Dark Cloud Causes Security Scare in Kaduna

A crowd at the scene

A little scare rocked the calm boat yesterday, 24th May, 2011 in Kaduna. around 6.15pm when a thick black smoke enveloped the sky around Ibrahim Taiwo road. In a jiffy, a police and a millitary van as well as a couple of Operation Yaki bikes had arrived at the spot to ascertain the remote and obvious cause, like politicians like to say. A very curious crowd was gathering in no time and the sound of a fire engine followed shortly. 

We later found out that  "Sidi" also known as "Mai Gona" who farms close to the scene of the incident and had the habit of clearing the refuse on that road and burning it had done that again only that this time some numbers of old tires were used and that had increased the intensity of the fire. The firefighters did their job quickly and left. The cloud of smoke caused some confusion as I heard one of the millitary guys on his radio confirming what had just happened to another unit. As expected, a handful of people who had seen the smoke from a distance thought something was amiss and had started accessing it from the security perspective.

The Fire Service Truck

 Sidi was later taken away in the military van to the Gabasawa Police Station on Taiwo road while some of his family members were seen sobbing in fear of what could happen to him in the station and thereafter. Sidi just needs a slap on the wrist and some lessons on environmental issues. I hope they won't make a scape goat of him. This should also call KEPA to work and alert. If there was no refuse, Sidi would have had nothing to burn. It's a good thing that the security apparatus and the fire service acted in good time.

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Sunset for Nigerian Feminist – Hajiya Laila Dogonyaro, OON

Sadly, it was twilight for Hajiya Laila Dongonyaro on the 28th of April, 2011; a foremost women rights advocate and politician. Born 67 years ago, Hajiya Laila, the Garkuwar Garki of Jigawa State was a known vanguard of women political emancipation in regionally in northern Nigeria and Nationally. She died after a brief illness and years of protracted battle with diabetics and hypertension.

The recipient of several awards including the Officer of the Order of the Niger, OON in 2001 was largely involved in the activities of the Jam’iyar Matan Arewa (JMA), the first collective Northern women organisation which was founded in 1963 and was the President of the National Council for Women Societies (NCWS) 1993 -1915. She will be fondly remembered by several who have benefitted from her proactive efforts at pushing for child education, women socio-economic and political development and her active engagement in politics. It was Hajia Laila who famously described the role of women in the politics of the first republic as that of a ‘flower vase’. She opined that she felt so because ’some women then were active participants in politics but with no franchise to vote and be vote for.’

In an interview last year with the Daily Trust Newspaper, she recounted how she and a few others including the late Simbiat Abiola worked together and ensured that women had a voice in politics. ‘After the elections, we went and a transition committee was set up and I think there were 12 to 13 committees. There were about four or five women at the meeting and none of us was included. There was Anne Obi, Mrs Kezia Agundu, Mrs. Adenike Ebun-Oyegbola was there, Alhaja Simbiat Abiola and I. I couldn’t bear it so I asked to be allowed to speak. I expressed my disappointment at the composition of the committees. I pointed out that barely a week ago, we had queued in the sun to vote you as president and we are now being forgotten seven days after the election. That was in 1979. Alhaji Shehu Shagari said I was right and he directed that women should be included in the committees. Although our names were put down but we were never invited to attend the committee meetings. That was how the struggle started.’

She attended only primary school (was also married off early at 12) and was an advocate for girl-child education. One of her last projects was a girl’s secondary school in Garki, Jigawa State which she slated to be opened in September.

Hajiya Dogonyaro is survived by four children Mohammed Ahmed (the Sarkin Yakin Garki), Mairo Hassan Hussein, Binta and Isa Dogonyaro. The First Lady of Nigeria, Mrs. Dame Patience Jonathan in a national broadcast acknowledged her huge contribution to the cause of womanhood and said ’she will be missed by several people.’  Governor Adams Oshiomole of Edo State through a press release recalled her initiating the Women Opinion Leadership Forum, “which became a training ground for younger women, who eventually found their feet in politics”, her pioneering contributions towards the development of the Women’s empowerment movement and championing  “greater involvement of women in politics and governance”.

May her soul rest in perfect peace.

This piece was first published here.

GoodBye Kaduna, Welcome Abuja and allied matters

Fueling before the journey ahead

There seems to be a mild but consistent outflux from Kaduna. I don’t have facts to back this up but I have heard of a number of families who have had cause to leave Kaduna premised on the recent crisis. This is where the need for a good social security system becomes underscored. It is apparent that the neighbouring Abuja would largely benefit from this movement in terms of the labour and capital flight that this would occasion. Investors are wary of the safety of their investment in this part. Okada riders are witnessing a reduction in wages since about 3 hours have been yanked off their earning hours. Suya merchants are worst hit. Kaduna boy has never bought one in the day time. I actually don’t know any who does. Prostitutes? Sorry, Commercial Sex Workers, CSW are not finding this curfew funny at all. I’m sure they would have changed strategies too!

The soldiers manning points during the curfew hours have also reportedly changed tactics; the punishment now is to have defaulters sweep the street as against mimicking the movement pattern of frogs. Good prospect for environmental sanitation if this continues. Care to verify this news? Simple. Stay out till some minutes past 9pm! Don’t forget to leave a detailed comment here after the experience.

Kaduna Election Tribunal Set for Work

Mr. Garba Kwajaffa, H.B Abdulrama and Olushola Ishola have been inaugurated as members of the 3-man panel that is meant to look into dissatisfaction following the April 28^th, 2011 governorship election in Kaduna. The election saw the incumbent Patrick Yakowa winning the state. The tribunal would sit for 180 days and a May 23 deadline has been given to parties willing to refute the result of the said election to submit their petition. Fairness should no doubt be the watchword of the panel. Kaduna boy would keep a close tab on the turn of events at the tribunal.

Courtesy – 234Next

Job opening in Kaduna

If you are considering a career in a school environment, then read on. The Kaduna branch of the Famak School located at  Abdulkadir Atiku Street, Off College Road, Near Legislative Quarters, Angwan Dosa needs competent staff for the following openings:

Administrative Positions

Marketing Officer Ref: MM

Receptionist Ref: RR

Teaching Positions:

Pre-school/ Early-years teacher Ref: EY

Key Stage One teachers Ref: KST1

Key Stage Two teachers Ref: KST2

Key Stage ICT teachers Ref: KSICT

Trainee Teachers Ref: TT

Note that applicants must be graduates of education-based disciplines or have a PGDE. They must also have post qualification experience and demonstrate teaching skills. Applicants who have experience in the British curriculum have an added advantage. Those without education-based qualifications could apply for the positions of trainee teachers. The reference should be stated in the application.

For email address to post the application, click here. This advert was published in the Guardian Newspaper of 17th May, 2011..

Kaduna Govt. to Pay Victims Bill

The Patrick Yakowa led government has promised medical bill reprieve for victims of the post presidential election crisis. The numero uno of the Barau Dikko Specialist Hospital, Ungwarimi, Dr Husain Yahya hinted at this as he spoke with News Agency of Nigeria. This, I believe is good thinking from the government. Governance, I have always advocated would have no meaning if the people cannot point to direct benefits from it. Dr Yahya informed his interviewers that government was ready to pay the bills in any hospital that had cause to treat such victims. Peradventure you know any that was affected and hospitalized; I feel this is news that should be brought to their attention. 

Ngozi Obiyor: An Unfinished Story

Death be not proud!

I suffered a mutual emotional trouncing with a buddy recently. The character in question was the whole script not just a part of it. We had lost a generation, so to say. You can’t miss her get-up-and-go attitude neither will you her passion for the theatre in a few minutes chat with her while she was on this side. Kaduna Boy had the privilege to watch her from a close distance and can testify to Aunty Ngozi’s strength. Kaduna’s theatre stage would sorely miss her. Read Ihidero Victor on her below.

Candle burning at both ends, reaches the thin point of abyssal solid state. Light dims. The thread is cut as the winds from Pandora’s Box hushed out the voice of an emerging falcon. Indeed. There are deaths and there are deaths. It is not turning into lioness that is difficult; it is getting to the tail. Her disappearance from this terra firma came as a gale to me. Her life was a candle to many who dared to be despite the harshness of this dark night, called Nigeria. Lighting candles in the lives of children was her preoccupation. Whether the child was ready to learn or not was none of her business. She was bent on forcing education into the marrows of children and youths in the society even when that would cause her her life. It did ‘nyways. Her memory perfectly seethes on my head like the bowler hat of Mr. President radiating all its grace and dignity that is womanhood. Anytime my phone rings in early hours of the morning, I would guess the Caller was Aunty. Anytime I received SMS in late hours of the day, I correctly deciphered who the sender was. She was humanely human. A reminder to humanity that womanhood has not lost touch with reality despite the craze of a postmodernist state. 

As she mutter to me on our last two meetings before she joined the extraterrestrial: an eagle has no business pecking with ducks on a dustbin, was a message she drove into my being. I have since imagined a picture of ducks and eagles competing for food. As hard as I try, her face resurfaces in subconscious. We saw two days before. She had gained admission for a PhD research course in Theatre and Performing Arts at the Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria. She was laid up for the registration. It was natural for me to help with the registration. I did. At a point of the final submission of her papers for documentation. It occurred to me call. I did. The Phone rang. A voice came from the other hand. “She’s dead”, the raspy voice of a stranger bit my ears. I ended the call. I had called a wrong number. I gave another dial to the other phone, this time I heard a Joy’s passionate voice rubbing ears. I hailed her but she managed to mutter “Your aunty is no more.” My phone dropped! I called again. And my fear was confirmed. 

Like Moth to flame ...

Tear dropped from my eyes without my command and my heart raced to catch her spirit before it hovers to the abyss. But the legs of my heart failed me. She’s survived by progenies of intellectual heavyweight, academic storm-troopers and the creative intelligentsia of the theatres.

… And Pastor Adeboye Prayed

Pastor Adeboye's Convoy leaving the church

 The General Overseer of the Redeemed Church as earlier reported here took time out to be in Kaduna yesterday. The special prayer programme for the land did not hold at Ranchers Bee Stadium due to some reasons. I heard the venue was not given out premised on some good reasons. The Trinity Sanctuary of the RCCG behind Bank PHB, Bank Road was filled to capacity as the programme held there. The security presence there was also heavy. Policemen, Soldiers, members of the civil defense corps were all present. An ambulance was also stationed close to the gate. Even a fly would dare not perform gymnastics at the venue. The event ended with the man of God asking all present to pray for what they desire.

Christians of different denomination at the event

This Dog Called Mimi

I have always told my friend that Mimi (that’s his dog’s name) is a disgrace to the Rottweiler’s generation. The dog hardly barks and is always just too scared. Make some unusual sounds in quick succession and Mimi is acting scared. In short, Mimi even snores at night and I am the one now watching over Mimi, not the usual thing of Dog watching over man. My friend and neighbour is out of town and he has pleaded that I watch over the dog for the next one week.

I envy people who go on walks with their dogs. It’s a status thing and they enjoy it. The dog also gets an opportunity to show off; barking at the slightest attempt to get close to it or ones constant gaze at it. Not Mimi. In short, Mimi would not bother herself. The last time we took it out; one bold dude got near the dog and said it’s just one of those local breeds that are well fed. I was embarrassed. My friend later told me that why he only takes the dog on a stroll only under the cover of darkness. The only time Mimi acts like a dog is when she’s having or grooming puppies. I hope Mimi gets to bark tonight. That’s if it’s not snoring. Is these the stuff Rottweilers are made of?

N5 Million for Deceased Corps Members Family

Our president has paid 5 million naira each to the 10 families of the deceased corps members who lost their lives during the recent post-presidential election. All the corps members involved were serving in Bauchi state. While I don’t think this is enough, I hope the panel set up comes up with something real and the perpetrators pay for their act. The president at the meeting he held with the aggrieved family members also promised employment for a member of each family.

I hear Bauchi State’s Governor, Isa Yuguda who many did not know before now is still busy. I heard he’s busy trying to tell us all that he was misquoted and that he did not say what he meant. Sorry; he did not mean what he said. I pray the new committee set up to look into the issue would make some arrest and help us understand the workings of the mind of these perpetrators. Making a northerner, Sheik Ahmed Lemu the head of the panel was a nice move on Jonathan’s chess board. I am happy the NYSC would not be the same after this incident. May the souls of these beautiful ones who were born but killed rest in sound peace. If Ayi Kwei Ama were a Nigerian he would have written a sequel to his well read work.

Food and the World's Forest: A Marriage

I never anticipated the response we got from our friend that day. All buddies; we had all chatted heartily at the prospect the future held. It was our last day together as students seeking a university degree. I think it was Tunji who asked – ‘When you start earning money, what would you do most with your cash’, he thereafter unconsciously stuck out his wet tongue rubbing it on his lower and upper lips. He told us his would be to buy a nice car and enjoy life. I can’t recollect what the 2 other people with us said but we all still remember Jimmy’s comment. It stunned us all. He took his gaze off the book that was sharing his attention with us. ‘I will buy food. I will eat. I will eat good food. You guys don’t know how important food is. I can’t imagine the world without food’, he went on to expatiate on how much he goes after knowing watering holes and good market in every community he has had cause to live in. Indeed, we had always known his room, 234, Block 8, Awolowo Hall was the place to go when we get hungry suddenly. What we did not know was that the dude really loved food and all activities related to it!

... from the forest. 

Of course, he got me thinking afterwards. Food. Food. Food. What would happen if the world had no food? Basic biology knowledge helped me understand the role of plants as the primary producers and without it no other animal in the ecosystem, including man can exist. Rene Redzepi picks his best from the forest. He should know better. He’s the world’s best cook.¹ Covering one third of the earth’s land portion, the forest like Olivier Langrand of Conservation International says- the forest is not a mere group of trees. It’s amazing the quantity of food the forest gets to produce every season here in Nigeria. The nuts are delicious. The bush meats are a delicacy. The fruits are nutritional. The list is endless. The flow chart of links between forestry and household food security is remarkable.²

Perhaps, my fondest memory of Cameroun!

The best traditional and medicinal diets are from the forest. The crunchy mushrooms, the leafy vegetables are foods the forest throws at our feet. The United Nations Environmental Programme³ and Treehuggers ⁴ must continue to help people keep my friend’s attitude and beyond. If we value food then we should value the forest that gives it to us. De-reservation of forest reserves, petroleum exploitation and spillages, poor enlightment should be met head-on. Every environmental activist should know that the most important aspect of environmental advocacy is that part that ensures that the forest remains alive and the vegetation retains its greenery, else we have a bunch of hungry activist! Ouch. The forest has always had the capacity to provide food for man. Leonardo da Vinci, one of my favourites has always been right – Nature never breaks her own law! I’m typing this with two mango fruits on my table; a silent testament to the ability of the forest despite the poor care for it. If the world still craves for food security then forestry must be fully integrated with food, livestock and fish production.⁵ Jimmy? He still loves food. I hear about 40% of his income is spent of buying food! 

Kaduna Relaxes Curfew Again

The curfew hour has been relaxed again in Kaduna. From the days of the 24 hours curfew we have finally moved over to another phase. Until recently it was 6am to 6pm. Learnt the soldiers have been having fun with defaulters. I can give anything to stay with those soldiers and watch some ‘deaf’ pot-bellied Alhajis do some frog jumps. Very funny. Anyway, if and when the opportunity presents itself, I am sure to upload the pictures- maybe for some few hours before I pull it down. So keep reading! 

Back to the main gist - officially movement is now valid from 5am - 9pm. It’s just a one hour addition to the movement Okayed period. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Media Affairs, Mr. Reuben Buhari has been responsible for giving us the update. Methinks the curfew idea is a good one. Please keep it until after the inauguration ceremony. I can’t afford listening to news of some sharks waking up at night to find preys. By the way, is he Buhari’s relative? I didn’t say anything o. Ok, I said Sai Reuben Buhari.

Do you write Fiction?

If you answer yes to the above, then you want to check this out. It’s a training that can change your writing life. The masters would be sharing knowledge with you and others in an environment befitting of such intellectual engagement. Read more about it on my friend’s blog and know that you also have to respond to this quickly. The offer expires 11.59pm on the 12th of May, 2011. That’s 2 days from the date of this post. Click here to read more information.

Pastor Adeboye Storms Kaduna

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG is being expected at the Ranchers Bees Stadium, Kaduna on Wednesday, 11th 2011. Pastor Adeboye who has a large following within the Christian community is expected to help with the healing of Kaduna spiritually. I’m anticipating that the Governor of Kaduna, Patrick Yakowa who’s a Christian would be at the meeting or would meet ‘Baba’ (as he’s reverentially called) in private. The later may be a politically expedient move - whatever that means. I also pray Baba’s prayers and that of several are answered tomorrow. I am still at a shock that 10 years of peaceful living in Kaduna was shattered in just about a day or two.

The event is scheduled for 3pm – 6pm. I can bet the crowd at the stadium would compete favorably with that of a football match or a political rally at the venue. Expect pictures and gist of the event tomorrow. Besides, I learnt Baba’s son is a pastor in Kaduna and he’s been quietly here for a long while.

Vacancy @ UNICEF Kaduna

Sorry, I’ve been out of synch with blogging in the last couple of days. I’m back in mood and let’s hope the mood stays! Just kidding. The Kaduna end of the UNICEF office and some other states offices of the UN agency in Nigeria needs an extra hand. Sorry, it’s however not for degree holders. It’s an opening for an office assistant. I think it’s more of a clerical duty given the brief. One is sure that it would have better perks that any one-man owned business. Click here for more information about the opportunity. If this information does not benefit you; you might as well know a Diploma degree holder, ND who this opportunity would mean a lot to. Please pass on the information. I will be watching! The deadline is 16th of may, 2011.

P.S If you need help with drafting any of the needed documents, you can enlist my help; and for free! Do me a quick mail- kadunaboy@gmail.com. Best of luck.