Maybe you need to read the verbose statements again.

jp philips:

one of the most corrupt souls Nigeria has ever produced, abiyomo or whatever name u chose to bear, how can you write that belewa's wife was first lady at a time Zik was head of state?
is there something i missed from your verbose comments?

She was not really a recluse, that's why I changed the words.

deols: I appreciate her facing her career but being a recluse in itself should not be confused with humility/modesty.

Your opinion is sound, perhaps if they stayed longer, we would have witnessed something else. But she urged him to give up power as promised. I remember IBB kept shifting the goal post while his late wife also seemed to be enjoying the whole thing. Thanks a lot for your suggestions, I will surely keep to them

iv4fb: @ , a 'mother' gotta b Mrs!
Destructive criticism must come, one sometimes have to pick the 'sense' out of the 'nonsense' and make use of it or press the 'ignore' button not by welding fists @ ur opponents!

@OP, I don't believe she was that great! Even the Devil have good sides(ask those that worship him or do read his history) and she didn't spend so much time there to demonstrate the stuff she's made off. Fyi, silence aint humility so I suppose she wasn't there long enough to be intoxicated-my opinion

Don't mind ShyM-X and Ola one, I am not Fulani, but they decided to tag me one because of the piece I wrote on Fulanis. is a name very dear to my heart. It is just ideal for my project, one of the aims of which is celebrating women as the productive force of the world, that's why I decided to stick to it. Nothing much. And thanks for your compliments

babe_online: good right up . By the way are u Fulani and also, where did you get the name '''' from cos it means something in yoruba language?

When did you marry me off...lol! Of course no one is an island of knowledge just as no one is a Madagascar of sharp tongues. He could have pointed out errors, if any, in a more civilized manner. Of course, we are all here to learn. And yes, when NLanders correct me (which I always appreciate), I waste no time in accepting the correction and making the necessary changes. I just don't appreciate it when you hurl insults and destructive criticism in the name of 'correction'. We all have our degrees of ego as human beings, and respect begets respect. Information is scarce on Nigerian history and Nigeria's prominent personalities and at .com, all we are doing is trying to bridge the gap and make such info more readily available. Relevant contributions are always appreciated. Emphasis on relevant.

And by the way, means 'motherhood' in Yoruba language. Some loosely translated it to mean 'mother'.

iv4fb: I do respect the other guy's opinion.

@Mrs Iyaniwura/ (whatever ur handle means!), I think sometimes, you should see from another person's eyes, accept it when you're wrong too and correct it! No (wo)man is an island of knowledge.

Though some of us learn from the arguments especially as u both weld words

@deridegul (whatever that means!) I think there're civil ways of correcting people without clenching fists! Forgive for previous combats.

Good question. And clarifications have to be made so the proper context of the answer will be comprehended. During the First Republic, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, the inimitable Owelle and Great Zik of Africa was Nigeria's first (and ceremonial) president from 1963-1966 but he was, I must emphasize, a ceremonial head of state. That is one. Two, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was the first and only Prime Minister of Nigeria from 1960-1966, and he was the head of government (not state) and had real powers. As a matter of fact, in 1964, when there was a tussle between the Balewa the PM and Azikiwe the Presido, only Balewa had the powers and authority to issue commands to the military.

Now, it gets dicey because some will ask that, shebi Azikiwe was the Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces so why will Balewa be the one in control of the army. Well, another fact comes up again: after we gained independence in 1960 from the Britikos, Azikiwe was acting as the Governor-General (in other words, representative of the Queen) until 1963 when we became a republic. But from that 1960-1963, Balewa had already formed a government (actually as early as 1957)and was already the Chief Minister (later Prime Minister upon independence in 1960) and he was re-elected again in 1964, and it was not until 1963 when the Republican constitution was amended that Azikiwe was 'deemed to have been elected as the President and C-in-C', emphasis on the word 'deemed'. So between 1960 to 1966, we had two leaders as we were operating a parliamentary democracy in which one person was heading the government (Balewa) while the other was the ceremonial head of state. In government buildings, the portraits of both of them were placed on the walls (Ojukwu ordered them removed at a time).

That was the only time we had that kind of system of government. So if I am to write on all the wives of Nigerian leaders from 1960 to date, there is no way I will not include Flora Azikiwe and the four spouses of Balewa: Jumai, Umma, Zainab and Laraba. The only thing I must do then is to make the clear distinction between the two parties regarding the functions of their husbands, shikena. Today, we use a presidential system of government so it is neater and cleaner unlike those days of Balewa and Azikiwe. A president under a parliamentary system is not the same as a president under a presidential system, I think that is where the misunderstanding is emanating from.

And if I am even to base the articles on the figure with real power (like in Israel where Shimon Peres is the President (and ceremonial figurehead) but Benjamin Netanyahu is the PM with real powers, I will be mentioning only Balewa's wives as First Ladies, however, that is not the goal, the aim is to discuss all the wives of Nigerian leaders, be it PM, President or khaki boy, they are all Nigerian leaders). I hope this helps.

Caleboha: Madam answer the question; did naija have two first ladies in the first republic- Zik's wife and Tafawa Balewa's wife? Please don't get swayed into a war of insults, its not befitting of your literacy level.

Hahahaha, ShyM-X! In public! lololol!

ShyM-X:


Come give papi a kiss.

Hhahahhaa...lol! Thanks joor, we need to say no to copycatism na....lol! Thanks for your kind compliments

funkybaby:

cool. i was going to attack for 'copying' your concept

keep up the good work

I say a nuclear amen to that prayer!

nuclearboy: Very VERY distinguished woman! What everyone would call a classy lady, quiet, responsible, muted, elegant and mature!

I pray we get such again to restore hope in the perception of Nigerian women!

I almost forgot, thank you very much Boss, noted.

OAM4J: @

Dont allow the thread to be derailed, avoid arguments that is not relevant to the subject. The thread is about Fati Abubakar, not about other 1st ladies in Nigeria or elsewhere.

Yes Ma'am, one and the same person, just a change of name. Thanks for asking

funkybaby: is '''' the same person as ''iyaniwura''?

@topic

i agree. fati abubakar has stood out from other first ladies.

The only person in need of pity here is you. LOL! I knew you will come to the constitutional monarchy argument but that again reveals the depth of your hollow sagacity. But I will still help you not minding your paediatric tantrums and infantile cries of protest. In Israel and Italy where they also have Prime Ministers, the wives are called First Ladies (Prima Signora in Italy), or are those two also constitutional monarchies in your warped mind? By the way, I wasn't talking about you insulting me, I just notice you like sitting down by your keyboard and pouring out your pented-up frustration. If you have any reasonable correction to make, I will gladly take to it but if you think you will just sit down there and type nonsense, then you really need to go and sleep.

DerideGull:


Does it matter to insult a dunce that stated ignorance of the fact both Australia and Malaysia had constitutional monarchy? It will be tragedy to seek explanation from deluded drunkard. I pity any traveler who tends to get road direction from you.

It is your stock in trade to talk without using the stuff placed inside your skull. Your 'supercomputer IQ' will not let you reason, and is why you say 'most Nigerians' and go about insulting everyone on NL. Maybe your problem is my not mentioning Zik. If you don't understand the explanation above, I will tell you: early to bed, early to rise. Go to sleep.

DerideGull:

Please save yourself certain public embarrassment. If the King or Queen or constitutional monarchy is still regarded as the ceremonial or statutory head of state in those countries, you can knock yourself out with labeling of the first lady. But as in the case of 1960 Nigeria where a president was the head of state and commander in chief, as Flora Azikiwe was known as the first lady and Azikwe who rode on open Land Rover to inspect the honor guard mounted by Nigerian armed forces, it is plain idiocy to label another lady of the era as first lady of Nigeria.

Most Nigerians are fond of running gauntlet with illogicalities that seemed familiar to them. From the pitiful examples cited by the poster in the above crap, it is safe to say the dude is example of what is wrong with free education. Even if I am offered million dollars, I shall not help your education.

Seems I've got a new nickname...lol! I'm good

Ola one: How'ya, Fula?

Miss you, Dude!

ShyM-X:
Howdy, Fulani chic?

Thanks for your encouragement and support, Boss. Very well appreciated

OAM4J: Fati Abubakar is truly unique. I have high respect for her, her husband and children.

Well done .

And just to let you know so you save yourself from future embarrassment before an enlightened audience, the wife of a Prime Minister can be referred to as a First Lady like in Australia where Hazel Hawke, wife of the former Prime Minister Bob Hawke and in Malaysia where the wife of PM Najib Tun Abdulrazaq are also referred to as the First Lady although this is not a very common usage, unlike the recent 'Spouse of the Prime Minister', calling the wife of a PM the 'First Lady' does not make anyone intellectually watery. What you should say, if you really knew what you were talking or had something tangible to contribute, is to say the usage is not common, and not that it is not used at all. Read more because I don't have to tell you the definition and usage of a 'First Lady' is subjective and varies from locale to locale. Oooooshey! #D'Banj's Voice.

DerideGull: Please, the wife or wives of a Prime Minister is/are not first lady/ladies of a country especially if the country has president and commander in chief. It is intellectually absurd for person with average intellect to inject silly facts into learning streams of undiscerning society.

You have committed the same blunder before now when you posted the pictures of previous Nigerian heads of states. Tafawa Balewa was the prime minister not head of state or commander in chief.

And where did I list Tafawa Balewa as Head of State and Commander-in-Chief? LOL! Where did I post pictures of previous Nigerian heads of states and listed Balewa as President? I think you are either dreaming, looking for errors or you just want to let us know you bought current affairs book in primary school and crammed all Nigeria's leaders My listing Balewa's wives is borne out of the fact that this series cover all the wives of Nigerian heads of government (like Balewa) and/or heads of state be it civilian president, prime minister or military head of state, and not because I need you to remind me he was Nigeria's only PM. If I am to follow the strict definition of 'First Lady', we would not be talking of Fati Abubakar here. Save your gall for your 'discerning audience' or better still, inject your own facts free of 'intellectual absurdity'. For your mind, you don blow grammar be that o .

DerideGull: Please, the wife or wives of a Prime Minister is/are not first lady/ladies of a country especially if the country has president and commander in chief. It is intellectually absurd for person with average intellect to inject silly facts into learning streams of undiscerning society.

You have committed the same blunder before now when you posted the pictures of previous Nigerian heads of states. Tafawa Balewa was the prime minister not head of state or commander in chief.

Yippie! This will be the first post on Inspirati!™, the newest section on .com for the soft things of life and I am hoping you will like it! Okay, being a parent is a huge, huge task! It is easily the most tasking job on earth, and to worsen matters, there is no salary or allowance and don’t even dream of taking a leave! But like Henry Ward Beecher said, we never know the love of a parent till we become parents ourselves. The 21st century is no doubt a very challenging period to be a parent. Combining the stress of jobs and social engagements with your parenting life is more hectic than a three-day traffic jam on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. To make life a little bit easier (and interesting) for parents, there are seven things you MUST discuss with your children. As in, you MUST. If you have been overlooking this before, it is time to change o! Communicating meaningfully with your child is extremely important. Let’s do this!

1-GOD
Although it must be stressed that is not interested in people shoving down their faiths down other people’s throats, you need to educate your kids about God. Do not misunderstand me, I am not saying turn the brains of your tiny tots into jellies or bamboozle them to the extent that they are not capable of any creative or rational thinking. Whatever religious training you will be giving your children, let the summary be based on the fact that love is the highest form of worship. Teach them to love others, serve humanity, with special emphasis on kindness, mercy, compassion, spirituality, reason, tolerance, justice, forgiveness, courtesy, confidence and respect. Teach them all that God abhors and that the same God created all that exists. Do not train up your child to become a fanatic who is nothing but a nuisance to the community.

Let them appreciate people of other faiths and respect their beliefs. Let them know of the deep mysteries of life and that there are some questions that do not (or may never) have answers. Teach your children peace and how to reach it within themselves, with others and with their Creator. Before you can do this, you need to be sound yourself spiritually. So teaching your kids the divine powers of the Universe will benefit you as a parent. If you are an atheist, you still owe it to your kids to let them know the basis of your (un)belief. That one na task number one.

2-SEX, SEX and SEX
Yes ke. Seks! I know this is not the most comfortable of topics to discuss. Even some married couples find it very difficult for them to yan themselves the koko about the koko (me I don’t know why). But if you do not educate your kids about sex, the society will misinform them, usually with devastating consequences. If you are not too sure as to when to start the discussion on the great topic of sex, just observe when they start asking curious questions, kids are naturally curious and they will ask you funny stuffs like how women get pregnant or some scenes they saw in a movie or even an advert poster in town. Do not tell them nonsense about how watermelon is inside your pregnant wife’s belly. Explain to them in the most relevant and enlightening way. The world has changed and they get to know all this eventually, but in the wrong way. Do not demonize sex before them, it will only stoke their interest and at the same time, do not glamourize sex. Other topics related to this include menstruation, contraceptives, safe sex, abortion, dangers of extra- and pre-marital sex and many others. Observe your kids and entertain all their questions. Consult with experts if you are still lost BUT never let anyone else teach your kids about sex. IT IS YOUR JOB. And if you do not, it is your FAULT.

3-MONEY
For many of us, our parents are civil servants who know absolutely nothing about money. They have spent all their lives toiling for salaries even if that has not stopped the cycle of poverty. Have you noticed that civil servants (I am not talking of the fat thieves stealing at the parastatals and looting the federal civil service) are always complaining of money, and are always in debt? Teach your kids what they will not teach them in school: how to make and keep money, of course, in clean ways. Teach them how to save, let them know the worth of money, the dangers of debts and why they must fight poverty. does not subscribe to the trash of ‘some of us have to be poor’. Let them understand how global trade and commerce work and do not just rush them through school and expect them to look for jobs and become debt-ridden civil servants too. Nothing bad in being a civil servant but let them know about multiple streams of income. Teach them how to economize and not be like our stars and celebrities who buy N15 million jeeps after they get their first N20 million. This will also help you a lot as a parent. But do not teach them to be excessively materialistic. Enlighten them on the importance of wealth and ways to achieve it. The Yorubas will say iran meta kokin toshi (three generations do not perish in penury). Some families have reached the tenth generation.

4-ALCOHOL, DRUGS and other similar substances
Even if you are a brewery or smoke like a chimney and have used almost all the narcotics in the British Formulary, educate your children about dangers of these substances. Let them know the effects of consuming these chemical substances. If you love your kids, you need to let them stay away from these noxious substances in the society. I repeat, even if you drink like a fish and smoke like an Indian locomotive, let your kids be aware of the dangers of such a lifestyle. If you have shame, you will not even do such things in their presence. I cannot imagine a responsible father smoking in the presence of his ’3-year-old angel’. Remember the words of James Baldwin: “Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them.” What you put into kids, they give back to the society. Do not give the world blind drunks and stinking addicts.

5-DEATH
For many kids, the first time they experience a death, it is usually a huge shock for them and they become totally bewildered or even scared to the extent that some begin to have nightmares. Then they begin to ask you awkward questions like ‘When is granny coming back’? or ‘When will my rabbit wake up?’ Death is a mystery even to adults so you can imagine how the brains of kids try to process the loss of a beloved one. Do not wait until a tragic moment before you discuss the inevitable end of all humans with your children (or just assume that with time, they will understand), and groom them on the most realistic way to react and how they will cope when you are no more. Take it one step at a time and calmly answer all their queries (which I tell you, will come in torrents). There is no better teacher than the (responsible) parent. Roger that…lol!

6-THE INTERNET
In a world where many adults themselves have a vague idea of what the Internet is, this can be quite challenging for many parents. But it is what you can learn (before your kids outsmart you…lol!) It is quite important to let them know from a very early age the clear dangers posed by the Internet and the incredible benefits that they can also accrue from it. Most likely, when you were growing up as a parent, the Internet was not an issue and your parents might not have given you any tutorial on cyberspace but as a modern parent, times are changing and if you want your kids to survive and excel, you must adapt as a parent. Be Internet-savvy yourself and do not wait until they talk of promotion in your office before you hurriedly learn Microsoft Word…lol!

7-TIME
Yes, time. Let your children know that the very essence of life and existence is time and he who wastes time squanders away his life. You really do not have to stress yourself to do this. You can start from the basic measurements and units of time such as seconds, minutes, hours, days and years. Explain to them the importance of a microsecond. For example, you can illustrate to them that Usain Bolt is the fastest man on earth simply because of tiny fractions of a second or draw schedules for their activities so they will have a focused and goal-driven view towards life and not just live from day to day without any sense of direction. Teach them to value time and hopefully at the end of the day, you will see that you have not been wasting your time. I leave you with a quote from Barbara Johnson: “To be in your children’s memories tomorrow. You have to be in their lives today.”

Very best of wishes and thanks for your time!

™

NB: Inspirati!™ is the newest section on .com and if you love topics like the one you've just read, just hook up with us on Inspirati!™ and get even more. Other normal Nigeria-based articles will continue as well. We hope you have a nice time on the site. Thanks a lot!

SOURCE: http://.com/7-things-you-must-discuss-with-your-children-as-a-parent/

Ask any Nigerian to mention the First Ladies they know and you hear them reel off Maryam Babangida, Maryam Abacha, Stella Obasanjo, Turai Yar’adua and Patience Jonathan. For a lot of Nigerians, that is all. They do not know the wives of Muhammadu Buhari, Shehu Shagari, Ernest Shonekan, Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, Murtala Muhammed (a few more know her, read about her here>>>http://.com/murtala-muhammed-nigerias-most-popular-leader/), not to talk of the four wives of Sir Tafawa Balewa. For many Nigerians, Fati Abubakar is a name that they barely know, and in my country where First Ladies threaten to overshadow and outshine even the President, it is quite interesting to know that there is a First Lady in Nigeria that remained a recluse even while her husband was the Head of State and the Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces. Welcome HAJIA HONOURABLE JUSTICE FATIMA LAMI ABUBAKAR.

OUTLINE

INTRODUCTION

BIRTH AND EARLY DAYS

EDUCATION

LOVE, ROMANCE AND MARRIAGE

FAMILY AND CHILDREN

LIFE AS THE FIRST LADY OF NIGERIA

HER PET PROJECT

CAREER AND PERSONAL STYLE

ACHIEVEMENTS, HONOURS, AWARDS AND LEGACY

HAJIA FATI ABUBAKAR TODAY

I have decided to tag her the most unique (I actually used the word ‘reclusive’ before but I changed it midway because I think it does not reflect my thoughts exactly) because she had all the opportunities to ‘go gaga’ as a First Lady, use power anyhow and anywhere and at any time but she decided to shun the post all together. Others like Mrs. Victoria Aguiyi-Ironsi, Mrs. Ajoke Murtala Muhammed and Mrs. Margaret Shonekan cannot be said to be reclusive as the tenures of their husbands were too short. For the other First Ladies, their husbands preferred that they keep a low profile. Hajia Fati Abubakar is different in the sense that there was nothing hindering her from establishing herself as a First Lady even in the almost one year her spouse spent in power but she strangely and interestingly, focused on other things. Few are those who are not swayed or influenced with the trappings of power.

Some First Ladies in Nigeria even close down roads, shut down entire cities and cause untold hardship for millions of citizens just because they are around. Some others even fight with governors, fight others over land or sha just don’t know how to keep quiet. Like where else is that done if not Obodo Naija? I no mention anybody name o but if we think alike, no lele…lol! Let some people taste a drop of power for just one day, and you will know that there seven layers in the atmosphere with the way they will so use the power ehn…lol! But no one can accuse Hajia Fati Abubakar of flagrant display or abuse of power. Even when people hurl all sorts of abuses and allegations at her husband, she is well-respected and honoured. She made it known to her husband that the position of First Lady was not ingrained in the Nigerian Constitution. She just didn’t have the time or interest for the so-called ‘Office of the First Lady’ that some others will want to kill themselves over.

She faced squarely her legal profession, shunned those who wanted to write books on her during her ‘tenure’, like other First Ladies. She is the only First Lady in Nigeria that had a book written about her AFTER her husband had left power. You see why it is now good to marry a lawyer? Their brains are supercomputers ….lol! Now, let’s take a cruise through the life of this wonderful woman.

BIRTH AND EARLY DAYS

She was born on the 12th of April, 1951 as the second child of Alhaji Umaru Audi, the late first Waziri of Minna and Hajia Nana Asmau (daughter of the late Sarkin Hausawa of Minna) in Minna, Niger State. That makes her 62 and Her Lordship is the eldest daughter of her parents. Following Hausa tradition, she was taken away from her parents and brought up by her father’s elder sister, Hajia Hadiza. Her father was a highly-educated administrative officer who ensured she got the finest education.

EDUCATION

Later, she would attend a Christian missionary school, Our Lady’s High School in Kaduna and narrates her first experience in the school as a little girl: “…it was in the evening that we reached the school. A white woman dressed in white, all over received me… After I dressed up, I was taken to join the others in the school hall. I had never been to any hall that big before, the place was very big for me and there were white people everywhere, it was a prayer session. The children were all standing, clapping and singing ‘Hail Mary’. I wondered where I was. By the time I went back to the hostel, I lay on my bed and began to cry….”

Watch her speak here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=6A0ZHG3jUZY#t=2761s

She later attended Queen Elizabeth School (QES), Ilorin in 1965 and Federal Government College, Sokoto (1970-1971). As at that time, QES was a unity school that picked the best female brains all over Nigeria. After finishing high school, she gained admission to the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife to study law, she graduated in 1975 with her LLB (Great Ife students, make una no let your head swell like Ijebu garri in cold water o…lol!).

LOVE, ROMANCE & MARRIAGE

Interestingly, she got married to General Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar around the same time and even had her second child she was still a student at the Nigerian Law School, Lagos. So you can see, she is one tough one woman indeed: combining family life with career. I understand and appreciate that very well because my own Mum too (the Ogidi herself) combined Law School with family and her job. Atimes, you just wonder where some women derive their incredible strength from. Hajia Fati Abubakar states: “The mother is the children’s first teacher and a source of comfort.” agrees with her -100%. Fathers, no get jealous o…lol!

FAMILY AND CHILDREN

Okay, how many of you know General Abdusalami’s children? For where? LOL! They were practically shielded away by their parents. Seems the Abdulsalamis do not like the limelight, or more precisely, they do not like noisemaking and too much agbaja. At any rate, General Abdulsalami and his wife have six wonderful children. Let me tell you one gist: When General Sani Abacha died (read all you want to know about Abacha here>>>http://.com/sani-abacha-nigerias-most-enigmatic-ruler/) and it fell upon General Abdulsalami to become the new Head of State, one of his daughters broke down in tears and remained inconsolable for two good weeks, and she kept asking: ‘But Daddy, why you?’ Knowing that disgrace could end the whole thing, she felt understandably jittery. But at the end, the General astounded many critics and skeptics. He handed over. Many analysts also credit Hajia Fati Lami Abubakar for encouraging her spouse to be a man of honour and not hold on to power. I ask you, how many women of today have such wisdom? Ehn? This one that all of them want to marry President ma sef….lol! Okay, we know Hajia Fati but there are actually three Fatis in his life: his mother (Hajia Fati Kande Mohammed), his wife and one of his daughters.

As mentioned earlier, Hajia Fati Abubakar is a mother of six: three males and three females. Equitable distribution, I’d say…lol! Of the six, the three females are doctor, lawyer and architect respectively. The remaining three boys are said to be students.

HER PET PROJECT

Like some other First Ladies before and after her, she had her own pet project too but unlike the others, her own foundation has not died out even while her husband is no longer the Nigerian Head of State. In 1999, with just eleven weeks left for her husband in office, she established the Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA) Nigeria as ”a registered and Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), Non-Political and Non-Profit making charitable organization for advocacy and mobilization for the promotion, protection and realization of Women’s human rights, the elimination of all forms of repugnant practices as well as violence against women and the enhancement of their living standards. The acronym of WRAPA denotes the one or two-piece cloth worn by Nigerian women irrespective of age, tribe or religion, thereby underscoring the national coverage of the organization.”

WRAPA enjoys considerable support from various bodies and agencies: National Commission for Mass Literacy Education, the National Directorate for Employment (NDE), the National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP), the National Human Rights Commission, the Nigeria Legal Aid Council in addition to corporate bodies in the finance and media sectors. WRAPA has 22 adult literacy centers in 12 states, 10 legal aid centres in 10 states, and 11 vocational training centers in nine states of the Federation. WRAPA focuses on:

Legal Aid and Counselling
Legal Reform
Empowerment & Outreach
Advocacy
Sensitization
WRAPA have successfully established and commissioned 5 skills and counselling centres in:

Malumfashi – Katsina State
Bashi – Dass – Bauchi State
Billiri – Gombe State
Ozubulu – Anambra State
Suleja – Niger State.
It will interest you to also know that when Safiya Hussaini and Amina Lawal were both sentenced to death by stoning for adultery in 2005, it was Saudatu Mahdi, MFR (WRAPA’s administrative and programme head) and her legal team that battled to save the lives of the women. WRAPA remains at the forefront of empowering and defending women.

On the 12th of October 2001, Safiya Hussaini Tungar Tudu (born 1967) a divorced mother of four, was sentenced to death by stoning in Sokoto State for allegedly having a child with a neighbour as a single woman. In March 2002, she was acquitted of all the charges. She remains the first woman in Nigeria to be condemned to death by stoning for adultery. With the help of Nigerian human rights lawyer, Hauwa Ibrahim and bodies like WRAPA, she was eventually freed.

Unknown to many, it was Hajia Fati Abubakar’s foundation, WRAPA and other bodies like BAOBAB for Women’s Human Rights, that saved Amina Lawal Kurami from death by stoning. The case caused so much international uproar on the 22nd of March, 2002 when a Sharia court in Funtua, Katsina State (the late President Yar’adua was the governor then) sentenced her to death by stoning for adultery. The father of the child produced from the adultery was not prosecuted for lack of evidence and deemed to be innocent, even without any DNA tests being conducted. Amina Lawal is the second woman in Nigerian history to be sentenced to death by stoning for adultery. She has since remarried.
Now, that’s one fine, outstanding woman!

CAREER AND PERSONAL STYLE

She is a lawyer by training. And I will easily call her, by virtue of her academic achievements, the most erudite of all of Nigeria’s First Ladies. Of all the First Ladies in Nigeria, she is the most educated, and perhaps the solid background ensured that she had no inferiority complex, had composure and was not out to prove anything to anybody. Many of the First Ladies that Nigerians complain of have very little academic achievements. Only a handful of Nigeria’s First Ladies can boast of an impressive educational profile. According to Mohammad Haruna who served as Hajia Fati’s Chief Press Secretary, she is the most humble of all Nigeria’s First Ladies and her humility taught her how to avoid the arrogance of power.

ACHIEVEMENTS, HONOURS, AWARDS AND LEGACY

-The book titled ‘Honour & Dignity Personified: The Life and Principles of Hon. Justice Fati Lami Abubakar’ by Maimuna Abubakar was published in 2007 in her honour. The book, a 172-paged biography published by Spectrum Books is a must-read (especially for the noisemaking wives of our political leaders)!

-Few also know that she is the first female lawyer and Solicitor-General and Attorney-General of Niger State respectively.

-On the 10th of December, 2005, she delivered a convocation lecture at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile Ife (33rd Convocation Ceremony) and was also awarded a Doctor of Laws (LLD), Honoris causa, making history as the first alumnus to be bestowed with such honour.

-The Honourable Justice Fati Abubakar Library at her former school, Queen Elizabeth School (QES), Ilorin is named in her honour (see pix below).

-The Fati Lami Abubakar College of Legal and General Studies in Minna, Niger State is named in her honour. In September, 1999 the college was moved to its permanent site at Kpakungu, Minna by former Governor Abdullahi Kure and renamed Justice Fati Lami Abubakar College of Arts and Islamic Legal Studies. On the 21st of October, 2001, it was renamed the Fati Lami Abubakar College of Legal and General Studies by Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu.


LIFE AS THE FIRST LADY OF NIGERIA

Even while her husband was the Nigerian Head of State, she was so committed and dedicated to her job as a lawyer that she never left the legal profession. This is very impressive as some other women see the ‘First Ladyship’ as a role for life, one that provides their income for life, rendering them mentally unproductive within and outside office. And that is what makes Hajia Fati Lami Abubakar unique among all of Nigeria’s First Ladies.

She still remains a lawyer. On the 5th of June 2013, the Niger State House of Assembly confirmed her appointment as the Chief Judge of the State. Prior to that, Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu had appointed her as the Acting Chief Judge of the state. Described as a distinguished jurist who dedicated her life to advancing the cause of the judicial system in Nigeria, and in Niger State in particular, Hajia Fati Lami remains a shining and brilliant example, not only among Nigeria’s First Ladies but among all Nigerian women. She has managed to carve a niche for herself in her own right, instead of confining herself perpetually beneath the shadows and wings of her husband.

For a woman coming from Northern Nigeria where women are disadvantaged by tradition on many fronts, this is a woman who deserves to be celebrated. Well, one thing I like about her is her simplicity. We do not have to block all the roads because ‘Her Excellency’ is in town. Even though she spent just 11 months in her ‘tenure’ as Nigeria’s First Lady, she contributed more meaningfully (and is still doing so) to national development than many others who spend years making a hell of noise and disturbing the entire adugbo (neighborhood) only to fade away into obscurity once their husband leaves power. Life is ephemeral. Power itself is slippery. We hope others after her will learn from her and let our ears (this siren too mush) and hearts rest. Those who have ears….

CONCLUSION: If Nigeria is said to have a true First Lady, in every sense of it, Justice Fati is the one. If there is a model for other First Ladies all across Africa and the globe to emulate, Justice Fati is it. She carries the day. Young Lady, hope you’ve been inspired.

THANKS A LOT!

.

WATCH OUT FOR MORE! ONLY ON .COM

SEE MORE PICTURES HERE>>>http://.com/fati-abubakar-nigerias-most-unique-first-lady/

‘You shall all have a special role to play in making Nigeria a great nation and a happier society. We owe it to our posterity and to African people everywhere to triumph in our enterprise in nation building.‘ -YAKUBU GOWON, Nigeria’s Head of State, 1st October, 1970.

Okay, before I start, me I have a confession to make…lol I am particularly fond of General Yakubu ‘Jack’ Gowon and have a soft spot for him. I really can’t explain why but maybe it was because he was the youngest to become the Head of State (at that time, he was a bachelor and the youngest ruler in Africa), his smartness (especially in uniform) or for his philosophically calm way of handling the things life threw at him, I really can’t say but I promise you to try to be as factual as possible without getting carried away with my sentiments for the fine Angas gentleman from Plateau State. LOL! His green-white coloured biography was the first I bought and read of any Nigerian leader and it was pure fun, I tell you! Now, let’s have the cameras rolling!

OVERVIEW

INTRODUCTION

BIRTH

EARLY DAYS AND GROWING UP

EDUCATION AND MILITARY TRAINING

LOVE, ROMANCE AND MARRIAGE

FAMILY AND CHILDREN

BECOMING NIGERIA’S YOUNGEST LEADER

AS HEAD OF STATE

GOWON’S CABINET: THE FEDERAL MILITARY GOVERNMENT (FMG)

THE NIGERIAN CIVIL WAR

RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LATE GENERAL MURTALA MUHAMMED, HIS SUCCESSOR

CAREER IN THE MILITARY

ACHIEVEMENTS & EVENTS UNDER GOWON

HIS OVERTHROW

CONTROVERSIES AND CRITICISM

HIS EXILE

PERSONAL STYLE AND FUN THINGS ABOUT GENERAL GOWON

HONOURS, AWARDS & LEGACY

GOWON TODAY
___________

BIRTH
It all started on a Friday, 19th of October, 1934, in the tiny village of Lur, Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State in North Central Nigeria, the family of Mallam Nde Yohanna Gowon and Mama Saraya Matwok Kurnyang Gowon welcomed a cheeky baby boy to the world. He was fifth out of eleven children (but wait o, people dey born pikin for that time o, if pesin try that one today, omo na die!) The elated family organized a naming ceremony and christened the little baby: YAKUBU CINWA DAN-YUMMA GOWON. The little baby would later become the youngest head of state of the world’s most populous nation.

EARLY DAYS AND GROWING UP

After his birth, Gowon’s parents left the small village for Wusasa in Zaria, Kaduna State to work as missionaries for the Church Missionary Society (CMS). As a result, Nigeria’s 3rd Head of State grew up in the city of Zaria and had some of his education there too.

EDUCATION AND MILITARY TRAINING

While in school in Zaria, Gowon was very outstanding in athletics. While in the first year, he broke the school’s mile record and would later become the boxing captain of the school. That is also in addition to the fact that he was the football goalkeeper, long distance runner and pole vaulter (or is that the secret to his long life ni? Lol! #Just wondering). Gowon actually was initially interested in becoming a teacher but while in school, he was a natural leader and many, including his Principal clamoured for him to join the Army. Until the very last day in a year in 1953, when virtually all of his friends went for the army recruitment exercise, that he felt since all friends were going, he should also join the army. He went to his Principal and told him of his intention to join, his Principal was very excited he even wrote to the adjutant of the army to give him a chance. Gowon was the last person to arrive for the screening and of all of his friends, he was actually the only one chosen to join the Nigerian Army, 24th May 1964 was the day he joined the army, in his own words. A funny incident: when he told his Principal he was going for the exercise but he didn’t have transport fare, his Principal responded that since he was a cross country runner, he could catch up with his colleagues, and that was what he did

-St. Bartholomew Christian Missionary School, Zaria, Kaduna State.

-Barewa College (then Government College), Zaria.

-1954: Regular Officers Special Training School (ROSTS), Teshie, Ghana

-1955-1956: Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, United Kingdom (later joined the infantry).

-1962: Staff College, Camberley Joint Service Defence College.

-1965: Joint Staff College, Latimer

-1983: University of Warwick

LOVE, ROMANCE AND MARRIAGE
When Gowon became the Head of State, he was the youngest leader in Africa. But there was something more seductive than his youth and fresh smiles: he was a bachelor. #winks! He was romantically linked to Edith Ike, reportedly his Igbo girlfriend. On the 31st of January, 2003, a case appeared before the Supreme Court of Nigeria (Suit No: SC.64/97) and the appellant was General Gowon (Gowon v. Ike-Okongwu (2003) 6 NWLR (Pt.815)38 with Mrs. Edith Ike-Okongwu, Kayode Ajala and True Tales Publications Limited joined as respondents.

In 1969, he got married to his heartthrob and a nurse, Miss Victoria Zakari. It was during the civil war and some condemned the event as flamboyant and extravagant.

READ MORE HERE>>>http://.com/yakubu-gowon-nigerias-wartime-leader/

Yippee!!! Science is at it again! You thought we knew all the parts of the human body shey? That nothing new can be discovered in the world of anatomy? Nah! You are wrong, a new part has just been discovered and .com is bringing it to you LIVE.


The newly-discovered part of the human body is a new layer in the human cornea. It is just 15 microns in thickness (which means it is an extremely thin layer) and it is situated between the cornea stroma and the Descemet’s membrane (go and revise ya histology of the eye jooor….lol!) But do not be deceived by its thinness, it is actually very strong and can withstand two bars of pressure. It is named DUA’S LAYER, and that is because it was discovered by PROFESSOR HARMINDER S. DUA, an Indian researcher and his team at the University of Nottingham, United Kingdom, and the news was released hours ago. The new layer was first mentioned in May 2013 in the journal, Ophthalmology.

The team was conducting transplant research on donated eyes when the discovery was made. Their discovery was confirmed by electron microscopy. The layer is rich in collagen and Professor Dua is very much excited (understandably). He says of the discovery: ”ophthalmology textbooks will literally need to be re-written.” Before now, scientists believed the cornea had just five layers:

-DESCEMET’S MEMBRANE

-CORNEAL EPITHELIUM

-CORNEAL STROMA

-BOWMAN’S LAYER

-CORNEAL ENDOTHELIUM

So, with Dua’s layer, we now have six layers. The cornea is the transparent front part of the eye covering the iris, pupil and other structures in front. Cornea is as smooth as glass and it is very durable. It assists in protecting the eyes by regulating and focusing the amount of light that enters the eye (as an external lens) and also protects the eyes from germs, dust and ultraviolet (UV) rays. When it is damaged, it can be replaced by transplanting from those who have donated their eyes (I hear Tinubu did that, and that his eyes should be removed after death, shey you go do the same? I can give you the address of the National Eye Bank in Kaduna o

SO WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS GREAT DISCOVERY?

The new layer will help surgeons improve the outcome for patients who are going for corneal grafts and transplants. Before the discovery, during surgical operations on the eye, tiny air bubbles are injected into the cornea in what is called the ‘big bubble technique’. Atimes, the bubble can burst and damage the patient’s eye. But now, by injecting the bubble UNDER the Dua’s layer instead of above it, the risk of the bubble bursting is reduced. In short, it makes surgery safer. But my Good People, me I have one question wey I one knack o: when are we going to start making discoveries like this for Obodo Naija?

THANKS A LOT FOR YOUR TIME.

.

SOURCE: http://.com/new-human-body-part-discovered/

How can I eat when all my children are starving?

-MADAM JANET EKUNDAYO

Nigeria is a nation full of unsung heroes and heroines. At , we have decided to take it upon ourselves to proclaim the goodness of these legends of ours to the entire world. is all about celebrating these Fellow Compatriots who have distinguished themselves even if they do not always appear in the spotlight as they truly deserve. In Nigeria, it can be very challenging growing up as a child with two working parents, especially if they happen to be civil servants, so you can imagine what happens to those without parents. Everyone is hustling and fending for himself or herself, eking out a living and millions are just struggling to survive, hanging on to existence.

In this hustle and bustle that has come to characterize the Nigerian society, it is little surprise that we have neglected some of the most vulnerable ones in the society -the orphans and abandoned kids. But there was one woman who did the opposite -she dedicated her life to taking care of orphans. Her name is MAMA JANET EKUNDAYO. Ekundayo is a name in the language of the Yorubas of West Africa. It can be translated as ‘tears turned to joy’ or ‘my tears have turned to joy’. And truly, this wonderful woman turned the hot, steamy tears of many kids into unlimited joy.

Some call her the Mother Theresa of Africa and she lived a life that is full of lessons for us, the current generation. She spoke no English yet she spoke to the hearts of many. She had no millions of dollars but the wealth she possessed will make the world’s richest green with envy for her wealth was intangible. Without a political connection or patronizing those in power, Mama Ekundayo managed to leave her footprints on the ageless rocks of time. Now let me tell you how her story started….

BIRTH AND EARLY DAYS

As at the time she was born, records were not widely kept but estimates put her age as at the time she died to be between 80-90+.

FAMILY AND LATER LIFE

Mama Ekundayo was married and she had five biological children of her own -four males and one female. She said taking care of children came naturally to her and she enjoyed the company of children. In Nigeria today, many people care only about their own children and give no damn about others (apologies to Mr. President…lol!). They are much more concerned about their own welfare and economic security. Selfishness is the name of the game. But it is because of Mama Ekundayo’s selflessness that is celebrating her today. Stay in your closet with your family and no one will celebrate you, unless you give back to humanity. Mama Ekundayo had five children but that did not stop her from adopting others and changing the lives of almost 500 children forever. Think outside the box, the world does not revolve around you or your family alone. Even the Sun revolves around another star. LOL! And I am serious about that…lol!

TAKING CARE OF THE ORPHANS
It was back in 1969, that she decided to dedicate the rest of her life to taking care of orphans and abandoned children. By the year 2008, she had cared for over 470 children. These children were from all over the country, from different tribes, size, age groups and ethnic roots. But she took them all and did the best within her ability to care for them all. On how she coped with the challenges and fed them all, she stated that God had been wonderful to her, and that in addition to her own meager material contributions, help also came from kind-hearted individuals, religious organizations and atimes, the local government authorities who made donations and gave provisions. Her orphanage, Ekundayo Children’s Home, is located in Isanlu Makutu, a rural part of Kogi State in North-central Nigeria. (Just a thought, it will be nice if Dino Melaiye and others make regular donations to the various orphanages in Kogi State, no be by Bentley or Polo T-shirts…lol!).

Mama Ekundayo stated that caring for kids was a calling she could not resist, and once she started it, she never stopped until she breathed her last. You see, some people are just phenomenal! And you begin to wonder where they get their kind of pure spirits and souls from, especially in a world that is all about ME, MYSELF and I.

HER PERSONALITY
She had a tiny and delicate frame, much like Mother Theresa. She loved to sing a lot and had a very charming aura. Charismatic and always full of smiles, she called on people to sit close to her when they were shy and wanted to sit at a distance. She was quite inviting and full of radiating joy. And she always had lots of prayers for everyone. Reminds you of your grandmother, innit? Interestingly, she did all she did without making any noise or calling for the world’s attention (like some people will not allow us rest with their pictures on Instagram, did I mention your name ni? Or are you Rihanna? LOL!). Mama Ekundayo just did her thing and found satisfaction and happiness in it. Is that not the essence of life?

HER WORDS

-Emi ko, ishe Oluwa ni (meaning: It is not by my efforts but by the grace of God).

-Agbara mi ko, agbara Olorun ni (meaning: It is not by my power or might, but that of God). This sign is also at the entrance of her orphanage.

-Bawo ni mashe jeun nigba ti gbogbo awon omo mi o ri je, ti won rimu? (meaning: How can I eat when all my children are starving?

-Ayo mikun, gbogbo igbesi aye mi, ayo ni. Mi o mo idi ti Olorun fi pe mi be. Into mu inu mi dun ni ti awon omo yii. (My joy overflows, my whole life has been filled with joy. I still don’t know why God chose me thus. These children give me the greatest joy).

-Eje fogo Olorun han, ma se bo talenti mo le rara, eje fogo olorun han. (Let your talent flourish, don’t hide it). For her, her talent was caring for children. Wetin be ya own talent? Pinging? Or arguing at the vendor’s place over Champions League? LOL!

DEATH
In the year 2009, death came knocking. She was travelling and a most unfortunate incident happened. The vehicle she was in was involved in a road accident. Mama Ekundayo, already old and frail, did not make it out alive. She was believed to be an octogenarian or a nonagenarian.

HONOURS, LEGACY AND REMEMBRANCE

Many never heard of her until the Nigerian singer, TY Bello made a video in her honour and even produced a song titled Ekundayo ft Olufunmi for her in 2008. It was part of her popular album, Greenland. You can enjoy the song here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=FgJ3pk_tQkA

And how it was made here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=_5bVWqLzveA

Later, she would also be featured on Mosunmola Folake Abudu (Mo Abudu)’s program, Moments with Mo. One prayer she had was for God to grant her someone to whom she could hand over the project when she is no more. Her prayers were answered. Her daughter, Grace, has graciously taken upon this task started by her mother.

ADOPTION AND THE STATUS OF ABANDONED CHILDREN IN NIGERIA TODAY

Today, Nigeria is teeming with millions of orphans, abandoned children, destitute people, mentally-challenged citizens and beggars. There is no social welfare package from the government in place so people in this category go to hell and back on a daily basis. Many Nigerians, for reasons that I find either dumb, senseless or downright selfish still frown upon adoption. Well, Madam, I am not saying you should kill your husband because he wants to adopt a child but at least making some donations is a cool idea. We should always remember the less-priviledged in the society not only because it is a charitable thing to do but because if we don’t, these evils will come back to haunt us as a society. And moreover, givers never lack. If you can adopt a child (it takes someone with the heart of an angel and the patience of a saint to do that), please do. If you cannot, try your best to assist others. That is far better than preaching ‘love your neighbour as yourself’ up and down when you are still fighting your landlord.

CONCLUSION

While she was alive, Mama Ekundayo took under her wings hundreds of children who had nowhere else to go and no one to turn to. They struggled together and they celebrated together. They shared their pains and laughter. She was their best friend, their father, their mother, their angel of mercy and compassion. Many of these orphaned or abandoned kids grew up knowing no other parent but her. She was always there for them and they also knew that even if the world rejected them, there was one woman in whose arms they could always find solace, joy, warmth and comfort. Although she could not buy the most expensive toys for them, she spoilt them with what really matter -love. In an unkind and cold world as Planet Earth, Mama Ekundayo is one of a kind, and that is why this post was made. To celebrate her life, highlight her achievements, and hopefully touch a heart or two out there. So when you are dead, what will you be remembered for?

THANKS A LOT FOR YOUR TIME.

.

MORE PICTURES HERE>>>http://.com/mama-ekundayo-nigerias-angel-of-mercy-compassion/

LOL! Funny you. I should leave Nairaland that you created shey...lol! Keep derailing the threads na, guess I just found you a new job...lol!

Ola one: Why is this pretending to be Yoruba? From now on, your threads on NL will be derailed. Just leave NL.


Thank you Shymexx, Tpia, Pleep and Physics for confronting him/her/whatever.

AdoZazzau, I wrote on Herbert Macaulay on my website. Read here>>> http://.com/herbert-macaulay-nigerias-father-of-nationalism/

You can also read about other prominent Nigerians like Sardauna of Sokoto, Ladi Kwali, Aliko Dangote, Sani Abacha and many more. Have a nice time

AdoZazzau: This thread opened to discuss and educate on Mr Macauley and for two years that mission has not been accomplished. Southerners call themselves educated. I am not sure you are. You know how to blow big grammar but you are less educated and informed than the Northerner.

Who has your time? LOL! I had exams and of course, working on new projects

ShyM-X:
Congrats King!


Btw, where at?

She has been on the run since she was ________________.

All of Nigeria's founding fathers had their hands dripping with the blood of tribalism and it is a pity they've passed on the same destructive genes to millions of Nigerians.

Willywilly4: Hammadu Bello is tribalist, he hated Awolowo too much.

Thanks, Boss

diarra94: Wonderful job . Keep doing yo thang.

SIR AHMADU BELLO, The Sardauna (Warlord) of Sokoto

FULL DETAILS HERE: http://.com/sir-ahmadu-bello-the-sardauna-warlord-of-sokoto/

This piece is dedicated to the three ABUSITES in my life. They know themselves. And they always brag that ABU products are naturally ahead. Okies, no lele.....lol!

OUTLINE

BIRTH AND EARLY DAYS

EDUCATION AND GROWING UP

FAMILY AND MARRIAGE

CAREER AND LATER LIFE

POLITICS AND STRUGGLE FOR NIGERIA’S INDEPENDENCE

HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH THE IBOS

HIS DEATH

APPOINTMENTS, HONOURS, ACHIEVEMENTS AND LEGACY

HIS WORDS

CONCLUSION

REFERENCES

Even 47 years after his death at the age of 55, Sir AHMADU BELLO is still venerated by millions of Nigerians. The largest university in West Africa and the second largest in Africa is named after him while his picture is graciously perched on one of Nigeria's highest currencies -the N200 note.

But who was the late Warlord of Sokoto, a descendant of Uthman Dan Fodio, who is still an idol to millions of Nigerians today even if millions of his compatriots, especially from the Southeast still despise him? Has the Nigerian nation learnt anything from history? Why was he jailed? Oh, did you know he was born on a June 12? What were his achievements? Why do his people love him so much? Why has he generated so much hatred in the minds of some others? Is there anything we can pick from history and make Nigeria great again? You decide. takes you on an interesting voyage: the life and times of ALHAJI SIR DR.AHMADU BELLO, Nigeria's one and only Gamji!

BIRTH AND EARLY DAYS

The late Sardauna was born on the 12th of June, 1910 in the village of Rabah, some 20 miles from Sokoto. His father, Ibrahim Bello, was the Head of the District and also prince of the Sokoto Caliphate as his great-grandfather was the legendary Sultan Muhammed Bello who was the father of Sultan Abubakar Atiku. Sultan Bello was the son of, yes, you guessed right, the much-revered Fulani sheikh, Usman Dan Fodio, a scholar, warrior and teacher who founded the Sokoto Caliphate in 1809 and became its first Sultan.

EDUCATION AND GROWING UP

At the age of six, his father died. Young Ahmadu first schooled at the Sokoto Provincial School, which happened to be the only modern school in the entire province of Sokoto. He finished at the age of 16 top of the class. He also got his Islamic and Arabic education as a teenager from Mallam Garba who was the Imam of Rabah village. Thereafter, he attended the Teacher's Training College, Katsina (later became the famous Barewa College) (1926-1936) where he was a School Prefect and Class Captain and graduated as a Teacher in 1931 with a credit equivalent Grade III result. After studying there for five years, he was appointed by the Sultan of Sokoto to work as a teacher at the Sokoto Middle School, where he was once a student and taught from 1931-1934. He was the only surviving son of his father and mother, Mariyamu.

FAMILY AND MARRIAGE

In 1932, he married Hafsatu, his first wife and the daughter of the Waziri Maccido. Some records indicated he married Hafsatu when she was nine while another stated twelve. Hafsatu would later battle with childlessness. With time, he married two more wives, Kande and Amiru (divorced them in 1938) and later married Amina and Jabbo in 1940 and 1952 respectively. In 1952, his five-day-old son from Jabbo died and back in 1936, he had also lost a two-year-old son, Mohammed Tambari, from his divorced wife, Kande.
The late Sardauna of Sokoto was survived by three daughters (Inno, A'ishat, Lubabatu). One of them, Inno died in 2008. There were three sons but all died.

The eldest today is Hajiya A'ishat Marafa Danbaba, born in 1945 (see pictures) now aged 67, she said that after the brutal assassination of their dad, they have been surviving on the goodwill of close associates such as the late Emir of Daura, Alhaji Muhammadu Bashar, the Sarkin Fadan Kano, Alhaji Sule Gaya and the former Chief Justice of Nigeria but commended the Sokoto State Government headed by Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wammako for taking good care of them, as from May 29th, 2007, the State Governor had placed the Sardauna family on a monthly allowance of N250,000 ($1560). She said:
“Since the death of our father, there has never been a government that showed us care and concern as the current administration of Governor Wamakko which placed this family on a monthly allowance of N250,000 for which we are very grateful.''

She also praised the former administration of Army Colonel Yakubu Mu'azu, the Military Administrator of Sokoto State during General Abacha's regime (read all about General Sani Abacha, Nigeria's most enigmatic ruler here http://.com/sani-abacha-nigerias-most-enigmatic-ruler/ ) for renovating one of the late Sardauna's two houses at Kanwuri, Sokoto but complained that his other building at Kofar Marke area of the state is in a dilapidated condition and desperately needed renovation. Hajiya A'ishat got married to the late Magajin Gari Sokoto in 1956 and said of her father: “I had a very close relationship with my father. He showered us with great love and we will continue to cherish those moments. My dad was a simple man despite being an aristocrat. He was temperamental but easily forgets after sometime.
He doesn’t bear any grudges against those who offended him and forgives those who wronged him. My father was kind and just to people and never discriminated against anybody based on his ethnic group or religion.

“He was a man of the people. He always sat on the floor in his house, to eat food with his bare hands, from the same bowl with his drivers and relatives. He maintained an open house, and anybody who wanted to see him got audience. He listened to people’s problems and helped both the high and the lowly.

“My father was generous and loved to give out gifts to people. He never had material accumulation instincts, did not accumulate wealth and gave out whatever came into his possession. He was scrupulous and prudent with public finance but generous with his own money.
“His happiest moments were always when he was in the company of people. He constantly toured the length and breadth of the Northern Region, always on the move persuading, cajoling, mobilizing, urging, inspiring people to be disciplined and law abiding, to work hard for common goals, to measure up to their potentials. My father had the desire of transforming the North so that the country can attain its true potentials.” Hajia A'ishat has five children and the fourth one, Hassan Danbaba Marafa is the Magajin Garin of Sokoto, who happens to be one of the 11 kingmakers of the Sokoto Caliphate saddled with the responsibility of appointing the Sultan. Her first daughter is married to Nigeria's former Ambassador to South Africa. Alhaji Shehu Malami.

A second daughter, Hajia Luba is married to the Marafan Sokoto, Alhaji Ali Umaru Shinkafi (CON, NPM, MNIM), former Head of the National Security Organisation (NSO) and one-time Presidential Aspirant.

CAREER AND LATER LIFE

By 1934, he was made the District Head of Rabah under the colonial setting and in 1938, he got a promotion as the Divisional Head of Gusau (now in present-day Zamfara State). In 1938, at the age of just 28, he made attempts to become the Sultan of Sokoto but was not successful, losing to Sir Siddiq Abubakar III who reigned for 50 years until his death in 1988. The new Sultan immediately made Sir Ahmadu Bello the Sardauna (Warlord) of Sokoto, a honorary title and promoted him to the Sokoto Native Authority Council, these titles automatically made him the Chief Political Adviser to the Sultan. Later, he was put in charge of the Sokoto Province to oversee 47 districts and by 1944, he was back at the Sultan's Palace to work as the Chief Secretary of the State Native Administration.

In the 1940s, he established the Jamiyya Mutanen Arewa which would later become the NPC in 1951. In 1948, he got a government scholarship and was off to England to study Local Government Administration which broadened his understanding and knowledge of governance. As 'successor-in-waiting' to the throne of the Sultan, he wore the turban. In 1943, a drama played out when he was thrown before the Sultan's court for misappropriating jangali (cattle) tax for the Gusau region where he was the Councillor.

He was sentenced to one year in prison. Do not forget the fact that there was a rivalry simmering below the robes between him and the new Sultan. But with the aid of the other 'Barewa guys' like Shehu Shagari, Aminu Kano and Ibrahim Dasuki, he filed for an acquittal after he had already spent three months in jail. But that would only boost him popularity and many felt he was just a victim of unfair political tussle.

KINDLY FOLLOW LINK ABOVE FOR FULL DETAILS AND MANY MORE PICTURES.
THANK YOU.

Deputy Chairman of SURE-P Maj. Gen. Mamman Kontagora (Rtd) CON
Major-General Mamman Tsoho Kontagora (rtd), a stellar soldier, a peoples General and a distinguished gentleman whose military career spanned over 35 years of service. Major-General Mamman Tsoho Kontagora was born on the 20th April 1944 in Kontagora, Kontagora Local Government in Niger State, Nigeria. He attended Central Primary School Kontagora between 1952 – 1958. Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna 1964 – 1967. Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering from the Ahmedu Bello University, Zaria between 1967 - 1972.

He also attended the Naval Postgraduate School Monterry CA, USA and United State Army War College, Carlisle PA, USA. The brief period when Kontagora was in charge of the FCT saw a boom in construction of housing and infrastructure. He ceded a strategic plot next to the International Conference centre to the Abuja Horticultural Society to develop as a world standard park, now the Abuja International Peace Park, finally opened in 2003. He has received many awards and citations which are too numerous to mention but among which are;

Award of Distinction: Nigerian Society of Engineers
International Fellow, United State Army War College (USAWC)
Outstanding Public Service Award: Success Digest Forum 1988
First Niger State College of Education Academic State Union Award for the most outstanding Governing Council Chairman in Niger State 6th December 1995
Commander of the Order of Niger (CON)
A one time Commanding Officer 11 Field Engineer Regiment Kaduna, Commander Nigeria Army Engineer Brigade (Ibadan), Commander Nigeria Army Engineer Brigade (Jos), Commander Nigeria Army School of Military Engineering (New Bussa). Major-General Kontagora was once a Minister, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Minister, Ministry of Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Director of Quartering and Engineering Services (Army), Chairman Implementation Committee on Army Projects (ICAP), Chairman Kontagora Emirate Development Association (KEDA), Chairman Presidential Monitoring Committee (PMC) on the Development of Stadia towards the Hosting of World Youth Football Championships: Nigeria 95, Chairman Governing Council Niger State Polytechnic Zungeru, Niger State, Chairman Administrative Audit Panel on Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Sole Administrator, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and Chairman Implementation of White Paper – Niger State Government.

He is currently the Chairman Implementation Sub-Committee: Kontagora Emirate Education Development Committee (KEEDEC). Chairman Government College Kaduna Management Board and also the appointed Deputy Chairman of the Subsidy Re-Investment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) Committee which was inaugurated on the 14th February 2012 by the incumbent President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR. He is married with children and his hobbies are Working, Reading, Horse Riding and Gardening.

http://www.sure-p.gov.ng/index.cfm/sure-p-secretariat/meet-our-principals/deputy-chairman-profile/

pulel: Innallillahi wa inna illaihi rasi'um.

General Mamman Kontagora died this mornin after a long illness. The dark horse is gone. May his gentle soul rest in peace. Ameen, ameen.

A retired general of the Nigerian Army, Mamman Tsofo Kontgora is a man of impeccable integrity. As a young officer, he obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

He rose to the peak of his professional career and became the Commander of the Nigerian Army Corps of Engineers as well as a member of the Federal Executive Council of the Ministry of Works and Housing. General Kontagora has a rich experience in corporate governance, public sector, administration and management.

He was one time administrator of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and the minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration. General Kontagora is a fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and currently the Chairman of Bulkon Nig Ltd. He also became the Chairman of PAT Engineering Nigeria Ltd in May 2009.

http://www.patengineering.com/pages/ourpeople/people/generalmamman.shtml

pulel: Innallillahi wa inna illaihi rasi'um.

General Mamman Kontagora died this mornin after a long illness. The dark horse is gone. May his gentle soul rest in peace. Ameen, ameen.

You have said it all, the real fact!

nnenna.1:
Everybody is going in on everybody else, lol.

There is a little tribalist in everyone, I guess.