Day Jabo people celebrated culture with colours, spectacle

It was a show of colours, culture and spectacle last Sunday when Jabo district of Sokoto State celebrated the third anniversary of its Sarkin, His Royal Highness Aliyu Garba, as well as witnessed the turbaning ceremony of Brigadier General Muhammad Nata’ala Umar (rtd) and Alhaji Sambo Bunu. Old, young, male and female outdid one another […]

It was a show of colours, culture and spectacle last Sunday when Jabo district of Sokoto State celebrated the third anniversary of its Sarkin, His Royal Highness Aliyu Garba, as well as witnessed the turbaning ceremony of Brigadier General Muhammad Nata’ala Umar (rtd) and Alhaji Sambo Bunu.
Old, young, male and female outdid one another as they ensured visitors had a full dose of dance, music, food and a variety of exciting performances while taking them through the various thrills of their culture. Although it was a market day, all businesses were closed to mark the fête.
Beginning with the turbaning ceremony at the 1891 constructed palace of the traditional ruler, all present went on the no less than 3 km horse parade with both personalities from the palace to the community gate where camels were lined up in their hundreds as a symbolic part of the event.
Drummers showed the dexterity of their skills, drumming in various unique positions, as they produced sounds which provoked applause from spectators, some of whom joined in the fun. In this category were the ‘kidan kwariya:’ women who attracted other women to the beats and revolting lyrics emanating from the calabashes and sticks in their hands.
Speaking on the day, the Sarkin Burmin Jabo, Aliyu Garba, said: “Although it coincides with the celebration of my third anniversary, it is more a celebration of our two illustrious sons, Sambo Bunu and Brigadier General Muhammad Nata’ala Umar (rtd), whom we have deemed fit to honour with the titles of Walin Jabo and Shattiman Jabo. It is a ceremony we have looked forward to and we are happy to show off our tradition in the process.”
He added that: “Even the Emir of Gwandu ‘regrets’ that Brig. Gen. Umar got the title from us before he got round to giving it to him. The other recognition goes to my younger brother whom I didn’t initially think would accept because of how principled a person he is and more for his benevolence for the people and his willingness to come to their aid. From the number of people who have come here in his honour, you can tell that Bunu deserves this. Many are seeing themselves for the first time in 10 years or more.”  
Former Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Ibrahim Coomassie, told Weekend Magazine that Umar is one of the strongest members of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF). “We have accompanied him in solidarity to come and participate in the celebrations. We also ceased the opportunity to congratulate our former president, Alhaji Shehu Shagari,” he said.
Umar said the feeling of receiving the news that he was to be given the title was one of ease. The septuagenarian said: “The recognition is quite pleasing and it means we have been challenged to work harder and we’ll do that for the development of this area and the state. For someone like me who has served across the nation, I know it is a big challenge.”
For many, like Nana Umar, a traveller who stopped to witness the spectacle, it was the first time in her life to see so many camels in one spot all dutifully standing in position. “I’m a northerner and grew up here, but this is my first contact with such a large herd of camels,” she said.
“More interesting for me are the different costumes they’ve been adorned with; I must say it all makes the show more worth to observe,” Nana added.
According to the ‘Sarkin Fada’ of the community, who serves as a caretaker, the camels are a key part of the life and tradition of Jabo people. “Sokoto borders Niger Republic where there are a lot of camels. Here, camels and horses are our traditional symbols and they are synonymous with the north. We don’t have festivals like this without camels. Even from the hinterlands, people who have camels will bring them of their own free will,” ‘Fada’ said.
He further explained that: “There is congestion here at the palace and inadequate space to have all of them fully displayed as we have today. This is the reason we stationed them at the entry point into our community so that visitors know as soon as they enter here that camels are a part of our everyday life. “They serve multi-purposes here; for carrying load and for farming as well. It is almost impossible to find a household without one.”  
A delightful point for all present was entertainment by 86-year-old Baba Sani who didn’t seem like he was ready to wind down from singing and dancing anytime soon. Welcomed into the arena by thunderous applauses and cheers, he set to thrill, proving that he deserved every inch of the accolades and even more. Singing for royalty only since he was six, a high-spirited Sani told our reporter that: “Retirement isn’t anywhere near yet” as he swayed away in nimble steps trying hard not to trip over his ‘babariga.’