by Abdullahi Malumfashi | Jun 15, 2024 | Archives
Northern Nigeria has many Emirs, some of who have been on the throne for a long. Emirs are an important link to the people, a great source of preservation of the history and culture of the people as well as play their roles in peacebuilding, peace and serving as mediators in conflict. In this list, we will be looking at the top 15 longest-serving Emirs in Northern Nigeria.
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Longest Serving Emirs and Chiefs from Northern Nigeria
13. The Late Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Muhammadu Mera
The late Emir of Argungu Alhaji Muhammadu Mera, is one of the longest-serving monarchs from northern Nigeria, having spent 37 years on the throne.
Born in 1932, Emir Muhammadu Mera was the 32nd Emir of Argungu. Mera studied in Middle School, Kaduna College as well as the Katsina Teacher Training College. He was later awarded a scholarship by the defunct northern Nigerian Government to study in the UK.
Upon his return, he became a councillor of Education in the Regional Government. He was appointed the District Head of Argungu in 1955. In 1959, upon the death of the Emir, he was appointed the 32nd Emir of Arugungu, the throne of his ancestors.
He died in 1996 and was succeeded by his son, Emir, Alhaji Samaila Muhammadu Mera.
12. Sarkin Katagum Alhaji Umar Muhammadu Kabir Umar (Baba Umar Faruk), The 12th Emir of Katagum
The late Emir of Katagum, Alhaji Umar Muhammadu Kabir was one of the longest serving Emirs in northern Nigeria having served for 37 years. He is also one of the most loved.
He attended Bauchi Middle School in 1948 and later studied Local Government Administration in 1950. The late Emir was also the Head of the Bauchi State Development Board as well as the Chairman Board of the Governing Council of College of Islamic and Legal Studies, Misau between 1986 to 2001.
The late Emir was appointed in 1980, upon the demise of his father and the recommendation of the Council of Kingmakers. During his reign, he used his wealth of experience and connections to bring development to his Emirate.
He died in December 2017 aged 89.
11. Emir of Daura Muhammadu Bashar of Daura
Muhammadu Bashar, the 59th Emir of Daura was one of the few who lasted long on the throne.
He was born in 1926 to the ruling house of Daura being the grandson of the Emir of Daura Malam Abdulrahman. The late Muhammadu Bashar attended Katsina Middle School, Barewa College, Kano School for Arabic Studies as well as the Institute of Administration Zaria. He later attended the South Devon Technical College in the United Kingdom.
Muhammadu Bashar first started as a scribe in Daura, before gaining promotion to Assistant Chief Scribe in 1950. He later got elected as a member of the Northern House of Assembly in 1951. He became the Wamban Daura as well as appointed as a Minister of Economic Planning in the short-lived First Republic.
Muhammadu Bashar was appointed the Emir of Daura in 1966, one of the most respected traditional intuitions in the country.
He reigned for 41 years, and died in 2007.
10. The Late Emir of Lafia, Isa Mustapha Agwai I
The late Emir of Lafia was born on the 15th of February, 1935 In Kofar Kaura in Lafia. He attended the Institute of Administration of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria in 1958 where he obtained a Diploma in Accountancy.
After that, he joined the service of the Lafia Native Authority as an assistant treasurer. He later held the title of Dangaladima and the district head of Obi.
Agwai was named the Emir of Lafia on 15th May 1974, having defeated numerous other contestants. He served for 43 years making him one of the longest serving Emirs in Northern Nigeria.
He died in 2019 aged 84 after spending 44 years on the throne, making him one of the longest reigning Emirs in Northern Nigeria
9. Emir of Zaria, Shehu Idris
The late Shehu Idris was one of the most respected traditional leaders as well as one of the longest serving Emirs in northern Nigeria. Before he was appointed the Emir, he was a Private Secretary to the former Emir, Muhammadu Aminu. He was also the Dan Madamin Zazzau.
The late Emir was appointed in 1975 and went on to spend 45 years on the throne. Under his reign, his Emirate witnessed significant development and got transformed into an urban area.
Shehu Idris died on 20 September 2020, aged 84.
8. Emir of Kontagora, Saidu Namaska
The late Sarkin Sudan, Alhaji Sai’du was a descendant of the legendary Shehu Usman Danfodio as well as Nagwamatse, the founder of the Kontagora Kingdom. He was born in 1937.
The deceased worked with the Nigeria Police Force in 1961, as well as with the State Judicial Services. He was appointed to the throne of his ancestors in 1974 and reined for 47 years before his demise in 2021.
He was the longest serving Emir in northern Nigeria before his death.
The late Emir of Kontagora died aged 84.
7. Sultan Sadiq Abubakar III
Sir Siddiq Abubakar III, was the important Sultan of Sokoto between 1938-1988. The Sultan was a descendant of Usman Dan Fodio, through his grandfather Mu’azu. He was appointed by the British because of his trust and support of the public. He so far proved them right.
Sir Saddiq Abubakar III died in 1988 aged ’80s having been on the throne for 50 years. He left behind 52 children, three of which became Sultans themselves.
6. Emir of Kagara, Alhaji Salihu Tanko
Another Emir from Niger state, the late Salihu Tanko was one of the longest serving Emirs from northern Nigeria. He was first appointed a District Head of Tegina in 1971 before he was upgraded to a second class chief of Kagara in 1982. He was later elevated to a first-class Emir in 1991.
The late Emir was born on 5th April 1930. He ruled for 50 years until he died in 2021 aged 90.
He has been described as a ‘symbol of humility and patience’
5. Emir of Kano, Ado Bayero
The legendary Ado Bayero is synonymous with the title of Emir of Kano, having to be on the throne for 52 years. He was the son of the Emir of Kano Abdullahi Bayero.
Having attended the Kano Middle School as well as the School of Arabic Studies in 1947, he joined the Native Authority. He became in charge of the Police Force, the popular “Wakilin Dan Doka.” He was also briefly the Nigerian Ambassador to Senegal during the First Republic.
Ado Bayero was appointed upon the death of Muhammadu Inuwa. His time as Emir of Kano coincided with the rapid changes in the country as well as in the region. He also witnessed many reforms to the Emir’s Council. Ado Bayero survived an assassination attempt in 2013.
He died in 2014 aged 83 and was one of the most respected Emirs in Northern Nigeria.
4. Emir of Daura Abdulrahman
One of the oldest and longest serving Emirs in northern Nigeria, Abdulrahman was the Emir of Daura Abdulrahman between 1912 to 1966.
He spend 55 years on the throne and was succeeded by his grandson Bashar.
3. Attah of Igala Aliyu Obaje, CFR
The late Attah of Igala in present-day Kogi state was not only one of the longest serving Emirs in northern Nigeria but in the whole country as well.
Born in 1920, Obaje was the 26th Attah of Igala. At the time of his appointment in 1956, he was the youngest person to be named the Attah. He went on to rule for 56 years, before his death at the age of 102.
Until his death, he was a First Class Chief, the paramount ruler of Igala as well as the Chairman of Kogi State Traditional Council and one of the most respected monarchs in the country.
2. Lamido of Adamawa Aliyu Mustapha Barkindo
The late Lamido of Adamawa Dr Aliyu Musdafa was the 11th Lamido, appointed by the Governor of Northern Nigeria Sir Bryan Sherwood in 1953. He was a direct descendant of Modibo Adama, the founder of the emirate.
Barkindo ruled for 57 years until he died in 2010. He was responsible for many developments in the Emirate, among which include the increase in the number of district heads, the founding of the Aliyu Mustafa College Yola and many more.
He was one of the most respected and longest serving Emirs from northern Nigeria. The late Lamido was survived by his son Muhammad Barkindo Aliyu Mustafa.
1. Chief of Kagoro Gwamna Awan
The late Chief of Kagoro was not only the longest serving emir in northern Nigeria, but the longest serving monarch in Africa as well, having reigned for 63 years. He reigned between 1945 – 2008.
Born in 1915, Gwamna Awan attended Elementary School in Toro and worked at the Sudan Interior Mission (SIM) Elementary School in Kagoro. He later joined the Native Authority and became an Assistant Scribe.
Upon the death of the then Chief, Gwamna Awan was appointed in 1944 and became the only Christian monarch in the whole southern part of Zaria.
He died in the early hours of 1st October 2008.
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by Amina Abubakar Hussaini | Jun 8, 2022 | Uncategorized
Kayan Mata translates as “women’s property.” This category, Kayan Mata Hausa encompasses all of the products used by women. However, aphrodisiacs are more commonly referred to by this term.
Aphrodisiacs are substances that arouse or are thought to arouse sexual desire (such as food or drug). A wide range of herbs and food including fruits have been related to the term Kayan Mata.
It is also noted sometimes to include incense, which triggers sexual urges among couples. Other triggers include aphrodisiac foods and drinks.
Origin of Kayan Mata
The word “Kayan” directly translates to the ‘property of…’, and “Mata” means ‘women’ in the Hausa language which is the dominant language of the northerners. This term originates from the northern part of Nigeria dating as long as time.
Originally, northern women have traditionally utilized Kayan Mata to prepare a bride who would be able to meet not just her husband’s domestic requirements, but also his sexual cravings.
It was designed specifically for married women who wished to spice up their libido. However, modern-day Kayan Mata now encompasses a large number of individuals and has spread far beyond Northern Nigeria’s borders.
Types of Kayan Mata
There is a wide range of Kayan Mata Hausa which comes in the form of tablets, syrup, drinks, perfumes, and dishes. And these can all be categorized based on their uses.
1. Kayan Mata for Vagina Tightening
This includes various types of herbs that facilitate making the vagina tight for sexual pleasure. Herbs used in this category may include lalle (henna plant), bagaruwa (Acacia), and also cloves. These are mostly boiled, and used for sitz baths, or used to wash the vagina.
It is also believed to also help treat various vaginal infections such as yeast infections when used periodically after a woman’s menstrual flow.
2. Kayan Mata for Libido-Boosting
In this category, these herbs are used to treat erectile dysfunction. Here, the Goron Tula fruit also known as the silky kola is used where it can either be chewed or its juice extracted and boiled with other herbs to help treat the problem.
Also, gindin ayu, which is derived from the genital of the fish known as Ayu, is mostly found in places like Maiduguri. This is used to make one’s partner remain faithful as he gets maximum satisfaction. The fish remains glued to its partner’s genitals and even separated, does not desire another. This is replicated with men and women who use it as they exhibit traits of the Ayu faithfulness.
3. Kaya Mata for Favour and Attraction
This Kayan Mata Hausa is one of the most controversial of these aphrodisiacs, as it is believed to be laced with spiritual powers. Prayers are done and mixed with the components used for this type, to gain favour from one’s partner.
Causes of the Rise of Aphrodisiacs Sale
One cannot categorically state the reason for the sudden rise of aphrodisiacs sale in Arewa, but it can be identified, with these:
1. Social Exposure
The mingling of the north to the outer world can be associated with the rise of aphrodisiac sales in the north; to be more precise, interaction, and association with individuals, either on the internet, or person to person. This gives room for the knowledge of the existence of Kaya Mata to be widely spread.
2. High Market Demand
Well, if more individuals get introduced to Kayan Mata Hausa, there would be an increase in the market for these products – a factor that is a likely cause for the rise. The demand becomes higher hence, the increase in the production and competition for the sale of Kayan Mata Hausa.
3. Its Affordability
Most Kayan Mata Hausa produced in Arewa is fairly cheap. For example, ingredients used to make tsumi are very much available and affordable to the general public thus, become a moving factor for the increase in the rise of aphrodisiac sales in Arewa.
4. Sexual Exposure
Let us dive into the most crucial reason for the increase of the rise of aphrodisiac sales in Arewa. Sex is a leading factor in the reason why there is a high demand for Kayan Mata Hausa products. Individuals of various ages ranging from adolescence are the main consumers of these products at an alarming rate.
Side Effect of Kayan Mata
Though these aphrodisiacs have been largely proved to be medicinal, and have been able to help with sexual enhancement, it is like every other thing, with a side effect. This mainly arises because there are no systematic and scientific procedures for manufacturing it and also because its dosage can be abused.
Components of herbs used do not undergo any testing to prove their compatibility with other herbs combined which are used to produce these products. Some of its side effects may include:
1. Kidney Failure and Liver Damage
Due to the rise of aphrodisiacs sales in Arewa, vendors sell adulterated products to unsuspecting customers, who have no idea of the concoctions sold to them. Such herbs can cause liver damage and kidney failure as they can contain toxic materials.
A study published in the medical journal of Australia has shown that these herbs contain toxic metals that interfere with having a healthy liver.
2. Drug Interactions
One of the side effects of Kayan Mata Hausa is that it is a herb that would interact with many medicines. Drug Interactions sometimes can stop the drug from working and other times, it would enhance the medications depending on the properties used.
Therefore, it is advisable to avoid the usage for pregnant women.
3. Withdrawal Syndrome
This is a medical condition that is brought about when there is a discontinuation of a certain type of medication. This may mean that when Kayan Mata Hausa herb is meant to increase libido. It is very possible to return to having a very low sexual drive.
4. Mental and Spiritual Interference
Aside from the use of Kayan Mata Hausa herbs, the controversial favor and attraction are attributed to the spiritual properties of these certain products.
It is thus capable of leading to mental and spiritual interference when the user is not religious or spiritually sound. It could also lead to several occurrences of mental breakdown.
5. It Could Lead to Contamination
A major concern for the production of Kayan Mata is hygiene and bacterias presence which may be pathogenic and nonpathogenic. It is advisable to wash fruits or herbs specifically used to produce these aphrodisiacs to avoid contamination.
Popular Vendors and Market for Kayan Mata
As the rise of aphrodisiacs sales in northern Nigeria continues to hit the market’s supply demands, a lot of vendors have risen to the challenge of sourcing these materials. This makes it making final products to be distributed within and across the nation.
A popular vendor known for her favor and attraction Kayan Mata Hausa and also for the discovery of the various use of Goron Tula is Hauwa Saidu Muhammad also known as Jaruma who runs the Jaruma Empire.
She has successfully hit market-wide a wide range of this Kayan Mata Hausa and has recorded huge success.
Conclusion
There has been a vast rise in the sale of aphrodisiacs in northern Nigeria. this might be due to the high demands for this product across the nation, thus making these herbs which were neglected over time to be in demand.
For example, the Goron Tula fruit also known as silky kola indigenous to the Tula tribe in Gombe state has become very expensive as there is a higher demand for it.
by Editorial Staff | Apr 8, 2022 | Fashion
The Fulani dress styles are very beautiful and well-recognized, just like the Hausa royal attires. The Fulani culture itself is a well-known diverse and rich one. The Fulani are a member of a pastoral and nomadic people of mixed African and Mediterranean ancestry with their unique Fulani dress styles. They are known to be migrants, always, mostly moving from one place to another.
The Fulani cultural attire is what is referred to as ‘Mudukare’ which is worn by the women. It is a sleeveless crop top worn with a wrapper, while the Fulani men usually put on a long sleeveless shirt, with shorts or some long trousers. The men put on a conical hat called a ‘Noppire’. The shirts the men wear have a particular pattern; the shirts have a geometric design and they are usually embroidered.
The Fulani dress styles consist of mostly cotton or sometimes they are made of leather. Both the men and women for the most part are known for their physical attractiveness. The pointed noses and long hair for the women and full hair for the men.
History of Dress Styles
Fulanis are also called ‘Peul’ in French or referred to as ‘Fulbe’. They are known to mostly practice Islam as their religion and are now scattered throughout many areas of West Africa. The Fulani mode of dressing depends on the region they come from and they are distinct from the Hausa tribe.
Some wear the typical white or black cotton material thread embroidered with red, green, and blue mostly in some parts of African countries like; Nigeria, Niger, and also Cameroon.
Whereas, in Central Guinea, the men are said to wear hats with colorful embroidery as their Fulani dress attire. Another mode of dressing comes from the Fulbe Wodabaabe; they are known for putting on long flowing embroidered robes or decorated robes which are said to be very colorful.
After listing the above, it is now a known fact that there are different regions with their different Fulani dress styles. Mostly when a child is born, the child is marked, given a tribal mark on his or her face, or, arms, or any part of their body.
Fulani Attire for Males
1. The Fulani dress attire for males consists of a sleeveless shirt with shorts that go below the knee, also known as three-quarter shorts.
2. They mostly have their hats which are multi-colored or plain, which is known as ‘Noppire’, and a stick that is usually held across their shoulders with their hands hanging over the stick.
Recently, Fulanis are associated with Hausas which are kind of overlapping the Fulani attire. It should be a known fact that Fulanis are different from Hausas and their attires differ as well.
After coming down to West Africa, the Fulanis embraced the Hausa culture but they still hold their culture and heritage in high regard.
Fulani Attire for Females
This is called the ‘Madukare’. As we are aware of how females love to adorn themselves almost everywhere, it is no different for the Fulbe ladies too.
They love to adorn their skin, the hand, arm, feet, and legs with henna, decorate their hair, and put on bangles, necklaces, and also earrings. The Fulani dress styles for females differs from the region and in West Africa; in Nigeria, the attire is a sleeveless crop top worn over a wrapper. It is embroidered with a red, blue, and green thread on white or black cotton. Though a lot of things are being modernized, some are made of blue cotton, dark blue to be precise.
Fulanis are known for their exquisite beauty, with their pointed noses and long, soft hair, both the males and females are mostly known for their long slender figures.
1. The female Fulanis decorate their hair with cowrie shells and beads.
2. Fulani women also adorn themselves with bracelets that are thick and which some may have engravings on them/
3. The female Fulani dress attire is put together with gold earrings, which are mostly twisted and referred to as ‘Dibi’
4. Also, they wear their Fulani dress attire with necklaces which are also handmade necklaces known as ‘Caaka’.
5. They usually adorn themselves with amulets known as ‘Lohol’.
6. The Fulani women love to wear beads around their waist.
Bottom line, they love jewelry and are known to always adorn their heads, hands, nose, ears, and waist. If you are to come across a Fulani lady and get the chance of marrying her, you will be one lucky man. The same goes for the females getting married to Fulani men.
Fulani Traditional Wedding Attire
The importance of a wedding is known to all. On this blissful occasion, both the bride and the groom all want to look their best by dressing and adorning themselves. The groom wears a sleeveless shirt with embroidery that differentiates him from the rest, with his shorts and his ‘Noppire’ hat. The women on the other hand wear their crop sleeveless tops which have recently been made longer to cover up the stomach.
The bride’s hair is adorned with big braids or any other known Fulani hairstyles and beads, silver coins, or cowrie shells. The bride’s hands, feet, and legs are designed with henna.
The bride wears gold bracelets, earrings, and necklaces. The bride’s waist is also adorned with beautiful beads. Also among the adornment is beautifying the bride’s forehead with beads.
The bride is expected to have a decorated calabash that is covered with a little colorful beaded bag to go along with her attire in one of the spectacular Fulani dress styles you can find.
Conclusion
Writing about the spectacular Fulani culture can absolutely fill up a lot of blank pages with new interesting facts about the beauty of the culture and the radiance that comes with it, especially the Fulani dress styles.
FAQs
What is the name of the Fulani men’s hat?
Noppire.
What is the covering of the calabash called?
Fai Fai
Are Fulanis Hausa people?
Fulanis are not Hausa people; they are a tribe with a beautiful culture. Coming down to the north and mixing up with the Hausa people led to the confusion that a Hausa person is also a Fulani person.
What do Fulbe people speak?
They speak Fulfulde.
Do Fulanis have a particular origin?
They are known to be nomads. They mostly come from the Middle East and North Africa, which they later spread all around West Africa.
by Abdulsalam Yunusa | Mar 26, 2022 | Uncategorized
The Hausa language is the predominant language in the northern part of Nigeria, with a significant population of indigenous speakers in the Niger Republic, Ghana, Cameroon, Sudan as well as other African countries.
Hausa ladies are no doubt beautiful, soft-spoken and elegant. If you have been active on social media for the past few years, sights and sounds from the glamorous weddings of Hausa ladies are enough to make you wish to have one as a wife. Well, if you are curious and would like to know how to get married to a Hausa lady, you are at the right place. But before you start thinking of the numbers and colors of kaftan to sew, it is important for you to know these steps that I will share with you. Now, let’s go straight into it!
How to Get Married to a Hausa Lady
With a large percentage of Hausa people practicing the religion of Islam, marriage in Hausaland shares an intricate relationship with that of Islam. This involves laws that disallow any unnecessary communication and physical contact completely between prospective spouses until they become officially pronounced as husband and wife.
That being said, what will you do when you finally see the Hausa lady that captures your heart?
The first thing you need to do after seeing the lady of your dreams is to do a little background check, after which you will send your relatives or other respected members of the society to meet her parents, inform them of your intention and seek permission to initiate communication between you two. The lady will then be called upon by her parents – usually the mother – and be asked whether she loves you. If she does, then the proposal will be accepted and investigations regarding you and your family will begin almost immediately. Some families will only accept your proposal if they are satisfied with the results of the background check they have conducted. While a lot of youths now skip this step and go straight to letting the lady know of their intentions, it still remains the ideal.
Now that you have been accepted as a prospective son-in-law, you will be formally allowed to go see their daughter from time to time and discuss future plans. Don’t forget to be going along with gifts though — ladies love gifts.
READ ALSO: Why Hausa Societies Don’t Perform Anymore Baiko During Marriages
Hada Kayan Lefe
After fixing a date for the wedding, this is where your savings will play a part. You will start buying Kayan Lefe. This includes a set of boxes containing jewelry, cosmetics, shoes, bags, undies, and any other clothing material that your future wife will use in your house after marriage. These items are bought based on the list that the lady will provide; you sure wouldn’t want to spend your money buying things that she won’t need. The quantity and quality of items depend on your financial status and that of the lady’s family, so you should be mindful of the family you are planning to marry from.
READ ALSO: The Average Cost of Kayan Lefe
Na Gani Ina So
After seeking permission to start seeing their daughter, some female members of your family are to meet with the lady’s family to present them with gifts. The gifts can be in form of a box containing clothes, jewelry, shoes, bags, and even some cash, depending on your financial strength.
Gaisuwan Iyaye
A little later after being accepted as a prospective in-law, what comes next is to officially go and greet your in-laws-to-be. Here, you will go well-dressed along with your siblings, close friends, or relatives to greet the parents of your future bride as well as their close relatives and friends. You might want to carry some cash with you and give it out after every greeting.
Fixing of Wedding Date (Sa Rana)
As you start getting along with your future wife, you will be expected to start making more moves towards making it official. This is where kayan sa rana comes in; these are items your family will present to the lady’s family so as to fix a date for the wedding. The two families will negotiate and finally agree on a date that will be most convenient for both sides, nevertheless, the lady’s family usually has the upper hand in making the decision. Kayan sa rana usually includes packs or cartons of sweets, chewing gums and kolanut, and some money. For a Fulani lady, you will need to add some bags of salt too.
Shelter and Kayan Daki
Providing shelter is your sole responsibility as the prospective husband. If you cannot build a house, you should rent or get a comfortable apartment before the marriage. While getting the apartment is your responsibility, the lady usually will furnish the house with furniture, kitchen items, etc. Notwithstanding, there is nothing wrong with you doing it by yourself, especially if her family will find it difficult to do it. After all, you are interested in knowing how to get married to a Hausa lady and you want her to leave her parents’ house and move to yours.
Pre Wedding Events
Several pre-wedding events are sometimes held. While events like Kamu, Kunshi/Sa Lalle, and the likes have been practiced for quite a while in Hausaland, many events, earlier unknown to Hausas have been borrowed from other cultures. This includes bridal shower, mother’s eve, Arabian night, and lots more. So, depending on the family you are marrying from, you could end up with a wedding without a single pre- or post-wedding event, or one with several.
ALSO READ: The Evolution of Kamu Tradition in Hausa Land
Kai Kayan Lefe
Delegated female members of your family will take the kayan lefe you have bought to the lady’s family. This is usually done about a week before the wedding. The lady’s family will prepare a small feast that day, and your delegates will be given some tips, known as tukwuici.
Jere
A few days to the wedding, female members of both families will go to the house you have prepared for your bride and arrange the kayan daki brought by her family, and the lefe brought by you.
Kayan Gara
These are food items that the lady’s family will bring to you usually in large quantities. It is either brought during the jere, along with the amarya after the Wedding Fatiha or after the wedding celebrations. If you have spent all your savings and even borrowed additional money to meet up with the marriage expenses, this will help you to recover for a while, before you continue with your responsibility of providing food for the family.
Sadaki (Dowry)
Unlike in some foreign cultures e.g. in India, where the bride’s family is obliged to give out the bride alongside the bride price, it is not the same in Hausaland. Here, the man is expected to give this obligatory gift to his prospective wife, or at least make a promise to pay it at a later time if he cannot afford it at the moment. This is an expression of the man’s desire to marry her and shoulder her responsibilities. It can be as little as agreed by the prospective couples or as much as they can afford, without however going to the extremes. Nevertheless, if the lady is of Fulani origin, you might be expected to give some cows as dowry or a mixture of cash and cows. It is advised that you consult people from the same community as your prospective wife, to know the range of amount in cash or its equivalence in-kind usually given there.
Daurin Aure
This is the day you have been waiting for. The Wedding Fatiha is officiated by Islamic scholars or other respected members of the society. The lady’s guardian, ‘waliyyi’ will formally announce to have given out his daughter in marriage to you, and your representative, ‘wakili’ will accept her on your behalf in the presence of witnesses. This is done to involve elders in the union, so that whenever the couples are facing a problem, they will be able to intervene and provide solutions. The amount of dowry paid before or on this day is also announced to the hearing of those present.
Conveyance of the Bride (Kai Amarya)
After the Wedding Fatiha, and all other events that will follow, the next thing is to convey the bride (amarya) to her new home. This is the time when most brides cry, not because they are not happy getting married, but because of how sad it is to finally leave the home they’ve known all their lives, for a completely new one. The bride is escorted by her friends and close relatives to the new house, and sometimes one or two might spend the night in the house.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to get married to a Hausa lady, we hope you will take the necessary steps and invite us to your wedding soon. Do you have more to tell us about Hausa weddings or how it differs with your tribe’s, please do tell us about it in the comments section below. We are eager to hear from you!
FAQs
How do Hausa people marry?
This starts from seeking permission from the parents, followed by some pre-wedding rites and events, and officially concluded during the Wedding Fatiha with representatives from both families and witnesses.
How long will it take to marry a Hausa lady?
This depends on several factors, including financial readiness and parents from both sides being satisfied with their prospective in-law.
Can I marry a Hausa lady in four weeks?
Yes, you can. For some families, the whole wedding process can be concluded in much less time.
How much is Hausa Bride Price?
There is no fixed amount for bride price in Hausa land. It can be as low or as high as the two families agree on. However, moderation is advised, so, always consult with people from the same community ad your prospective wife.
Is Hausa wedding expensive?
This depends on the family you are marrying from. You will definitely spend a lot if you are planning to marry someone from a rich family, but overall, Hausa weddings aren’t expensive.
Can a non-Hausa man marry a Hausa lady?
Yes. A significant example is the marriage of Idris Ajimobi, son of Oyo state governor, Abiola Ajimobi, and Fatima Ganduje, daughter of Kano State governor.
by Abu Hafsah | Sep 9, 2021 | Uncategorized
Romance is a feeling of excitement and mystery associated with love: It is that feeling that a person feels for their partner that keeps the relationship going smoothly. Why Hausa men are not romantic? Consider this story:
Shafiu’s fiancé was having difficulty trying to get something done over the internet which she needed so badly. Though, he was very sick, still got up and went straight to her place because it has to be done in her presence. On his arrival, he received no proper appreciation but still went on to accomplish the task. After finishing the task, still no proper appreciation – just a normal ‘thank you’. She just acted like it was a normal thing, without properly acknowledging his efforts. Initially, he wanted to stay with her for a few more minutes to enjoy her company, but her actions made him upset, so he left almost immediately.
Why Hausa men are not romantic could be as a result of some factors – some obvious, some not. However, some Hausa men are on the opposite side of the coin. Here are some reasons worth noting:
9 Reasons Why Hausa Men Are Not Romantic
1. Environmental Influence
The theory of determinism states that “the environment has a great role to play in the way a human thinks, behaves or acts”.
Frankly speaking, in the northern part of Nigeria particularly among the Hausa, most Hausa men have little or no regard for women. They see women as too cheap and vulnerable, thereby, treat them badly. This is contrary to the teachings of the two most practiced religions (Islam and Christianity) in that part of the country.
You only value or be romantic to someone you cherish and see their worth. One that was born and brought up, or grew up in that kind of environment, will tend to exhibit that without seeing any wrong in it.
2. Poverty
Poverty is the state of not having enough material possessions or income for a person’s basic needs. Absolute poverty is the complete lack of the means necessary to meet basic personal needs such as food, clothing, and shelter.
It is very evident that Northern Nigeria is the most poverty-stricken part of the country, and Hausas are the most affected. Hausa men are the poorest people in that part of the country. As the saying goes, “a hungry man is an angry man” and when one is angry, being romantic is the last thing on their mind.
In Aisha’s words:
Any day my husband comes back from work with no money, I hardly understand him because he becomes very unfriendly.
3. Wives’ Behaviour
The love that one may have for you depends greatly on your attitude, mostly. With love, comes romance. The reason why Hausa men are unromantic owes to the behaviour and attitude of some Hausa women. Hausa women’s attitude towards their husbands can be unbearable; they are short in manners of approach, hardly assist their husbands financially, and are mostly ungrateful.
Refer to my article on 8 Things to Know Before You Marry a Hausa Lady.
Their husbands’ behaviour is a mirror of their behaviours.
4. Unromantic Female Partners
A typical Hausa lady is very unromantic. This is because they are socially and educationally backward. It is so unfortunate that some parents in the North still believe that education is just for men and women are restricted to their parents’ homes or husbands’ houses. Their little or no exposure to the outside world is a major cause.
Some of them despise putting on sexy outfits for their partners to see and admire. They see it as immorality. How backward can that thinking be socially and religiously?
Now, when you are not romantic to your boyfriend or husband, how do you expect them to reciprocate?
5. Pride
Pride is a common thing in men but that of the Hausas is way beyond your imaginations. Why Hausa men are not romantic stems from the pride in them and little regard for women (except for the very religious ones amongst them).
The pride is so great that some of them can’t remember the last time they said “I love you” to their wives or girlfriends, they don’t hug her for no reason or celebrate her for her success.
Some of them only smile at their wives when they want to get to second base. A very close friend of mine is like that. Maryam has this to say about her husband:
I love it when my husband tells me he loves me, but he hardly does. The only thing he does when I make him happy is smile sheepishly at me or pat my back if he is close. That’s it!
6. Unnecessarily Having More Than a Wife
This also answers the question ‘why Hausa men are not romantic”. Polygamy is a very common practice in Northern Nigeria. Contrary to what people normally say, polygamy isn’t a bad practice; it’s not about a man marrying more than a wife, but about every woman having a husband.
An average Hausa man has the proclivity of taking more than a wife. Co-wives, if not properly handled, can be a truck of trouble. Misunderstandings will spring up a lot and only the husband can settle or mediate in situations like this, mostly.
Constant mediation can be very tiring as women can be very aggressive and stubborn when upset. A man coming back from work only to meet his wives fighting themselves, turning his abode into a boxing field, can’t be a happy man and so, shouldn’t be expected to be romantic.
7. Too Much Workload
Aside from poverty, too much responsibility could be a reason why Hausa men a not romantic. As the breadwinner of a family, you not only take care of your immediate family, you also have your parents, siblings, some needy relatives, and some orphans left by your siblings to take care of. This is a common practice in Hausaland. Are you picturing what I’m trying to depict?
The aftereffect of Covid-19 is serious in the North. Prices of things in the market are skyrocketing by the day, so also utility bills, and you have such a huge family to take care of. How can you be romantic? Quite impossible you will agree with me.
8. Environmental Influence
The environment is also a reason why Hausa men are not romantic. Like we all know, the environment plays an important role in the way a man thinks, acts, talks, relates with others, and of course, loves among others.
In a typical Hausaland, display of love is something usually restricted to homes, I repeat, restricted to homes. Public Displays of Affection (PDA) is something prohibited by tradition. As a woman probably from the East or West dating a Hausa man and expecting PDA, sorry dear, very sorry. It’s not done in this part of Nigeria. If that’s one of the things you call being romantic, you had better scrap it off your mind today because you aren’t getting that, sis.
9. Their Parents’ Relationship
A worth noting reason why Hausa men are not romantic is as a result of the kind of family they were brought up in. Every parent needs to know that how they relate with their partners and children in their home has a great impact on how their children will see ‘relationship’ or ‘family’ as. If you share so much love for instance, like hugging your partner or pecking them, hugging your son (as a mother), or hugging your daughter (as a father), your children will most likely do the same in their families, and vice-versa
Most Hausa men see that as a taboo which isn’t. Now how do you expect someone from that kind of family to be romantic in that kind of way?
Conclusion
Been romantic is highly dependent on how you feel about someone or how worthy they are to you. Sometimes, one’s attitude or mindset plays a significant role in their romantic life.
Why Hausa men are not romantic cannot be overemphasized. Some of these reasons like poverty and environmental influence are usually pre-determined and therefore, one has little or no say in them. On the other hand, pride and unnecessarily taking more than a wife can be avoided.
I hope you find this article useful. If you do, drop a comment in the comments section. Thank you.
Related: 8 Signs and Actions of Unromantic Men and How to Deal With an Unromantic Relationship.