… We are proud of him, his work has brought us together- Ishaya Bawa.
By Charles Edet
The indigenous sons and daughters of Zuru of kebbi state , Northwest on Nigeria, defied all their differences to honor one of their own Sons and Author, Bawa K. Amos, at the Command Guest House In Asokoro, Abuja.
The book which is tittled “ Zuru People of Northwest Nigeria, An Aspect of Leina Cultural Heritage “ forwarded by an eminent Nigerian from Zuru, Lt. Gen. Ishaya Bamayi, attracted who is who in Zuru land. Top serving and retired officers of the armed forces including the police , were Major General T. Daniel Anlaini Chinoko, (Rtd), DIG, Fakai (Rtd) Air Commodore A. I Sambo amongst others, and high civil and public servants and from the judiciary came, Justice Danlami Zama Senxhi, ( Wazirin Zuru) graced the occasion.
Also from the legislative arm , were members of Kebbi State House of Assembly , while from the National Assembly from the red chambers and green, were Distinguished Senator, Ibn Na’Allah, who was the guest of honor and Hon. Ibrahim Tukura of the House of Representative.
Prof. Tanko Ishaya, the Vice Chancellor of University of Jos , Chaired the book launch but was represented by Isa Likita Mohammed in speech said “ the book is incisive, descriptively captured with historical facts the heritage of the Zuru people”. He stated that the Zuru people are born Warriors.
Tanko Ishaya added that “the Zuru people are humble, proud because they are proud of their culture, heritage and proud for excelling of their pursuits in the works of life.”
“ We are not only warriors in life but also warriors in educational aspect of it. We have more than 50 professors, and more are in the making, the Emire of Zuru is a retired Major General Sanni Sami”
Speaking further on the exploits of Zuru indigenes in Sports , Tanko’s rep said, that the great Nigerian marathon champion came from Zuru. “
He commended the Author for his work and that his book be included in Kebbi State school curricula.
The Author in his speech Said, “I am overwhelmed and humbled by the presence of the eminent Sons and Daughters of Zuru in this book launch.” He thanked all for honoring his invitation and solidarity shown his to him. He specially appreciated Justice Danlami Zama, for his support amongst others towards making the book a reality. Bawa, described Honorable Justice Danlami Zama as a philanthropist.
On the purpose of his book, he said “it was motivation of patriotism and to bring to the knowledge of the Zuru people, the memory of our culture, as our culture is our memory, and if we do not preserve this memory and put them in visibly written records, we loose it”.
“ therefore my justification of writing the book is for posterity, for the people of today, tomorrow and the generations ahead.” Said the Author.
Distinguished Senator Ibn Na’allah, the guest of honor, while speaking on the topic, “ Minority Factor in Nigerian Federalism And Ethnic Relationship In Kebbi State” said that the division amongst the ethnic minorities coupled with the state government’s non synergy to bind all together as projected by the author of the book is responsible for unity challenges of the Kebbi people at large and Zuru indigene particularly. Zuru People of the. Senator Na’Allah, appreciated the hard work of the Author in his determination to unite the Zuru people through his book work.
“The 1999 Constitution as provided by the military ensured the interest of the minorities, which Zuru is among was protected, the constitution drafting committee were careful in that, thus the creation of two chambers that are Bicameral “. He said.
The celebrated , Pilot, Lawyer and Senator, said , for the purpose of clarity that the Nigerian Constitution captured the interest of the minorities to ensure that they are not denied their rights, stating that democratic principles were bent to recognize and accommodate their interest nationally.
On the progress of Zuru and the impact made by its citizens, Senator Na’Allah said, “ Zuru has produced over 24 generals, over 50 professors and several are in very distinguished positions in civil service and public “
He emphasized that military officers of Zuru origin, were one of the most loyal in the Nigerian military. “ Zuru military officers have remained the most loyal in the Nigerian Arned Forces. “
“The author has done well, in Zuru we only lack synergy,an individual effort, such as the author has done, cannot override collective synergy, we need to come together to progress, instead of of being divided , and coming together will end the challenges confronting us as a people and the state in general”. Senator Ibn Na’Allah said.
Samuel Umaru who reviewed the book said it’s a 397 paged book, with standard publication number (ISBN), acknowledgement page and reference pages respectively. He identified that the problem of the Zuru people was hinged on ‘migration’ some Zuru’s claim to come from Katsina , while the first Emir of katsina, is said to be Baba Kari from Zuru.
“ Zuru people were in existence between 17th and 18th Centuries “
When National Detective Magazine reporter interviewed the on the true migrant origin of the Zuru’s , he traced the origin of Zuru people from Middle East to Egypt and Ethiopia. He said “it’s all historical as some claimed they cane from Katsina but I straightened everything in the book”.
The Climax of the event was when the Institute of Authors Nigeria, (IAN) honored him with an Award for his global writing service to humanity. The Registrar of IOA Nigeria, Dr Edet Charles presented with the Certificate, while the DG , Dr. PENNI Haruna presented the Plaque.
The book launch was a success as indigenes of Zuru rallied round their Son, Bawa Ewos In appreciation for the book.