultural research in the late 1960s. Drought became very common and subsequently gave room for the incubation of the rosette virus.
The changes in the pattern of rainfall deeply affected the production of groundnuts. As such, the gargantuan production of groundnut became very minimal due to its effect.
4. Disbandment of Groundnut Marketing Board
Farmers became quite demoralized solely because they were not convinced of potential buyers any longer. For that, the sale of groundnuts dispersed across the country and there was no collection unit for the groundnut so that the pyramid could be built.
Can the Groundnut Pyramid in Kano be Revived?
After some time, there were attempts made by the Nigerian government to resuscitate the groundnut pyramid. Even though the land which was once used to build them are now filled with housing structures, there are plans to secure an expansive plot of lands to revive it.
In 2014, the administration led by Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan had plans to resurrect the long-forgotten Groundnut Pyramid in Kano. The then Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Akimwumi Adesina, made it known that the government had a joint project with the International Crop Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) with the purpose of magnifying the production of groundnut, as well as the resurrection of the pyramids.
In 2016, during a convention at Bayero University Kano, Dr Audu Ogbe, the then Minister of Agriculture, reassured that Federal Government have finalized their project of reconstructing the Kano groundnut pyramid through agricultural research and investment, while he spoke at the International Agricultural Workshop.
However, to date, all efforts to revive it have proven abortive. Other pyramids like the rice pyramids in Kebbi have however sprung up.
Conclusion
The groundnut pyramid in Kano still stands a chance of thriving, despite being a shadow of its old self. The pyramid can even do better than how it was before, since all mistakes have been realized, given that modernity rules the world. And lastly, the Kano Groundnut Pyramid is also a tourist attraction sight and that would bring about an influx of foreigners.
Don’t forget to drop a comment and share your thoughts on my article.
by Thaalith Abubakar Gimba | Dec 21, 2021 | Entertainment
To be born in Nigeria is one thing. To grow up with Nigerian parents is another. But then, growing up with Nigerian parents comes with its perks. This is so because their methods of moral orientation will shape you in such a pattern that allows you to perceive the intricacies of life while growing up. Nigerian parents don’t allow their children to do useless things. Thus, they nurture their children until the ethos inculcated in them becomes unforgettable.
However, growing up in a Nigerian home can make some children feel suffocated by the iron hands used in moulding them. But it doesn’t kill them. It only makes them stronger. You know, sometimes, they can just be difficult to deal with. Moreover, when you see certain children or people behave in a disciplined manner, then, such is attributed to the proper upbringing. Nevertheless, Nigerian parents are often glorified for their nifty style of parenting.
Signs That Show you Were Indeed Raised by Nigerian Parents
1. Helping an Elderly Person with Work
One of the traits which exhibit that you grew up with Nigerian parents is helping an elderly figure do something. The thing may be heavy or not, it doesn’t matter. In Nigeria age is revered. Once you become an elderly person. Young people cannot just watch you carry anything by yourself.
Also, when you see an elderly person working, you give a helping hand to that person. It doesn’t necessarily have to be your parents who need helping household chores but it’s expected that the ethos inculcated in you must have given you common sense. It is more like a taboo for you to pass an elderly person without proffering any form of assistance.
2. Sneaking Out to Play With Friends
Nigerian parents so much believe in controlling the playing time of children. It’s as though they have no idea that playtime is an essential part of childhood development. For their child to play too much, it is better they read too much. If you really grew up with Nigerian parents, you can attest that it’s the strictness that makes you weasel out of the house to play with your friends.
“All work no play makes Jack a dull boy” is most common among the boys. They scheme their sneaking timetable in tandem with when their parents leave home. Nigerian parents don’t understand the language of harmonizing work with play.
3. You Never Cry When Lashed
Spare the rod and spoil the child, has always been one of the most cherished principles of Nigerian parents. They don’t want to hear you preach things like counselling their children to stop them from doing something wrong. The only instrument that serves as deterrence towards something bad is “Koboko whip”. They’ll batter your body black and blue, adding that, “if I hear pim, you’ll receive more.”
You are already in pain and wouldn’t want to be flayed alive, so you’ll cry inwardly. When they flog you, they warn you not to wail.
You may want to check out: Beating or Scolding? This is the Correct Way to Discipline Your Child
4. Wanting to Become a Medical Doctor
One of the most intriguing parts about growing up with Nigerian parents is the subconscious persuasion of becoming a medical doctor. (Nigerian parents are not moved by the mere idea of becoming veterinary doctors.) Nigerian parents love to extol the medical profession like it is in every child’s destiny to embrace it. They make it seem like any profession that isn’t MBBS is second.
A lot of Nigerian children out there were, and are still made to believe that becoming a medical doctor is one of the best decisions a child can make regarding future ambitions. But their parents preferred them to study MBBS as one of the most accomplished courses in one’s life. They imply that other professions do not have first-class regard like medicine.
5. Sneaking Out to See Your Lover
This point is mostly connected to girls. Nigerian parents are anti-boyfriend and protective when boys start seeing their daughters. They get this popular belief that boyfriends are a distraction as well as a harbinger of shame.
More so, parents are always cautious of the bad influence that comes with dating. A lot of girls on the other hand cannot do without seeing their boyfriends. Thus, they sneak out to spend time with their lovers.
6. Putting on a New Dress You Don’t Fancy
You just can’t escape this one if you’re growing up with Nigerian parents. From sewing dresses with mawkish style to buying clothes you don’t find attractive. Sometimes Nigerian parents don’t give you room to select what suits your taste buds.
It’s one of those annoying things Nigerian parents do. You must bend to their command, which is regarded as absolute.
7. Avoiding Eye Contact With Elders
Whenever an elder speaks to you, your eyes must never meet theirs. It is perceived as utter disrespect seeing a child look at elders in the eyes when spoken to. So when you’re growing up with a Nigerian parent, you’ll learn to lower your gaze when an elderly person is talking.
The moment an elderly person notices you look at him/her in the eye, the first thing that comes to their mind is that the child is from an uncultured home. And most Nigerian parents don’t allow such indiscipline to manifest in their children.
8. Early Morning Pleasantries to Parents
Nigerian parents love it went their children are well disciplined. Whenever a child wakes up in the morning, it is a ritual to greet his parents. When you grow up with Nigerian parents, early morning sleep isn’t an excuse. If one wants to be free from their drama, it is best to occupy oneself with morning chores.
In addition, Nigerian parents do not tolerate nonsense. They strongly believe in discipline from A-Z. If you happen to come across someone who greets his/her parents early in the morning, you should understand that that person comes from a Nigerian setting. It becomes part and parcel of that person.
9. The Joy of Guests’ Leftover
Truth be told, everyone knows how Nigerian parents regard guests, they treat them like gods. The way they appease them will amaze you, so much that their children will be craving for the leftovers of either juice, snacks, etc.
Nigerian children like to scavenge the packages given to guests. They will be yearning and waiting patiently for the guests to say “I think I shall be taking my leave” so that they can taste all the sweat their mothers broke to make such a masterpiece. Nothing excites Nigerian children like asking their mother, “can I drink the remaining Fanta?” They’re always hopeful that their requests become granted after their long-term patience.
Typical Nigerian children are crazy!
10. You are Always Greeting a Person You Don’t Know
One of the signs that shows growing up with Nigerian parents in one is when parents call their children to greet a distant relative or a family friend. “Mansur, come and greet my mother’s step-grand uncle. He used to visit us when you were born.” And then, the guest will respond, “You won’t know me.” Proudly, they will say it in a tone of jest. And as a child, you have no choice but to greet them.
Nigerian parents are funny people. You can’t take it away from them. Some of the things they do will just leave you shaking your head inwardly, especially as a child. “Mama why na?” can be one of the things that will cross your mind but then, you love them anyway because of their selfless sacrifice.
11. Assisting an Elderly Person Carry Stuffs
There’s a difference between growing up with a Nigerian parent and growing up with a “Nigerian parent”. The first one in bold means Nigerians who are hardworking and train their children to be disciplined in all ramifications, while the second one simply means Nigerian parents who do not strive to inculcate proper values into their children. In a nutshell, when we speak of Nigerian parents, we talk about the first one.
Another sign that shows one grew up with Nigerian parents is assisting an elderly person carry anything with a considerable amount of weight. It is taboo to see an elderly person carrying, let’s say a piece of luggage, and you confidently just walk past them or even ignore the elderly person. The ideal thing to do is to quickly collect the item from the elder, even if the elder says you should leave it. When they say leave it, you should have the sense not to “leave it”.
Nigerian parents don’t allow the infection of indiscipline to afflict their kids.
Conclusion
Summarily, it is reasonable to conclude that growing up with Nigerian parents impacts you in so many ways. Yes, Nigerian parents are strict, that’s unequivocally true. But then, they display their strictness at the cost of giving their children the best in everything. Nigerian parents hate to hear people blemish either their name or reputation.
So as a child, when you’re being raised by them, you’ll ooze with so many traits that whenever people see you, you’ll be recognized and also respected. Those signs can boldly be perceived like messages written on a billboard.
Please feel free to drop your thoughts and opinion on this article. Thank you.
You can also read on: How to Raise a Child as a Single Parent in Arewa.
by Thaalith Abubakar Gimba | Nov 18, 2021 | Our Heroes
As far as Hausa literature and northern Nigerian literature is concerned, Alhaji Abubakar Imam is one of the pioneer writers whose writings have reflected the northern customs and traditions. However, it is no surprise that he comes from Niger State, a state with a long history of supernaturally endowed writers. He wrote several didactic books that have lived on even after his demise.
For one to understand his personage, one needs to read through the alluring pages of his books to see for himself what an erudite scholar he was. He was a teacher, who was passionate about seeing his people acquire knowledge. Also, he understood that North missed out on education, thus, it became an impetus to educate them to stand up for themselves in the face of any challenge.
Also, Abubakar Imam was ardent and keen about seeing a better northern Nigerian society where education shall become the order of the day. More so, he is a man with an exemplary perception and wit was how many people described him to be.
This article shall embark on a historical excursion and assessment of Abubakar Imam, a famous northern Nigerian Author.
Early Life and Education
Abubakar Imam was born on 1st February 1911, in Kagara, a locality in erstwhile northern Nigeria. The teachings of Islam positively influenced his gracious growth. . Moreover, his early education can be traced as a student of secular education. At an affordable advantage, he was tutored in an orthodox Arabic school. These became a good impact on him later on in his life.
Furthermore, Imam’s yearning for beneficial knowledge took him to Katsina Training College, where he, based on mastery and merit, became a certified teacher in the year 1927.
Consequently, he furthered his search for knowledge at the University of London’s Institute of Education. It was there that his first-ever work of literature, Ruwan Bagaja, came to the limelight.
Writing Career and Works
In 1933, Imam entered a literary contest with his famous work of prose fiction, Ruwan Bagaja, where his work scored the heart of Rupert East, who was the judge of the writing contest. Ruwan Bagaja is a masterpiece novel that revolves around a hero who sets out on a journey to find the water of cure. Also, the story encapsulates the adventures of the protagonist as he searches for the latter.
Rupert East expressed his admiration for such a refined work of art, because it was interwoven with the lore of indigenous traditions, and marked by artistic dexterity of wit. The two eventually work together for the prominence of the book.
The book caught a lot of people’s interest, subsequently elevating Imam’s status in the literary sphere. Later on, he forfeited his teaching role to work for Translation Bureau, where he wrote his second book, Magana Jari Ce.
Magana Jari Ce is a trilogy that portrays the story of a rich king who had no heir. After some prognosis, he eventually gets an heir. Ultimately, he wrote Tafiya Mabudin Ilmi which summed up all the books he composed in his lifetime.
He also wrote other books, like Tarihin Annabi Kammalalle, which is the biography of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W)
A List of Alhaji Abubakar Imam’s Books
- Ruwan Bagaja
- Magana Jari Ce Part I
- Magana Jari Ce Part II
- Tafiya Mabudin Ilmi
- Magana Jari Ce Part III
- Six Hausa Plays
- Karamin Sani Kukumi Part I
- Karamin Sani Kukumi Part II
- Ikon Allah Part I- Dr. East da Imam
- Ikon Allah Part II- Dr. East da Imam
- Tahirin Annabi (SAW)
- Sayyidina Abubakar (R. A)
- Tahirin Muslunci
- Muslunci
- Hajj Mabudin Ilmi
- Hausa Bakwai (7)
- Tambaya Goma Amsa Goma
- Auren Zobe
Abubakar Imam’s Service to Government and Politics
In the year 1939, Alhaji Abubakar Imam was made the editor of Gaskiya Ta Fi Kwabo, a journal that was owned by the Nigerian government. It was the first notable Hausa newspaper that came into existence. Furthermore, Imam visited England in 1943 as an envoy of the West African Press.
While on this trip, he requested the administration for learning equipment to school the Hausa people of northern Nigeria. In 1945, together with Rupert East and some of their ilk, paved a path for the creation of Gaskia Corporation. Gaskia Corporation became a publication house for northern Nigerian writers.
It was because of Abubakar Imam’s competence and capability that awarded head of the book department, thereby earning him the position of senior service, a position reserved for colonial masters alone.
Abubakar Imam was a proficient writer whose writings were enjoyable in his eloquent Hausa, English and Arabic. Because of his steadfastness to the doctrine of Islam and spreading its words, people chose him unanimously to be their voice in the House of Representatives of the 1951 constitution.
It was the culmination of his adeptness that made popular Hausa poet and activist, Sa’ad Zungur nicknames him as the “pilot of Northern Nigeria”.
Entry into Politics
A lot of Northern writers too crucially influenced his political participation. Immediately after the creation of the Northern People’s Congress (NPC), with the team of Umaru Agaie and the likes of Nuhu Bamali, they formed the managerial centre of the party. Shortly after some progressive years in the House, Imam forfeited politics to preoccupy himself with the betterment of civil service and push northern Nigerian literature towards greater heights by supporting it.
As he continued to maintain his meritorious reputation, Alhaji Abubakar Imam became part of the Public Service Commission in the Northern region from 1958-1966 during the Nigerian Civil War.
Abubakar Imam’s Death
Shortly after the unforgettable civil war that almost saw Nigeria tear apart, Abubakar Imam became ill. He nursed his indisposed health until 1981 when he finally surrendered to death.
He passed away in Zaria where he mostly spent his life.
Achievements and Legacy
Abubakar Imam was a teacher, a teacher who was a shepherd. A shepherd who wholeheartedly cared a lot about his sheep. He stood out amongst his contemporaries simply for his selfless sacrifice towards humanity. Because he understands the tenets of his religion, he tries to pass it on to his students as well. He often stressed the relevance of living a modest life and also being hardworking. His principles greatly emphasized being prudent with earnings.
Abubakar Imam Urology Center in Kano was named after him.
Conclusion
Northern Nigeria has produced some of the finest authors that have walked on the face of the earth. The literary Colosseum has agreed that Abubakar Imam is one of the premier pioneers of northern Nigerian literature. More, so, his fictions are a source of inspiration to many budding northern Nigerian writers because he made northerners understand what you can do with western and secular education after attaining both bits of knowledge.
Today, he is a literary icon, a teacher and a politician that many northern Nigerian intellectuals are forever grateful to for his efforts towards a greater northern Nigeria.
by Thaalith Abubakar Gimba | Oct 6, 2021 | Our Heroes
The North remembers the fabled heroine, Hajiya Gambo Sawaba, as a voice of unheard women who, right from her infancy, cast fear into the pride of men. A fearless woman leader with adamantine nerves of steel, who bravely thumped her way in pursuit of justice, gender equality, and also disenfranchisement of northern Nigerian women. Not just because she embarked on life-threatening voyages, but because of the indelible impression she left on the sands of time for the new generation. Indeed, an icon of her personage refused to be demeaned by ignorant men.
Also in the stint of her political career, she wrestled against the inferior category of the gender she and her fellow women were placed in. Verily, the North remembers.
For those of you lot who do not have the slightest idea of what Hajiya Gambo Sawaba was like, this article shall offer you a didactic account of who this legendary hero is.
Family Background
Hajiya Gambo Sawaba was born into a Ghanaian-Nigerian home in 1933 to Isah Amartey Amarteifio, formerly known as Theophilus Wilcox, of Ghanaian descent, and Fatima Amarteifio of Nupe, a popular minority tribe in Nigeria.
Amarteifio graduated from the School of Survey in Ghana. However, his quest for greener pastures lured him to Nigeria. In 1910, he aspired to hone his surveying dexterity by applying to work for the Nigerian Railway Corporation. As an immigrant that arrived in Zaria, he embraced the religion of Islam. During that period, stumbled upon Fatima, a Nupe woman who hailed from Lavun, one of the Nupeland.
Fate played her cards in their favour and sooner they got hitched. Furthermore, the end product of their connubial bliss was their lovely daughter, Hajiya Gambo Sawaba.
Childhood and Education of Gambo Sawaba
Originally, her birth name was Hajaratu Amarteifio. In retrospect, Gambo was the natural name given to someone born after a set of twins. It was understood that she wasn’t the only child of her parents. As a child, she exhibited certain traits of defiance and people described her as a straightforward girl. Importantly, she was a kind-hearted girl who loved those that were mentally impaired, as well as those on the lowest strata of society.
Gambo had her way of connecting with them. Notwithstanding, she admitted that she was always a hungry fighter wanting to mete out justice on the oppressor. Often, she got entangled in street fights to protect those weak people close to her heart. All these shaped her in conquering the stigma of fear and abuse.
Growing up for Hajiya Gambo Sawaba was pitiful. She went to Native Authority Primary School situated in Tudun Wada. Soon, her education became officially discontinued. In 1943, kismet claimed the life of her father and three years later, that of her mother shortly after his demise in 1946.
It was the loss of her parents that stunted her educational advancement. While she nursed the pain of being orphaned by destiny, she was given in marriage to a Nigerian soldier in the second world war, Abubakar Garba Bello at the age of thirteen. Gambo was later pregnant with Bilkisu, their only daughter when her husband went into obscurity, and his whereabouts remained unknown.
A few years later, she married Hamidu Gusau, a marriage that didn’t last because of the series of fracas they got involved in.
Early Political Activism
Contrary to hordes of men that wait till adulthood before they enter the maze of politics, Hajiya Gambo Sawaba stunned the world by joining politics at the age of seventeen. At that period, the ruling political party in northern Nigeria was Northern People’s Congress (NPC).
This powerful party gained prominence and dominance with the influence of the Emirs and the British Colonial Authority. She, on the other hand, was on the side of a newly formed opposition party, Northern Element Progressive Union (NEPU) by Malam Aminu Kano, a school teacher in Kano. It was easy for her since the party had another chapter in Zaria. The party was known to carry out meetings in secret without the knowledge of the police.
Because of her remarkable contribution to the party, she was appointed as a woman leader of the women’s wing of the party’s chapter in Sabon Gari, Kaduna. That feat led to the emergence of her name “Sawaba”. She was given this name by Malam Aminu Kano who duly recognised her. Later on, she travelled to meet a popular female activist in Nigeria, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti.
NEPU favoured women in terms of educational advancement and allowed them to pursue their political dreams. They were also against the sabotage of colonialism and the looming corruption in society. And so, it was a huge stepping stone that gave Hajiya Gambo Sawaba a powerful voice.
Moreover, some months later, this political juggernaut garnered so much attention when she delivered an outstanding speech in Zaria, which increased her political fame. Notable people like Alhaji Gambo Sawaba was in attendance. He marvelled at her courage to speak in the face of men. Unlike people with an interest in power and wealth, Gambo’s interest in politics was solely to champion her ideology for the benefit of women. As a result of that, her feminist movement gained momentum.
Hajiya Gambo Sawaba was lionhearted. She possessed an overt personality of courage like that of Ser Brienne of Tarth. If Gambo had yielded to the subjugation of women, her voice will never have echoed in Northern Nigeria. While she took politics as a major niche, she also augmented it with women’s rights activism, a hobby she had taken with utmost seriousness right from time.
After her campaigns, she elevated her status by meeting women to give them listening ears because women were not regarded in the political arena due to purdah. She fought against forced marriages, child or underage marriages, amongst others.
Little did she know that her actions were put under scrutiny.
Hajiya Gambo Sawaba’s Persecution, Imprisonment and Franchise Movement
In 1952, she was submitted before the Kano Magistrate court and charged for inciting women to participate in political activism. And the verdict passed upon her was a three-month prison term. This was the first amongst the many times she was jailed.
Subsequently, she got apprehended and she would have a cloth in her possession with “Prison Yard” boldly engraved on it whenever the policemen seize her. Realising what a headache she proved, the Kano authority deported Hajyia Gambo Sawaba back to Zaria. To ensure she left, she was tagged along with some securities.
Her political activism continued in a relentless style. This time, the authority of Zaria couldn’t condone her behaviour, and so she was thrown in Zaria Central Prison. Other times, she was heavily battered and her hair shaved off. However, in the course of her mission towards a better society for women, Gambo wasn’t alone. Some of them were killed in its course while some were badly molested. Statistically, she became ranked as the most arrested woman in Nigeria history.
Gambo, with some of her subjects, continued to voice out their rights. They went to the extent of storming the office of Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Regional Premier of northern Nigeria. Ahmadu Bello assured them that things would favour them. But alas, nothing tangible came to their satisfaction.
Lastly, she was never successful in her elections throughout her period with all the parties she participated in. Ultimately, in 1998, she tendered her retirement from politics. She died not much later
Gambo Sawaba’s Death
Hajiya Gambo Sawaba died on 14th October, 2001. After a very fulfilling and telling life, Hajiya Gambo Sawaba passed away like a true legend. Her death was a result of a natural cause. The deceased became one of the cornerstones of the women’s rights movement in northern Nigeria today.
She has become a roving inspiration to the voiceless women of northern Nigeria.
Honourary Recognition and Legacy
Because she lived an exemplary life, society deemed it worthy that she should be remembered in valorous ways. In Kaduna, a General Hospital was named after her.
While in Bayero University Kano, a hostel was also named after her as well.
Conclusion
From a perceptive vantage point, it can be concluded without an inkling of doubt, that Hajiya Gambo Sawaba believed in Karl Marx’s theory of an ideal society. Not many northern Nigerian women today know about her existence because history has been treated recently with sheer contempt. Hajiya Gambo Sawaba was an icon without pretension. She was a mentor of substance and succour.
Hitherto, in a Shakespearean rephrase, Gambo should be honoured and not to be praised. The riveting, relentless and unrivalled roles she played for a better northern Nigeria shows that she’s a woman that roots for her gender to be regarded. But not to remain docile as victims of purdah. One fact about this legend remains certain, the North will forever remember the noble cause she sacrificed her life toward.
Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comment section.
by Thaalith Abubakar Gimba | Sep 17, 2021 | Family & Parenting
Being a fatherly figure raises the brow of protection towards a man’s children. Therefore, you’d not blame them for throwing investigative journalism on every Tom, Dick, and Harry that wants to coexist with their child. Most fathers— if not every father, would want to know what calibre of person his little princess wishes to spend the rest of her life with is like. It’s a dream for every father to see his daughter have a fairytale of a marriage. As a father, you must frown at potential marriages in which their daughters would sojourn. You need to carefully wield the words and the things to say to a son-in-law. So everything narrows down to you becoming a high profiled investigator whenever your daughters have found a lifetime partner. On top of that, every daddy is bound to make heroic deeds for his daughter’s sake.
Come on guys, let’s sail across the shores of some of the questions you should ask your future in-laws as you’re trying to separate the chaffs from the grains!
Questions Every Father Should Ask his Future Son In-law
1. What State is Your Son In-law From?
Here, you may want to know the state of origin. Fathers become curious as to where their potential son-in-law comes from. Asking this question is to assess whether the would-be son-in-law hails from a befittingly reputable place. A son-in-law would scale through once his future father-in-law respectably recognizes your state of origin.
Sometimes, as a father, you have a negative vibe to people from certain places. Having that kind of vibe makes you cringe. So you feel relax knowing your daughter is getting married to a person from a noteworthy place.
2. What Tribe Are from?
Tribe, over time, has been one of the most unavoidable questions fathers ask their future sons-in-law. It’s an aspect that must be in their book of criteria for screening the suitor. This question aims to crosscheck whether the son-in-law to be coming from a tribe he or his family has a strong liking for.
For instance, if the father of the girl is Nupe by tribe and the prospective son-in-law is Hausa, then, it goes without saying that he has failed eighty per cent of the inquiry already.
3. Which Family Does Your Son In-law Come From?
A popular proverb says thus, “A child is the reflection of every home.” Fathers, most times, make use of this concept to know who their future son-in-law is. This is connected to the aforesaid proverbial byword because when the would-be son-in-law’s family has a good name, it’s a plus for his daughter.
Even religiously, it is said that amongst the criteria for choosing your future spouse is good family background i.e nobility of the family. You could put it that the father is looking at some of the factors to consider before choosing a life partner for his princess.
4. What Do You Do Do For A Living?
It is expected that when a man wants to marry, he is expected to have something he does for a living. Every father wants to know whether his future son-in-law is a serious-minded one. Serious in the sense that he has a job in which he engages himself and can gladly cater for his daughter. No father wants to give out his daughter to an aimless son-inlaw.
It’s not all about getting married to a rich son-in-law as people often tend to misconstrue the objective of many fathers. Some will people understand better when they find themselves in the fatherly position.
5. Does Your Potential Son Inlaw Have A House?
Truth be told, fathers are much concerned over the son-in-law’s matrimonial home, for the comfort and convenience of their child. Any reasonable father stresses that structure called house. He wants to know where his daughter would live, be it the son-in-law’s own house, a rented apartment, or his family house.
As long as his daughter won’t be sleeping under a bridge, he’s okay by it. But if it has been discovered that the future son inlaw has no presentable place for shelter, then he’ll be screened out.
6. When Are You Bringing Your People over?
After all the litany of questions, after all, satisfactory feedbacks, every ideal father would want to meet the potential son-in-law’s people for proper marriage introduction and engagement.
This is the last thing every father is curious about whenever he’s hurling a fleet of questions to his would-be son-in-law. It is this question that shows a difference in real men that really want to get married to a man’s daughter.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, every father, deep inside him, dreads the day his little princess would leave his sight. It’s one of their worst miseries. Nevertheless, the reality is absolute and so, their daughters must take the bold step of moving away from their irreplaceable heroes.
Believe me, every father wants a numero uno son-in-law for his daughter which is why he creates a question session with him. It is a necessity to avoid regrets. So you can understand that this kind of love has no better words to describe it. That’s a father’s love for you. However, it is naturally safe to ask some of these questions. They are thoughtful questions to ask your in-law.
