A poet’s lines in praise and call for a better Nigeria

Title: Galadima: Wakokin Fasaha Author: Bashir Yahuza Malumfashi Publisher: Gizago Publishing Enterprises, Katsina Year: 2020 Reviewer: Ali Muhammad Garba & Ibrahim Babangida Surajo It has been long since Northern Nigeria has had a published collection of Hausa poems – the likes of ‘Fasaha Akiliya’ of Malam Akilu Aliyu. With the emergence of this concise collection […]

Title: Galadima: Wakokin Fasaha

Author: Bashir Yahuza Malumfashi

Publisher: Gizago Publishing Enterprises, Katsina

Year: 2020

Reviewer: Ali Muhammad Garba & Ibrahim Babangida Surajo

It has been long since Northern Nigeria has had a published collection of Hausa poems – the likes of ‘Fasaha Akiliya’ of Malam Akilu Aliyu. With the emergence of this concise collection of ‘Galadima’ from Bashir Yahuza Malumfashi, the jinx has been broken.

In this collection, Bashir has done a great literary work in which he put together history, art and entertainment. He also rounds it all up by writing about some exceptional and exemplary contemporary leaders.

History had shown that every generation has its own challenges. As challenges vary, so also the solutions and approaches. Good leadership is one of the key elements of solving any contemporary challenge and bringing development to society through social change.

The poems published in this book attest that each leader whose name is mentioned in a particular stanza is a pillar and dedicated in fighting for the rights and development of his people during his time. Here in these verses are many life lessons of life and leadership to be learnt. The poet carefully took his time to study and explore his subject’s vision and love for humanity, and also their loyalty to the nation.

President Buhari’s daring and exemplary leadership qualities that made him an outstanding mirror to other leaders and the youth have not been left out, but rather, have been buttressed. He is described as a nationalist with zero tolerance for corruption.

His eminence the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji AbdulMumini Kabir Usman has distinguished himself as a peace-loving leader and a father to all. As he rules, Katsina now more than ever, maintains its slogan as ‘The Home of Hospitality.’

Galadiman Katsina, Saddiq Abdullahi Mahuta, is a rare gem who is connected to his people and is always ready to listen to their opinions. As the poet captured in this collection, he follows the footsteps of his father, the late Galadima Abdullahi Mahuta, and his other predecessors. In addition, Galadima Sadiq Mahuta is believed to have a very good record during his career as Chief Judge of Katsina State.

Other eminent and exemplary personalities that featured in this collection include the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Faruk Umar, the Governor of Katsina State, Alhaji Aminu Bello Masari and several others.

Apart from his efforts to showcase qualities of these important contemporary distinguished Nigerians, Bashir also encourages people to double their efforts to search for knowledge and seek to apply it. This important message is depicted in one of the poems titled ‘Yantarawala’ (dedicated to Dr. Bukar Usman Biu) which emphasized the necessity of education for everyone who wants to achieve greatness in life.

The verses on Malam Kabiru Yusuf, the Chairman of Media Trust Limited, brought out the qualities of an educated personality who is simple, courageous and humble.

It is a well-known fact that justice and education are the key elements for peace and development of any society. There is also a poem on Dr. Ahmad Isah, the Ordinary President also known as ‘Hembelembe,’ anchor of the popular Radio/TV show Brekete Family broadcast live on Human Rights Radio and Television in Abuja. He is described as the voice of the voiceless, a philanthropist and a veteran broadcaster.

Apart from eulogies, the collection also featured several poems on the menace of drugs, the importance of education and fight against the Almajiri system of education and others.

Malam Bashir concluded his collection by encouraging Nigerians to keep hope alive by correcting past mistakes and planning for the future.