The last time I visited Kano was 1990. I was excited to be there after 27years. The rustic and dusty look was familiar. The major roads and streets were tree lined as it is, in northern cities. The neem tree was ubiquitous. It evoked the nostalgic feelings of my days in Bida and Maiduguri. I saw very young boys hawking stuff in traffic. Isn’t that why I was here? I muttered. The North must have determined intent to reverse its educational odds. I was taking it all in, until I got to the Tahir Palace Hotel where I stayed. I was welcomed each time; “Hajia sanu da zuwa”. I loved it and smiled all the way. I dressed the part and I looked it.
The driver picked me up for the award night. They had started lon b before I walked in. I was persuaded to sit at the “high” table. I was recognized as we say in Nigeria. I bowed to the audience and thanked them. Within minutes I was asked to speak. Speaking is what I do. I did! I got the audience excited. I went back to the Suya I was looking to tackle and I heard my name again! Ha! My suya! Suya mi! Hmnnn…I knew I won’t eat that Suya again once I leave. I had to. That departure from Suya pained me but it was the highlight of my visit to the ancient city of Kano.
It was an elite gathering of northerners. I did not hear them speak English until I was introduced and when I was called. I noted that. I was given the certificate and Alhaji Babanladi’s achievement was read in Hausa. The man standing beside me translated it all to me, in whispers. Alhaji Babanladi taught himself to read and write. He went further to open a small shop where he started an adult literacy class. He has done this for over four decades. Most of his student have gone on, to acquire bachelor’s degree. He has devoted his life to adult education. I was stupefied! Within me, I wondered how I could give a rousing eulogy of this great man. As I searched my brain for adjectives and the prose, I was handed the microphone. That did it for me! I had an epiphany. I thanked them for the opportunity but I declined to give the award.
The man’s greatness surpassed that gathering. His greatness is more than Bamidele. I asked that Alhaji Babanladi be honored at the Saturday ceremony where and when the Emir will be there. The Emir should honor this great man with many more people in attendance. He is a national hero and he deserves national honors. I had said so before it hit me that I did not take permission from the Chairman and my host before I spoke. Nonetheless, the chairman, Prof. Aliyu A. Jibia, the coordinators, Alhaji Babanladi and the crowd were happy. The award was postponed.
The Emir, Mohammad Sanusi II came in as scheduled. His entry was greeted with aplomb. Three gun salute rocked the stadium like grenade. I had first hand experience of northern aristocracy. It was a study in royalty. The traditional palace aides preceeded him in their green and red agbada with red turban. Some other titled heads followed him behind. Six of the red and green men encircled his seat to shield us from seeing him as he sat. Two of them adjusted his dress and turban. An umbrella was permanently over his head even though we were indoors. The palace aides and others sat in two rows in front of him. The say prayers from him constantly and some things I could not understand. As he sat, people went there, removed their shoes, knelt down and greeted him with a raised fist. I went and took my turn. To everyone who greeted him, he raised his own fist, never saying a word. His aides spoke on his behalf.
I spoke. I told them I knew their Emir before he was king. We both love the works of Iris Murdoch and we competed on who read each of her titles first and exchanged her books. He is one of the most briliant Nigerians I know, and his essays on Gamji remained a gift to public intellection. I told my audience to listen to him on education and hold unto him to lead their efforts. Then I quoted Suratul An-Nahl verse 90 from the Holy Qur’an. I reminded them that a stable family and society is built on the three things Allah enjoined all Muslims to do; Justice (Al-Adl), good deeds (Al-ihsan) and care of kith and kin. In the same verse He said all Muslims must eschew indecency (Al-Fasha), evil (Al-Munkar) and transgression (Al-Baghy). I told them it is injustice for their children to go to school while others are roaming the streets. I told them it is indecent (Al-Fasha) for their children to go to school while others are begging in the streets. I told them it is evil (Al-Munkar) for the children of the poor to go around in the blazing northern sun uncatered for. I told them it is transgression (Al-Baghy) to stay indifferent to Almajrici. This verse is quoted at the end of every Jumat service sermon.
The Emir spoke thereafter. My translator said he backed me up and pledged to work with them. He spoke for exactly one hour. Not a word in English. He reached for the conscience of his people. I couldn’t leave to catch my flight because I felt it would be disrespectful of the Emir. My flight was at 1pm. He presented the award to Alhaji Babanladi to everyone’s delight. I went back again, paid homage. He greeted me the best way a royalty could and I made for the exits. It was worth my while. I delivered my message.
My host was happy. I learnt a lesson in cultural purism. The Hausa is unaffected by stupid elitism and the language is not threatened. That is the lesson for the Yoruba. Your language is social technology. Loose it and lose your identity. My Facebook friends were there and some who saw me leave, managed to corner me for a quick photograph. Thank you Mohammed Sani Tsaibu and Henry.