Kwatarkwashi Rock, Gusau, Zamfara, Nigeria

Kwatarkwashi Rock is about 350 meters above sea level and has a massive landmass of about 1 square mile. The Rock is located in Kwatarkwashi Town of Bungudu local government area, 12km from Gusau, the capital city of Zamfara, Nigeria. 

Kwatarkwashi rock is a magnificent granitic rock formation, beautiful to behold. The surrounding scenery offers natural ambience for relaxation and adventures. It is one of the most exotic natural rock formations in Nigeria.

According to local legend, some powerful spirits lived in the rock thereby forcing hunters to settle around the foot of the rock, that was how kwatarkwashi town came to be. Settlers in the past use the rock for worship, and the performance of the ceremony called 'Daukar Maiki' (catching of the eagles). Eagles used to live in the caves and catching them was the main feature of Daukar Maiki.

There are caves where the locals used to hide during difficult battles within the rock; the biggest of the caves can hide a thousand people. The rock is also home to a natural spring that never runs dry, providing cool, refreshing water for locals.

Kwatarkwashi Rock is an ideal place for excursion, picnics, sightseeing, bird watching and relaxation.

Source: Taskar Afrika

BELIEFS OF THE YORUBA

Did you know that Yoruba cosmology encompasses a multitude of intriguing concepts, with the notion of multiple dimensions being an integral component of its spiritual and metaphysical framework?

In Yoruba belief, the universe is broadly divided into two main realms:

(1). Aiyé – the physical world, where humans, animals, and visible life exist.

(2). Òrun – the spiritual or invisible realm, where deities (Òrìṣà), ancestors, and other spiritual beings reside.

However, this dichotomy is not absolute. Òrun itself is often considered multilayered, comprising various levels or zones that house diverse entities, ranging from divine beings to ancestral spirits to less benevolent forces. The boundaries between these realms are fluid, and spiritual practitioners like babaláwo (priests of Ifá) can communicate across them, particularly during rituals, divination, and trance states.

The Yoruba also believe in reincarnation (Atunwa) and destiny (Ayànmó)—concepts that imply a soul’s journey across lifetimes and realms. Prior to birth, it is said that a soul chooses its destiny in Òrun before descending to Aiyé.

Òrìṣà and Their Dimensions

Each Òrìṣà is not merely a deity but a force of nature, a guardian of cosmic principles, and a ruler of different "realms." For instance, Òrúnmìlà governs wisdom and divination and has access to all dimensions of time and space. Èṣù is the divine messenger and keeper of the crossroads between Òrun and Aiyé.

The Soul’s Journey: Ori, Ayànmó, and Atunwa

This touches on how every soul (through Ori, the personal divinity) chooses a destiny (Ayànmó) before being born. If a soul fails to fulfill that destiny in one life, it can return (Atunwa), often within the same family line.

Ifá Divination and the Dimensions of Knowledge

The Ifá corpus (through the Odu Ifá) is akin to a spiritual database. Babaláwo can access it to diagnose problems, reveal destinies, and guide people using knowledge from multiple dimensions.

Realms Within Òrun (The Invisible World)

Òrun is not a single "heaven" but a multidimensional realm with layers: Òrun Rere (the realm of good spirits and ancestors), Òrun Apadi (a place of wandering or unresolved spirits), and others.

HISTORY LESSON

Egypt’s conquest of the Levant under the New Kingdom, along with earlier prehistoric expansions, provides a clear explanation for the genetic similarities observed between ancient Egyptians and some Semitic-speaking populations. These overlaps do not imply that Egypt was founded by Levantines — rather, they reflect the long and dynamic history of outward Egyptian influence, imperial governance, and bidirectional population movement over millennia.

A direct quote from Pagani et al 2015 explains why calling affinity with the modern Levantine populations evidence they founded Egypt is naive: “The predominantly African origin of all modern human populations is well established, but the route taken out of Africa is still unclear…Two alternative routes, via Egypt and Sinai or across the Bab el Mandeb strait into Arabia, have traditionally been proposed…We generated 225 whole-genome sequences…If the northern route was the predominant path followed by the ancestors of the OOA populations, and modern African populations are representative of those at the time of the exit, Egyptians should be genetically more similar to modern non-Africans. Conversely, if the southern route was the main way out of Africa, Ethiopians should be closest to the OOA populations…The haplotype and MSMC analyses thus suggest a predominant northern route out of Africa via Egypt.”

During episodes of Sahara desertification (beginning around 6000 BCE), populations from the interior of Africa migrated into the Nile Valley, contributing significantly to Egypt’s early demographic and cultural foundations. This migratory influx, documented archaeologically in the form of early Neolithic settlements and Saharan cultural motifs in predynastic Upper Egypt, predates any meaningful external contact with the Levant.

Over thousands of years, migrations did occur both into and out of Egypt — particularly during periods of climatic stress, economic expansion, or military conquest. Genetic studies reflect this. For example, lineages like E-M35 (a branch of E1b1b), while found in the Levant, also have African origins and a deep-time presence in Northeast Africa, especially in Egypt, Sudan, and the Horn. Scholars such as D’Atanasio et al. (2018) have demonstrated that haplogroups like E-M78, E-V38, and A3-M13 — all common in the Nile Valley — emerged within Africa and spread both northward and eastward due to African expansions, not the reverse.

Egypt’s New Kingdom military dominance (c. 1550–1070 BCE) established permanent administrative, military, and trade outposts across the Levant. Numerous stelae, statues, and letters attest to Egyptian governors, intermarriages, tribute exchanges, and the installation of Egyptian religious symbols in cities like Byblos and Megiddo. The Amarna Letters (14th century BCE) alone are a record of Egypt’s tight grip on the political networks of Canaan. These long-term political and familial entanglements naturally led to gene flow from Egypt into the Levant, further complicating modern assumptions about directionality in ancient DNA.

What’s crucial is that shared genetic markers do not erase Egypt’s African identity. The presence of certain lineages in both Egypt and the Levant is better understood as Egyptian imperial legacy than evidence of a Levantine origin. The foundational populations of ancient Egypt — especially from the pre-dynastic and early dynastic periods — carried distinctly African genetic signatures such as E-M2, A3-M13, E-M78, and R-V88, as confirmed by D’Atanasio (2018), Hassan (2009), and Hollfelder (2017). These markers trace back to deep-time African population structures long predating the emergence of Semitic cultures.

Furthermore, none of the archaeological, genetic, or linguistic data support the idea that a non-African population migrated into the Nile Valley and constructed Egyptian civilization from scratch. On the contrary, Egyptian religious cosmology, kingship ideology, iconography, spiritual vocabulary, and even body plan — including tropical limb proportions — all align far more closely with other Nile Valley and inner African populations than with the Levant or Mesopotamia.

Egypt’s interactions with the Levant were part of its imperial export, not its origin story. Ancient Egyptians may have left genetic, cultural, and architectural footprints outside Africa, but the reverse is not supported by the data. No Levantine archaeological culture, language family, or biological population has ever been shown to predate, replace, or supplant the indigenous African foundations of dynastic Egypt.

In sum, genetic overlaps between Egyptians and Semitic peoples are the result of millennia of African-led expansions, military conquests, trade networks, and bidirectional flow — not evidence of Egyptian origin in the Levant. Egypt was built by Africans, on African soil, drawing on African spiritual, environmental, and genetic lineages. Nothing in modern genetics changes that fact — it only adds nuance to how far Egyptian civilization reached.

#Africa #BlackHistory #World 

AFRICAN ORIGIN OF CAESAREAN SECTION

Caesarean sections were performed in Africa long before they were standardized across the world. They were invented in Africa long before Europe, and the rest of the world fully mastered how to conduct them (Young, 1944). The procedure is said to have been started since time immemorial. When a baby could not be delivered vaginally, midwives and surgeons would turn to C-sections in order to deliver the baby safely and alive. In areas around Lake Tanganyika and Lake Victoria, midwives and surgeons would perform this procedure (Davies, 1959).

When a baby could not be delivered vaginally, the midwives and surgeons would sedate the mother in labour with a lot of banana wine. A knife would be sterilized using heat, while the mother would be tied to the bed for her safety. An incision would be made quickly by a team, and the quickness was to ensure that there would be no excessive loss of blood, and also that other organs would not be cut. A combination of sterilized knives and sedation would make the experience less painful for the mother (Felkin, 1884). During these times, women rarely developed infections because antiseptic tinctures and salves were used to clean the area and stitches were applied. Shock and excessive blood loss were uncommon. Uganda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) were the countries where this was most practised. In Uganda, C-sections were normally performed by a team of male healers, but in Tanzania and the DRC, they were typically done by female midwives (Davies, 1959).

It was in the Ugandan kingdom of Bunyoro that this procedure was most documented. The procedure was performed so well that Robert W. Felkin, a Scottish medical anthropologist, documented all of this in the book The Development of Scientific Medicine in the African Kingdom of Bunyoro Kitara. He witnessed the procedure in 1879 and was captivated by it. What got his attention was that back in Europe, a C-section was considered to be an option only to be used in the most desperate situations. At this time, "nearly half of European and US women died in childbirth, and nearly 100% of European women died if a C-section was performed" (Felkin, 1884).

References:

Felkin, R. W. (1884). Notes on Labour in Central Africa. Edinburgh Medical Journal.

Young, J. H. (1944). Cesarean Section: The History and Development of the Operation From Early Times. H.K. Lewis, London.

Davies, J. N. P. (1959). The development of scientific medicine in the African Kingdom of Bunyoro-Kitara. Medical History, Cambridge Journals.

#Ceaserean #Uganda #Africa #History #World

Does Society Choke Good Leaders: Is It Normal for Idealism to Die with Age?

Plato wasn’t always tired. There was a time when he burned with belief—a belief that logic could lead nations, that truth could tame tyranny, that a philosopher could rule not with weapons, but with wisdom. Back then, he gave us The Republic, a manifesto of majestic ideas where kings were thinkers, not thugs, and rulers read geometry before grabbing the reins of power. But something broke between that bright beginning and the shadows of his final work, The Laws. The philosopher-king disappeared. In his place? Lawbooks, surveillance, and second-best solutions.

What happened? Why did Plato trade a crown of contemplation for chains of compromise? And more importantly, why does this philosophical fizzle feel so familiar to so many young Africans today?

When Athens Looked Like Africa

To understand Plato’s retreat from idealism, you first have to meet the mess that was Athens —a mess many African nations might find eerily recognizable.

This was a city that bragged about democracy but often elected orators over intellects, men with charisma and no compass. There were four usual suspects at the helm—what Plato might call the Four Horsemen of Civic Disappointment:

• The Flatterer—who tickled the crowd’s ego with empty praise.

• The Hedonist—who promised bread and circuses, then passed the bill to the poor.

• The Opportunist—who sold justice to the highest bidder.

• The Vengeful—who blamed every crisis on foreigners or former rulers.

Sound familiar? Swap the robes for suits and you’ve got a roster of modern African leaders who, like their Athenian counterparts, treat elections like talent shows and governance like gut-feeling theater. The more a nation bleeds, the louder the laughter at integrity becomes. And so, just as Plato watched his teacher Socrates die by democratic vote—killed not by kings but by the people he tried to educate—many young Africans watch dreamers silenced, reformers exiled, or truth-tellers trolled.

And just like Plato, they start to wonder: Is the world even wired to accept a good leader?

From Philosopher-King to Law-Loving Grandpa

In The Republic, Plato was bold. He built a state powered by reason, where leaders weren’t elected, but selected after decades of education—math, music, philosophy, and physical discipline. It was radical, perhaps unrealistic, but noble.

Then came the years. And the wars. And the failures. Plato watched Athens fall to Sparta. He saw opportunists like Critias rise and tyrants like Dionysius play political ping-pong with Sicily. He even tried to advise rulers—like some modern intellectuals whispering in presidential palaces—only to find that idealism doesn’t survive well in courts fed by corruption.

By the time he wrote The Laws, Plato was no longer designing utopia. He was managing disaster. No more philosopher-kings—just rulebooks to restrain the reckless. No more perfect guardians—just surveillance, exile, and moral training by coercion if necessary. Plato, once the prophet of possibility, had become the architect of Plan B.

But don’t mistake realism for resignation. The Laws wasn’t a surrender—it was a survival manual. Plato didn’t stop believing in justice. He just stopped believing that people would choose it voluntarily.

Idealism’s Expiry Date? Or Just a Rite of Passage?

So, was Plato weak? Cynical? Corrupted by age? Or was he just—real?

Across cultures, the dance between dreams and disappointment is a rhythm familiar to almost every great thinker:

• Mandela, once a militant, matured into a negotiator.

• Malcolm X, once separatist, opened to global brotherhood.

• Chinua Achebe, once poetic, became prophetic, warning Nigeria about power’s decay.

• Confucius, disillusioned by petty kings, stopped preaching reform and started writing about ritual.

• Soyinka, defiant even in old age, still bares his teeth—though perhaps less naive about the pace of progress.

And then there are those who don’t change—Socrates, Jesus, Sankara—men whose ideals remained intact but whose lives were often cut short because of it. The message? Sometimes, keeping your ideals costs your life. Letting go of them may cost your soul.

So when young Africans hit that wall—when they publish brilliant manifestos, run grassroots campaigns, or design nation-saving policies only to be met with mockery, media silence, or betrayal by their own sociopolitical network—they are retracing Plato’s path. From dreamer to strategist. From what should be to what must do. From The Republic to The Laws.

But here’s the twist: that shift isn’t failure. It’s evolution. Idealism may die, but wisdom is what rises from its ashes.

Does Society Want Good Leaders—or Just Good Liars?

It’s an uncomfortable question. But Plato asked it first. Not with a slogan, but with a sigh: “Until philosophers rule as kings…cities will never have rest from evils.”

He didn’t say “until the people demand better” or “until democracy matures.” No—he knew too well that crowds often choose comfort over clarity, spectacle over substance, and sweet talkers over sages.

So, does society choke good leaders? Sometimes. Especially when:

• Populism weaponizes lies

• Citizens become addicted to pleasure over principle

• Systems reward loyalty to party over loyalty to truth

• Silence is safer than standing for reform

But Plato’s later work is a quiet call to those who still care: If society won’t allow philosopher-kings, then build laws that protect what they would protect. If you can’t lead them with wisdom, at least guard them from madness.

That’s not defeat—it’s adaptation. And perhaps the most honest form of leadership isn’t insisting on being loved, but preparing to be doubted, delayed, even discarded—yet still planting the seeds of the just society, knowing full well you may not see the fruit.

The Final Image

Picture Plato at eighty—tired eyes, wrinkled hands, but still writing. No longer waiting for a perfect ruler, but sculpting laws like armor to protect future leaders from society’s slings and arrows.

That image is not sad. It’s sacred.

And perhaps it’s the same arc many brilliant young Africans must trace—not because they’ve failed, but because they’ve begun to understand the battlefield.

The dream doesn’t die. It just puts on armor.

AFRICAN ORIGIN OF METALLURGIES

African blacksmiths have been crafting agricultural tools, musical instruments, weapons and symbols of power and prestige out of the raw material for ages. Africans began extracting iron ore from the continent's rich deposits roughly 2,500 years ago. Across Africa, workers practiced "bloomery smelting": heating iron-containing minerals in a furnace until the iron particles separate — or "bloom" — from the rest of the minerals, leaving pure, malleable iron. Africans actually preceded Europeans by 300 to 400 years in the development of bellowing technology that allowed more efficient smelting by preheating the iron with a mixture of hot and cool air.

Evidence of copper and iron metallurgies is documented in the continent, in West, Central, and East Africa. Early copper metallurgies were recorded in the Akjoujt region of Mauritania and the Eghazzer basin in Niger. Surprisingly early iron smelting installations were found in the Eghazzer basin (Niger), the Middle Senegal Valley (Senegal), the Mouhoun Bend (Burkina Faso), the Nsukka region and Taruga (Nigeria), the Great Lakes region in East Africa, the Djohong (Cameroons), and the Ndio (Central African Republic) areas. It is, however, the discoveries from the northern margins of the Equatorial rainforest, North-Central Africa, in the northeastern part of the Adamawa Plateau that radically falsify the “iron technology diffusion” hypothesis.

Iron production activities are shown to have taken place as early as 3000–2500BCE in habitation sites like Balimbé, Bétumé, and Bouboun, smelting sites like Gbabiri, and forge sites like Ôboui and Gbatoro. The last two sites provide high-resolution data on the spatial patterning of blacksmiths’ workshops dating from 2500 to 2000BCE. Challenging data such as these are usually ignored or dismissed without serious consideration, but patient and sustained long-term research is contributing to a new understanding of the development of copper and iron metallurgies in Africa, enriching the long-term history of technologies.

References:

(1). Holl, Augustin F. C. (June 2020). "The Origins of African Metallurgies". Oxford Research Encyclopedias. 22 (4): 415–438. doi:10.1093/acrefore/9780190854584.013.63. ISBN 9780190854584.

(2). Eggert, Manfred (2014). "Early iron in West and Central Africa". In Breunig, P (ed.). Nok: African Sculpture in Archaeological Context. Frankfurt, Germany: Africa Magna Verlag Press. pp. 1–2.

(3). Alpern, S. B. (2005) Did they or didn’t they invent it? Iron in sub-Saharan Africa. History in Africa 32:41-94.

#Africa #Metallurgy #Archaeology #BlackHistory #World

TOP 10 memorable Ancient events that ccurred in sub Saharan Africa

These events span across regions like West, East, Central, and Southern Africa, showcasing the diversity and depth of ancient African civilizations.

(1). Emergence of the Kingdom of Kush (c. 1070 BCE – 350 CE) – Nubia (Sudan).

Kush became a major African power, known for iron smelting, pyramids, and even ruling Egypt as the 25th Dynasty—the "Black Pharaohs."

(2). Development of Nok Culture (c. 1000 BCE – 300 CE) – Nigeria.

One of the earliest iron-working societies in Sub-Saharan Africa, Nok is famous for its terracotta art and early urbanization in West Africa.

(3). Founding of the Aksumite Empire (c. 100 CE) – Ethiopia & Eritrea.

Aksum was a major East African kingdom involved in Red Sea trade, and it became one of the first Christian empires in the world under King Ezana.

(4). Establishment of the Mali Empire (1235 CE) – West Africa.

After defeating the Sosso at the Battle of Kirina, Sundiata Keita unified the Mandinka people and founded one of the wealthiest empires in history.

(5). Rise of the Hausa City-States (c. 500th–1200 CE) – Northern Nigeria.

The Hausa Kingdoms emerged as a collection of powerful, culturally linked city-states like Kano, Katsina, Zaria, Daura, and Gobir.

Those cities Excelled in commerce, especially trans-Saharan trade.

Built grand walls and urban centers (e.g., Kano City Walls). They developed a rich history that shaped the civilization of west Africa, from the matriarchal Aristocracy to patriarchal monarch system.

(6). Mansa Musa’s Pilgrimage to Mecca (1324 CE) – Mali Empire.

Mansa Musa’s journey showcased West Africa’s immense wealth. His gold-giving spree caused inflation in cities along the way and put Timbuktu on the global map.

(7). Flourishing of Timbuktu, Gobarau and Sankore Universities (14th–16th century) – Mali/Songhai.

Timbuktu ana yan dotto (Katsina) became a major centers of Islamic learning, producing thousands of manuscripts in science, math, astronomy  and philosophy.

(8). Expansion of the Songhai Empire (c. 1464–1591 CE) – West Africa.

Under Sunni Ali and Askia Muhammad, Songhai became the largest empire in West African history, controlling vital trade and cultural centers.

(9). Peak of the Kingdom of Great Zimbabwe (c. 1100–1450 CE) – Southern Africa.

Known for its stone architecture and global trade connections, Great Zimbabwe was a thriving urban center and seat of a powerful Shona kingdom.

(10). Spread of Ironworking Across Sub-Saharan Africa (from c. 500 BCE onward)

The independent development and spread of iron-smelting technology revolutionized agriculture, warfare, and state formation throughout the continent.

Source: Rabee'u Garba Ruwan Godia

#Africa #World

PRESIDENT JOHN MAHAMA

"We can't do anything without them" - Mahama invites Ibrahim Traore and other military leaders to to ECOWAS @50 launch in Accra.

President John Mahama has extended an invitation to the junta leaders of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to attend the official 50th anniversary of ECOWAS’s establishment in Accra.

This was disclosed by the Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa at a press conference on Thursday, April 17, 2025.

He explained that the invitation was a direct request from President Mahama in his capacity as summit host.

“I did indicate all ECOWAS heads of state have been invited for this event, including heads of state of the AES countries.

Because of the divorce from ECOWAS, it requires the host president to be solely responsible for that invitation. So they will come as guests of the Ghanaian president,” he said.

#Africa #Ghana #AES #World

Nine Spies Arrested in Plot to Assassinate Burkina Faso’s President Ibrahim Traoré

Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso – April 12, 2025

Burkina Faso authorities announced the arrest of nine individuals suspected of plotting to assassinate President Ibrahim Traoré, the military leader who has governed the West African nation since a coup in September 2022. The arrests, made public late Friday, have heightened tensions in a country already grappling with jihadist violence and political instability.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Security, the suspects—described as a mix of foreign nationals and Burkinabé citizens—were apprehended following intelligence reports of a "sophisticated conspiracy" aimed at destabilizing the government. The ministry alleged that the group was planning a targeted attack to eliminate Traoré, whose leadership has polarized opinions due to his hardline stance against insurgency and foreign influence.

“These individuals were caught with evidence of their intent to undermine our sovereignty and eliminate our leader,” the statement read, without disclosing specific details about the evidence or the identities of those arrested. Authorities claimed the plot was orchestrated with external backing, though no countries or organizations were named.

Traoré, a 36-year-old army captain, rose to power after overthrowing his predecessor, Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, citing failures to curb jihadist attacks that have plagued Burkina Faso for years. His tenure has been marked by a shift away from traditional Western allies, notably France, and closer ties with Russia and other regional powers. This realignment has drawn both domestic support and international scrutiny, fueling speculation about motives behind the alleged assassination attempt.

The government has not provided a timeline for legal proceedings or further disclosures, but security forces have intensified operations across the capital, Ouagadougou, and other key regions. Posts circulating on X reflect mixed sentiments, with some users praising Traoré’s leadership and others questioning the timing of the arrests amid ongoing economic and security challenges. However, these claims remain unverified and should be treated with caution.

Burkina Faso’s junta has faced multiple coup attempts and rumored plots since Traoré’s rise, reflecting the fragility of its political landscape. The country remains under a state of emergency as it battles insurgent groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, which control swaths of territory in the north and East.

As investigations continue, the government has urged citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, signaling a new chapter in Burkina Faso’s turbulent struggle for stability.

#Africa #BurkinaFaso #World

MOHAMMED YUSUF (USTAZ MOHAMMED)

Mohammed Yusuf (29 January 1970 – 30 July 2009), also known as Ustaz Mohammed Yusuf, was a Nigerian militant who founded the Islamist mïlitant group Boko Haram in 2002. He was its leader until he was kïlled during the 2009 Boko Haram uprisïng.

Born in Girgi village, in Jakusko, present-day Yobe State, Nigeria, Yusuf received a University education. Later he studied more of Islam and became a Salafi.

Since 2007, the English Wikipedia page of Mohammed Yusuf has received more than 4,284 page views. His biography is available in 18 different languages on Wikipedia (up from 15 in 2019).

It was reported that Yusuf was never as proficient in English as was reported. He believed in the strict application of Islamic law, which represented his ideal of justice.

Yusuf had four wives and 12 children, one of them being Abu Musab al-Barnawi, who claimed since 2016 to be the rightful leader of Boko Haram, opposing Abubakar Shekau.

He was reported as living a lavish lifestyle, supposedly owning a Mercedes-Benz.

Following the July 2009 Boko Haram uprising, the Nigerian military captured Yusuf. They transferred him to the custody of the Nigerian police force headquarters in Maiduguri, where he died in controversial circumstances without the opportunity to confess or name his sponsors believed to be prominent and privileged citizens.

#Africa #Nigeria #History #ViralPost2025 

#World

THE ROLE OF WANZAMAI (TRADITIONAL SURGEONS) IN HAUSA LAND

Wanzanci a Hausa word entails the cultural practices around the Craft, WANZAN which can be referred to as traditional surgeon in Hausa Land.

Wanzanci (Traditional surgery) is one of the oldest profession among the Hausa ethnic group of Nigeria and Niger, it has been one of the oldest way of survival and sustaining their livelihoods and boasting their local Economy since the earliest time and has been passed through on successive generations till date.

Hence WANZAMAI (traditional surgeons) occupied the position of doctors or healthcare providers in the past through administering  to various illnesses and provide cure to certain disease such as Basir(ple), Shawara (Typhoid), cizon sauro (maleria) toilet infections and many spirituals allment such as certain charms against witchcraft, madness among others.

HAUSA TRADITIONAL MEDICINE "ƘAHO"

Hausa medicine is heavily characterized by Islamic influence and traditional, African-style herbology, and religious practices which are still prevalent today. Many traditional healing methods such as religious and spiritual healing are often used alongside modern medicine among Hausa villages and cities.

there's Hausa people who are professional on medicine for many centuries as they offer many services to the community related to  physical and mental health those people are called WANZAMAI.

ONE OF THE OLDEST WAY OF HEALING PEOPLE IN HAUSA LAND IS ƘAHO

Before colonialism, Hausa surgeons already performed many surgical procedures for medical reasons and one of those surgery is called ƘAHO.

ƘAHO (Cupping) involves removal of poisonous blood. The body is treated and the air is sucked out, creating a partial vacuum inside. The top of the horn is then capped with a small piece of tendon, slipped into place by the barber's tongue as he draws out the air.

The horn remains on the skin until it raises a welt, then it is removed. The welt is then washed with water and a series of cuts are made with the razor within the circle outlined by the horn - usually 3 rows of 5 vertical cuts each. There is no significance to the pattern of the cuts.

The horn is then replaced over the welt, the air is removed, and the horn is again capped with a piece of tendon and allowed to set.

Blood is gradually drawn out of the shallow cuts made by the barber and coagulates inside the horn.

Overtime, the barber will repeatedly remove the horn, shake out the dark, thickened blood into a gourd filled with sand, and reapply suction to the horn.

The dark blood is seen as bad blood that caused the swelling or the patient's lassitude and feeling of listlessness.

1 or 2 table-spoons of congealed blood is obtained from each cupping horn in the course of this procedure.

Many people in Hausa villages woman bear the telltale series of small lines of scars somewhere where he or she has been cupped.

An alternative, but less common method involves the use of a small, round gourd instead of a cow's horn. A hole is cut in the side of a dried gourd and a piece of cotton is placed inside.

The cotton is then set alight and the gourd is placed over the area to be cupped. The flame inside the gourd uses up the oxygen, creating a partial vacuum suficient to provide suction.

But unfortunately despite the important and roles of this Oldest Hausa Profession, it's On The Verge Of Extinction due to the Modern way of life and youths are not willing to inherit it from their parents they prefare to do some other professions which are easier to them.

Source: Taskar Afrika

#Africa #Nigeria #Niger #World

AMERU PRE COLONIAL HISTORY LESSON 2 THE TREK

The journey to the unknown began. Some of the NGUU-NTUNE discovered that the Ameru had escaped. They pursued. But the waters came together. So all of the pursuers drowned. Only one NGUU-NTUNE man managed to cross to the other side. The NGUU-NTUNE man who crossed to the Ameru side told them  that he wanted to join them and that he intended no harm. The Ameru were suspicious of this man but allowed him to join them in the journey to the unknown.

They proceeded Westwards wandering here and there with only one aim, to be as far away as possible from the NGUU-NTUNE. Never to be slaves again.

THE NGUU-NTUNE MAN IS KILLED.

The Nguu-Ntune man was tricked to be married to a Meru girl. However, the Ameru did not want to give him time to have children for fear of breeding more enemies.

A plan was then made to kill him. The girl was told that some Meru Men would be sent at night. They would put a rope through the holes of a wall of her hut. This would be near the bed she slept with her husband. At night the men came while the Nguu-Ntune man was asleep and passed the rope as agreed. The girl, after making sure that her husband was asleep, put the rope aroung his neck. Those outside pulled the rope hard until the man died. He was buried together with all his belongings. Some Meru old men claim to know where the grave of the Nguu-Ntune man is even to-day.

The Ameru then proceeded again Westwards for fear that they would be followed by the Nguu-Ntune in search of their kinsman. They eventually came to a place in present Meru District commonly known as NKUBIU and settled there. By this time the old generation had passed away. Komenjwee and the other wise elders had died. They did not reach the famous place called NKUBIU.

The Ameru decided to build a settlement in this place. They called it NKUBIU Nobody appears to know the exact meaning of the name but it is said that it simply meant "Our new home." It is from here that the Ameru tried to organise themselves. They had no leader. Each of them did what he thought was right. There was lawlessness because people were always on the move and there was no time to teach the young generation the customs and ethics of the tribe.

They took an oath of unity and swore to defend their freedom from any enemies and to fight to the last man in case the NGUU-NTUNE came to them again. It is also here that circumcision was introduced.

The woman who was married to the Nguu-Ntune man revealed to the elders that the Nguu-Ntune man was circumcised. They believed the circumcision made them brave. All young men were then to be circumcised to make them brave. They were circumcised by the woman, the widow of the Nguu-Ntune man. Her name was CIOKIBULI. The style of circumcision was what they call to-day Kikamba or Kiswahili. There is also MASAI circumcision which we shall refer to later.

The elder Ameru were still disturbed by the fact that they had no leader. Prayers were said and a decision was made to sacrifice a lamb to ask God to help them choose a leader.

A LEADER IS CHOSEN

The sacrifice was made. A voice came from heaven and said, "You will find a flat stone under a Kiroo plant, whoever steps on it and leaves a foot-print, he and his descendants will be the leaders of the Ameru." Many tribesmen including women had a go. Some tried many times but nobody made a print.

A young man who sat near enjoying what the others were doing was pursuaded to try. He tried and made the print. He was immediately carried by the others and made the leader. That is how a MUGWE or MUKIAMA was chosen.

THE COUNCIL

It is important to mention at this stage that the title MUGWE and MUKIAMA mean the same thing. I will therefore here after refer to the chosen one in the title of MUKIAMA.

The leader chosen by God for the Ameru was a young boy. The elders therefore had the duty to train him and assist him in the Administration of the tribe.

The elders sat down and selected 9 elders from among themselves to train a public matters for good of the tribe. This was the first known NJURI by the tribe (It is interesting to note how close the term is with the English word JURY) This Njuri made the First Rules regarding the office of MUKIAMA.

(1). Future AKIAMA were to be the descendants of the first Mukiem.

(2). He had to be a son of the first wife, or a first son of a subsequent wife.

(3). He must have no scars on his body and must be physically fit. 

(4). He must be an upright man i.e. man of good reputation and discipline.

(5). He was banned from any type of labour, involvement in wars excessive drinking or indulgence in sex outside marriage anything that was regarded as unholy according to the tradition.

(6). He was banned from practising traditional medicine or witchcraft.

(7). He was to be maintained by the tribe.

These nine elders were allowed to assist or deputize the Mukiama in all matters of Administration or Religion. To this day only descendents of the nine elders are allowed to perform sacrifice with exception of certain cadres of the NJURI-NCHEKE as we will see later.

Rams for sacrifice and bulls for slaughter and celebrations during the installation of MUKIAMA have to be donated by descendants or clans of these nine wise men.

The official attire of MUKIAMA was designed and cut. It consisted of a skin cloak, a hairy band or belt to be worn on the head, a black rod, sandals and a fly whisk.

MUKIAMA BECOMES OF AGE.

The nine elders who formed the NJURI Council were said to have become too powerful, proud and arrogant. Human nature being what it is, some other seven elders formed a rival group. They had supporters and a serious dispute over the leadership of the tribe was eminent.

When Mukiama had become of age, the nine elders and their supporters arranged to install him at night. Using stick torches in a moonless night, the elders led MUKIAMA to a selected place, and he was given oath to be the father of the tribe. (It is not agreed by the elders I have interviewed whether this place was MIORI, RWERIA, NKUBIU or KIROONE but they say it must be one of them). He was officially dressed and took over the functions of the office. To this day the MUKIAMA is installed at night, in a moonless night "MWERI JWENAMA".

It is said that when the seven rival elders heard that MUKIAMA was being installed they summoned their supporters and met in a bush to plan on what to do. As they met, they were attacked by hyenas and the seven elders killed and most of their supporters had injuries. To this day seven (7) is bad luck to the Ameru. Push the like and share button we reach as many people as possible.

#BlackHistory #Africa #Kenya #KnowMeru #TheBaiteRepublik our identity

The Origin Of Christianity

Christianity started as a religion of the persecuted and the oppressed. It was built on the faith of Jews - who lived as 2nd class citizens in their own country under Roman occupation. Some of early victims of the persecution were Africans in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd century AD - St Mark of Cyrene (author of the Gospel of Mark), St Perpetua of Carthage (Tunisia), St Felicity, St Cyprian of Carthage, St Augustine of Hippo (one of the 4 doctors of the Church).

The refusal to worship Roman Emperors as deities led to their death, and their courage won over their oppressors. The establishment at the time was threatened by people who believed overcoming evil with good and not compromising.

Some Africans see North Africa as Arabic or Muslim. North Africa has changed over time. At one time, it was a titan of intellectual and religious, even though producing one of the Apostles, senators for Rome, Generals, Emperors, Popes, Bishops of the Christian Church and Jurists.

#Africa #BlackHistory #World

Ethiopian President Lieutenant Colonel Mengistu Haile Mariam

Ethiopian President Lieutenant Colonel Mengistu Haile Mariam (R) makes V sign as he stands with Fidel Castro (C) and Raul Castro (L) during an official visit in La Havana, Cuba, 25 April 1975.

He was the chairman of the Derg, the military junta that governed Ethiopia, from 1977 to 1987, and the President of the People's Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (PDRE) from 1987 to 1991. The Derg took power in the Ethiopian Revolution following the overthrow of Emperor Haile Selassie I in 1974, marking the end of the Solomonic dynasty which had ruled Ethiopia since the 13th century. Mengistu purged rivals for power from the Derg and made himself Ethiopia's dictator, attempting to modernize Ethiopia's feudal economy through Marxist-Leninist-inspired policies such as nationalization and land redistribution. His bloody consolidation of power in 1977–1978 is known as the Ethiopian Red Terror, a brutal crackdown on opposition groups and civilians following a failed assassination attempt by the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Party (EPRP) in September 1976, after they had ignored the Derg's invitation to join the union of socialist parties.

Internal rebellion and government repression characterized Mengistu's presidency, the Red Terror period being a battle for dominance between the Derg, the EPRP and their rivals the All-Ethiopia Socialist Movement, who had initially aligned themselves with the Derg. While this internal conflict was being fought Ethiopia was threatened by both Somali invasion and the guerilla campaign of the Eritrean People's Liberation Front who demanded independence for Eritrea, then a province of Ethiopia. The Ogaden War of 1977–1978 over a disputed border region with Somalia was notable for the prominent role of Mengistu's Soviet and Cuban allies in securing an Ethiopian victory. The catastrophic famine of 1983–1985 is what brought his regime the most international attention.

Mengistu left for Zimbabwe in May 1991 after the PDRE National Assembly dissolved itself and called for a transitional government. His departure brought an abrupt end to the Ethiopian Civil War. Mengistu Haile Mariam still lives in Harare, Zimbabwe, and remains there despite an Ethiopian court verdict finding him guilty in absentia of genocide.

His regime is estimated to be responsible for the deaths of 1,200,000 to over 2,000,000 Ethiopians.

THE TWINS KINGDOMS OF HAUSA LAND (Katsina and Daura)

Katsina and Daura were Hausa States long before the advent of the legendary change of system from matriarchal system to patriarchal Royal system of  Hausa people,when the last Kabara of Daura married and gave birth to her first son "BAWO" around the year 900 who in return gave birth to the upcoming rulers of Hausa land.  However, the two Hausa City States were believed to have become more organised under the rulership of King Gazaura of Daura and King Kumayau of Katsina who were both reported to be Daurama's grandchildren and who ruled around the year 993 AD.  This is exactly 1,012  years ago. 

Islam was introduced and accepted by the people of Katsina and Daura areas around the year 1100 AD and became strongest 511 years ago, in the year 1493 AD when the famous King of Katsina Sultan Muhammadu Korau become King and the visit of Sheik Muhammad bin AbdulKarim Al-Maghili visited Hausa-land.

LIST OF KATSINA KINGS:

HAUSA DYNASTY

(1). Kumayo,

(2). Rumbarumba,

(3). Bataretare,

(4). Korau,

(5). Jin-narata,

(6). Yanka Tsari,

(7). Jid-da yaki (sanau),

(8). Muhammadu korau (1348-1398),

(9). Usman Maje (1393-1405),

(10). Ibrahim Soro (1405-1408),

(11). Marubuci (1408-1426),

(12). Muhammadu Turare (1426-1436),

(13). Ali Murabus (1436-1462),

(14). Ali karya Giwa (1462-1475),

(15). Usman Tsaga Rana I (1475-1525),

(16). Usman sa-Damisa gudu (1525-1531),

(17). Ibrahim Maje (1531-1599),

(18). Malam Yusufu (1599-1613),

(19). Abdulkadir (1613-1615),

(20). Ashafa (1615-1615),

(21). Gabdo (1615-1625),

(22). Muhammadu warri (1625-1637),

(23). Tsaga Rana I (1637-1649),

(24). Mai karaye (1646-1660),

(25). Suleiman (1660-1673),

(26). Usman Tsaga Rana II (1673-1692),

(27). Muhammadu Toyariru (1692-1705),

(28). Yanka Tsari (1705-1708),

(29). Uban yara (1708-1740)

(30). Jan-Hazo (Dan-Uban yara 1740-1751),

(31). Tsaga Rana II (1751-1764)

(32). Muhammadu Kayiba (1764-1771),

(33). Karya Giwa (1771-1788),

(34). Giwa Agwaragi (1789-1802),

(35). Gozo (1802-1804),

(36). Bawa Danguwa (1804-1805),

(37). Muhammadu Maremawa (1805-1806),

(38). Magajin Haladu (1806-1807),

FULANI DYNASTY.

(39). Ummarun Dallaji (1807-1835),

(40). Abubakar Saddiku (1835-1844)

(41). Muhammadu Bello (1844-1869),

(42). Amadu Rufa'I (1869-1869)

(43). Ibrahim (1869-1882),

(44). Musa (1882-1887),

(45). Abubakar (1887-1905),

(46). Yero Dan Musa (1905-1906),

(47). Muhammadu Dikko (1907-1944),

(48). Usman Nagogo (1944-1981),

(49). Kabir Usman 1982-2008)

(50). Abdulmumin Kabir Usman (2008.

LIST OF DAURA KINGS/QUEENS

HAUSA DYNASTY (1ST)

(1). Abdurdarri Father Of Hausa Land

(2). Queen Kufuru.(FEMALE)

(3). Gino(F)

(4). Yakumo(F)

(5). Yakunya(F)

(6). Walzamu(F)

(7). Yanbamu(F)

(8). Gizirgizir(F)

(9). Innagari(F)

(10). Daurama I(F)

(11). Gamata(F)

(12). Shata(F)

(13). Batatuma(F)

(14). Sandamata(F)

(15). Jamatu(F)

(16). Hamata(F)

(17). Zama(F)

(18). Daurama II(F)

(19). Bawo son of Daurama II

Gazaura

NOTE: The "F" In bracket represent Female Queens. There's another kings after gazaura but currently we don't have their names that's why we stopped from him.

**FULANI DYNASTY

(1). Malam Isiyaku

(2). Malam Yusufu

(3). Muhammadu Sani

(4). Malam Zubairu

(5). Muhammadu Bello

(6). Muhammadu Altine

(7). Malam Muhammadu Mai Gardo

(8). Buntarawa Sogiji

(9). Magaji Murnai

HAUSA DYNASTY (2nd) RETURNED

(1). Sarkin Gwari Abdu (Abdullahi)

(2). Sarki Lukudi ɗan Tsoho

(3). Sarki Nuhu ɗan Lukudi

(4). Sarki Mamman Sha ɗan Sarkin Gwari Abdu

(5). Sarki Haruna ɗan Sarki Lukudi

(6). Sarki Ɗan’aro ɗan Sarkin Gwari Abdu

(7). Sarki Tafida ɗan Sarki Nuhu

(8). Sarki Sulaiman ɗan Sarkin Gwari Abdu

(9). Sarki Yusufu ɗan Sarki Lukudi

(10). Sarki Tafida ɗan Sarki Nuhu (a Karo na biyu)

(11). Sarki Musa ɗan Sarki Nuhu

(12). Sarki Abdurrahman ɗan Sarki Musa

(13). Sarki Muhammadu Bashar

(14). Sarki Umar Faruq Umar

Source: Rabee'u Garba Ruwan Godia

THE LIST OF KANO KINGS SINCE 998 UP TO DATE

This is a list of rulers of Kano since the establishment of the Bagauda Dynasty in 998.

Before the Bagauda Dynasty Kano is not under a king or Ruler rather it's under the Guidance of Hausa chief priest called Magajin Barbushe.

 The early rulers are known almost exclusively from the Kano Chronicle. Before the arrival of Daud Ɗan Bawo (descendants of Daurama) Kano has a total number of 43 Rulers FROM Hausa dynasty before 1807 when the Fulani Overthrow the Hausa dynasty after Muhammadu Alwali (Martyr ) lost his Soul in Burunburum and established their dynasty right from Emir Sulaiman.

COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF KANO RULERS.

**Bagauda dynasty (998–1809)

Kingship Era (998 – 1349)

(1). Daud ƊAN Bawo Bagauda (or Yakano) December 999 January 1063

(2). Warisis (or Warisi) January 1063 January 1095

(3). Gajemasu (or Gijimasu) January 1095 November 1133

(4). Nawata (joint ruler with twin brother Gawata) November 1133 October 1135

(5). Gawata (joint ruler with twin brother Nawata)

(6). Yusa (or Tsaraki) October 1135 December 1193

(7). Naguji December 1193 May 1247

(8). Gujjua (or Gugua) May 1247 January 1290

(9). Shekarau I (or Shekkarau I) January 1290 July 1307

(10). Tsamiya (or Tsamia; also Barandamasu) July 1307 June 1343

(11). Usmanu Zamnagawa (or Osumanu Zamnagawa) June 1343 March 1349

SULTANATE (1349 – 1807)

List of Sultans:

(12). Sultan Ali Yaji I March 1349 February 1385

(13). Muhammadu Bugaya  February 1385 December 1390

(14). Kanejeji December 1390 May 1410

(15). Umaru  May 1410 January 1421

(16). Dauda January 1421 January 1438

(17). Abdullahi Burja January 1438 January 1452

(18). Dakauta January 1452 (One night)

(19). Atuma January 1452 February 1452

(20). Yakubu February 1452 September 1463

(21). Muhammad Rumfa the great September 1463 August 1499

(22). Abdullahi  from August 1499 May 1509

(23). Muhammad Kisoki May 1509 August 1565

(24). Malam Yakufu (Resigned )August 1565 1565

(26). Abu Bakr Kado 1565 May 1573

(27). Muhammad Shashere May 1573 January 1582

(28). Muhammad Zaki January 1582 December 1618

(29). Muhammad Nazaki December 1618 November 1623

(30). Muhammadu Kutumbi November 1623 January 1648

(31). Alhaji January 1648 January 1649

(32). Shekkarau II January 1649 December 1651

(33). Muhammad Kukuna December 1651 December 1652 (the first King Dethroned)

(34). Soyaki December 1652

– Muhammad Kukuna (Restored) December 1652 September 1660

(35). Bawa September 1660 1670

(36). Dadi 1670 May 1703

(37). Muhammad Sharefa May 1703 July 1731

(38). Kumbari July 1731 February 1743

(39). Alhaji Kabe February 1743 May 1753

(40). Yaji II May 1753 May 1768

(41). Babba Zaki May 1768 February 1776

(42). Dauda Abasama II February 1776 December 1781

(43). Muhammad Alwali II (martyr )December 1781 March 1805

Fulani Dynasty  1807 up to now

(44). Suleimanu dan Aba Hama  (1807_1819)

(45). Ibrahim Dabo dan Mahmudu 1819 to 1846

(46). Usman I Maje Ringim dan Dabo 1846 to 1855

(47). Abdullahi Maje Karofi dan Dabo 1855 to 1883

(48). Muhammadu Bello dan Dabo 1883 to 1893

(49). Muhammadu Tukur dan Bello 1893 to 1894

(50). Aliyu Babba dan Maje Karofi 1894  to 1903

(51). Muhammad Abbass dan Maje Karofi 1903 1919 First Emir to reign under the Kano Emirate Council. (British Era)

(52). Usman II dan Maje Karofi 1919 to 1926

(53). Abdullahi Bayero dan Abbas 1926 to 1953

(54). Muhammadu Sanusi I dan Bayero 1953 to 1963 Sanusi I was the first Emir to be dethroned by the government

(55). Muhammad Inuwa dan Abbas April 1963 October 1963 Second shortest reign after Sultan Dakauta (who reigned for one night in January 1452)

(56). Ado Bayero (San Kano) dan Abdu Bayero 1963_ 2014

(57). Muhammadu Sanusi II  2014  _2020

(58). Aminu dan Ado Bayero 2020 to 2024 

(59). Waiting for official Recognition..........

Source: Rabee'u Garba Ruwan Godia

TOP 10 MOST INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT AFRICA

Africa is a vast and diverse continent with a rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cultures. Here are ten of the most interesting facts about Africa:

(1). Second Largest Continent

Africa is the second-largest continent in the world, covering about 30.37 million square kilometers (11.7 million square miles), making up around 20% of the Earth's land area.

(2). Home to the World's Longest River

The Nile River, which stretches 6,650 km (4,130 miles), is the longest river in the world. It flows through 11 countries, including Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia.

(3). Over 1,500 Languages Spoken

Africa is the most linguistically diverse continent, with over 1,500 languages spoken. Some estimates suggest there could be as many as 2,000! The most widely spoken languages include Swahili, Arabic, Hausa, and Yoruba.

(4). Cradle of Humanity

Africa is often called the "Cradle of Humanity" because the earliest human fossils, such as Lucy (Australopithecus afarensis), were discovered in Ethiopia. This suggests that modern humans originated in Africa over 200,000 years ago.

(5). Largest Desert in the World

The Sahara Desert, covering about 9.2 million square kilometers (3.6 million square miles), is the largest hot desert on Earth. It is almost the same size as the United States!

(6). Africa Has the Most Countries

Africa has 54 recognized countries (plus 2 disputed territories, Western Sahara and Somaliland), making it the continent with the most nations.

(7). Richest Natural Resources

Africa is extremely rich in natural resources, including gold, diamonds, oil, and coltan (a key mineral in smartphones). It produces 70% of the world's cocoa beans and is the leading producer of diamonds and platinum.

(8). Victoria Falls – One of the Largest Waterfalls

Located on the Zambezi River between Zambia and Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls is one of the largest and most breathtaking waterfalls in the world. It is locally called "Mosi-oa-Tunya", meaning "The Smoke That Thunders".

(9). The World's Largest Land Mammal Lives Here

The African elephant, the largest land mammal, can weigh up to 12,000 pounds (5,400 kg). These gentle giants are primarily found in national parks and reserves.

(10). A Continent of Youth

Africa has the youngest population in the world, with around 60% of its population under the age of 25. By 2050, Africa’s population is expected to double, making it a major global economic and cultural powerhouse.

Source: Rabee'u Garba Ruwan Godia

#Africa #World

TOP 10 FACTS ABOUT HAUSA TRIBE

The Hausa are one of the largest ethnic groups in Africa, primarily found in Nigeria, Niger, Ghana, Sudan, and Cameroon. They have a rich history, culture, and traditions. Here are ten fascinating facts about the Hausa people:

(1). One of the Largest Ethnic Groups in Africa

With over 70 million people, the Hausa are the most populous Tribe in Africa and one of  the most populous ethnic groups in the world.They are mainly found in northern Nigeria and southern Niger, but also in many other West African countries and Central Africa such as Chad, DR Congo, Cameroon, Central African Republic Etc.

(2). Hausa Language is Widely Spoken

The Hausa language is one of the most widely spoken languages in Africa, serving as a lingua franca for trade and communication across West Africa. It is written in both Latin and Ajami (Arabic script) and the recent discovered ancient writing in Niger Republic.

(3). A Rich History of Ancient Kingdoms

The Hausa people established powerful city-states such as Kano, Katsina, Zaria, and Gobir, Kebbi, which flourished from the 9th century. These kingdoms were centers of trade, scholarship, and governance.

(4). Strong Islamic Influence

Islam was introduced to the Hausa people around the 11th century, and today, the majority of Hausa people are Muslim. The  Establishment of HAUSA City states sultanate by Hausa kings from 13th century during the reign of Sultan Ali yaji Ɗan tsamiya of Kano, and Muhammadu Korau of Katsina  played a major role in spreading Islam in the region.

(5). Skilled Traders and Businesspeople

Hausa people have a strong tradition in commerce and trade. Historically, they were famous for trading gold, textiles, leather, and kola nuts across the Sahara Desert and beyond.

(6). Unique Traditional Architecture

Hausa architecture is famous for its beautiful mud-brick buildings, intricate wall designs, and domed structures. The Gidan Rumfa (Emir's Palace) in Kano, Gobarau Minarets located in Katsina and the ancient walls of Kano are examples of this distinctive style.

(7). Famous Traditional Festivals

Hausa people celebrate various cultural festivals, which includes Hawan Sallah (Durbar ) Festival A grand parade of horses and warriors held during Eid celebrations in cities like Kano and Katsina. Another famous Hausa Traditional festivals are Kallon kowa A festival showcasing traditional Hausa music, dance, and wrestling especially during the harvest Period, Bikin shan kabewa a spiritual festival performed by Hausa Traditionalist.

(8). Hausa Cuisine is Unique and Delicious

Popular Hausa dishes include are Tuwon Shinkafa A rice-based dish, Tuwon Dawa or maize served with soup, the famous of the soups are Miyar Kuka  A baobab leaf soup, Miyar Taushe (pumpkin soup),Balango (Suya)   A popular grilled meat delicacy, now enjoyed across Africa. Fura a millet dough Ball, among others.

(9). Hausa Traditional Clothing is Iconic

Men traditionally wear "Babbar Riga" (a flowing gown) and a cap (Hula), while women wear colorful wrappers ("Zani"), headscarves, and beautifully embroidered blouses.

(10). Hausa Are Famous for Storytelling and Music

The Hausa have a strong oral tradition, with Griots (storytellers) passing down history through music and tales. Hausa music, including praise songs and folk music, is popular in West Africa, with instruments like the kakaki (long trumpet) and kalangu (talking drum).

Source: Rabee'u Garba Ruwan Godia

#Africa #World

HOW MANY OF YOU KNOW DAMISA EJIVADE OZUBE ANIGEREGU: A Legend of Valor?

In the heart of Ebiraland, a hero was born—Damisa Ejivade, whose name would soon become synonymous with bravery and resilience. Known for his unparalleled skills as a hunter, Damisa was the pride of his community, fearless in the face of danger.

One fateful day, fueled by the thrill of adventure and a spirit of determination, Damisa ventured into the wild alone. Unbeknownst to him, he would encounter the fierce Geregu hunters, a group notorious for their prowess and aggression. As the sun began to set, the stage was set for an epic showdown.

When the Geregu hunters dared him to fight, most would have turned back in fear. But not Damisa. With courage surging through his veins, he accepted their challenge. The battle that ensued was legendary. Damisa fought valiantly, using his wit and agility to outsmart his opponents, ultimately defeating them despite their numbers. His victory sent shockwaves through the region; the Geregu hunters, once confident in their strength, now whispered his name in fear.

From that day forward, Damisa Ejivade earned the illustrious title of Ozube Anigeregu, a name that echoed through every village in Ebiraland. His valor not only secured his place as a formidable hunter but also instilled a sense of pride and courage within his community.

Though Damisa has long departed from this world, his legacy lives on—a testament to the power of bravery and the indomitable spirit of a true warrior.

#Africa#Nigeria

Demystifying Myths About Overpopulation

Overpopulation isn’t simply determined by population size.

When assessing whether a country is overpopulated, it is important to consider multiple factors beyond just the total population size. By examining population density, child mortality rates, and land management impact, we can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the situation. Let's explore each of these factors using fictional numbers and a comparison between Nigeria and the Netherlands in 2020.

(1). Population Density:

Population density refers to the number of people living in a specific area. It provides insight into how concentrated the population is and how much pressure it puts on available resources. For example, let's imagine two countries: Country A with a population of 100 million people and Country B with a population of 200 million people. At first glance, one might assume that Country B is more overpopulated. However, if Country A has a land area of 10,000 square kilometers, while Country B has a land area of 500,000 square kilometers, it becomes clear that Country B has a significantly lower population density and may be better equipped to support its population.

(2). Child Mortality Rates:

Child mortality rates indicate the number of deaths of children under the age of five per 1,000 live births. High child mortality rates often reflect inadequate healthcare, poor sanitation, and limited access to resources. Let's consider two fictional countries: Country X and Country Y. Country X has a population of 50 million, with a child mortality rate of 100 deaths per 1,000 live births. Country Y, with a population of 200 million, has a child mortality rate of 20 deaths per 1,000 live births. Although Country X has a smaller population, its higher child mortality rate suggests that it may be facing more significant challenges in providing basic healthcare and essential resources for its citizens. It also implies that the births in Country X are offset by deaths before each child’s fifth birthday. 

(3). Land Management Impact:

The way a country manages its land resources plays a crucial role in sustaining its population. Effective land management strategies involve sustainable agriculture, urban planning, and environmental conservation. Suppose we compare two hypothetical countries: Country P and Country Q. Country P has a population of 80 million people and relies heavily on unsustainable farming practices, leading to deforestation, soil erosion, and declining agricultural productivity. On the other hand, Country Q has a population of 100 million but has implemented comprehensive land management policies, promoting sustainable agriculture, afforestation, and land preservation. In this scenario, even though Country Q has a larger population, its sound land management practices may offset the potential strain on resources and make it more sustainable in the long run compared to Country P.

Now, let's examine the 2020 data for Nigeria and the Netherlands to provide a real-world comparison:

- Nigeria had a population of approximately 206 million people in 2020, with a land area of around 923,768 square kilometers. This gives Nigeria a population density of about 223 people per square kilometer.

- The child mortality rate in Nigeria was estimated to be around 91 deaths per 1,000 live births.

- Nigeria faces significant land management challenges, including deforestation, soil degradation, and land conflicts. These are offset by pastoralist lifestyles and low resources consumption due to poverty.

- The Netherlands, on the other hand, had a population of roughly 17.4 million people in 2020, with a land area of approximately 41,543 square kilometers. This results in a population density of about 419 people per square kilometer.

- The child mortality rate in the Netherlands was low, at around 3 deaths per 1,000 live births.

- The Netherlands has a well-developed land management system, focusing on sustainable agriculture, efficient land use, and environmental conservation.

By comparing these two countries, we can observe that Nigeria has a lower population density, a relatively higher child mortality rate, and faces land management challenges offset by low consumption compared to the Netherlands. These factors contribute to a more nuanced understanding of population dynamics and demonstrate why it is premature to conclude that a country is overpopulated based solely on its population size.

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🌍 Overpopulation isn’t just about numbers! When determining if a country is overpopulated, you need to look beyond total population size. Let’s break it down with three key factors—population density, child mortality rates, and land management impact—and explore their significance using examples.

1️⃣ Population Density:

Population density measures how crowded a country is by calculating the number of people per square kilometer. For example, imagine two countries: Country A has 100 million people and Country B has 200 million. At first, you’d think Country B is more overpopulated, right? But if Country A only has 10,000 sq km of land, while Country B has 500,000 sq km, it’s clear that Country B is much less crowded and better equipped to support its people. 

2️⃣ Child Mortality Rates:

A high child mortality rate can signal poor healthcare and limited access to resources. Consider two countries, X and Y. Country X has a population of 50 million but a high child mortality rate of 100 per 1,000 births, while Country Y, with 200 million people, has a much lower rate of 20 per 1,000. Even though Country X has fewer people, it may be struggling more due to poor healthcare and resource distribution.

3️⃣ Land Management:

How a country uses its land is key to sustainability. For example, Country P has 80 million people but relies on unsustainable farming that leads to deforestation and soil erosion. Meanwhile, Country Q, with 100 million people, has embraced sustainable agriculture and land conservation. Country Q, despite having more people, manages its resources better, making it more sustainable in the long run.

Let’s apply this to Nigeria and the Netherlands in 2020:

■ Nigeria had 206 million people with a population density of 223 people per sq km. Its child mortality rate was 91 per 1,000 births, and it faced deforestation and soil degradation issues.

■ The Netherlands had 17.4 million people but a higher population density of 419 people per sq km. It had a very low child mortality rate of 3 per 1,000 births and practiced sustainable land management.

Despite Nigeria’s lower population density, higher child mortality rates and land challenges complicate its situation. This shows why it’s not enough to just look at population size when assessing overpopulation.

#Africa #World