ZUMUNTAR KENAN Complete Document Written By Sumayya Abdulkadir Takori
Description
As you arrive at the town of Giwa, you will be greeted by a modern red-roofed house with a round stainless steel gate named Mahdi-ka-ture. This house is the centerpiece of an estate consisting of fifteen contemporary homes. If you look up, you’ll see the shimmering golden inscription “ABUBAKAR BAMALLI GIWA ESTATE.” These houses are arranged in a dispersed manner, painted in a pleasing egg yolk color, with one distinct exception—the first house.
The first house stands out among the others, being the largest and the only one with an upstairs. It belongs to an old lady named HAJIYA HADIZA GIWA, affectionately called HAJJAH by her children and grandchildren. Surprisingly, she resides alone in this spacious house, having given birth to all fifteen of her children without any husband or rival in her life.
According to the people of Giwa town, this unique situation arose due to the love HAJIYA HADIZA’s late husband, Abubakar Bamalli Giwa, had for her and her kind and considerate nature towards everyone. Thus, after Abubakar’s passing, his children found solace in their mother, HAJJAH, who became the pillar of their family. Her guidance and discipline extended to her grandchildren as well.
With her sharp mind, HAJJAH could understand the intentions behind every move made by her children and grandchildren. She commanded respect and ensured that disputes were settled with her consent. Despite the love she showered upon her grandchildren, she never allowed favoritism or rivalry among them. They cherished her more than their own parents, often returning to her house (referred to as the main house) to seek comfort, enjoy her delicious meals, and listen to her captivating stories and life lessons.
Although HAJJAH doted on her grandchildren, she never resorted to corporal punishment or harsh discipline. Instead, she acted as a caring and understanding confidant, ready to listen to their troubles and provide reassurance.
Following Abubakar Bamalli Giwa’s death, HAJJAH played a crucial role in preserving family ties and maintaining marriages among their descendants. She upheld her husband’s decisions, even if it meant enforcing compulsory relationships among relatives. Her efforts led to the growth and expansion of A.B Giwa’s descendants in Giwa town and the neighboring areas. Their distinctive appearance, with Mallanci furrows on each side of their faces, served as a recognizable trait.
Besides her own grandchildren, HAJJAH also cared for the families of her late husband’s brothers, Kaltume and Kubra, both widows. They grew up under her care and took on the responsibility of managing the household and cooking, despite having plenty of workers.
The boys (Boys quarters), who were raised separately from HAJJAH’s first house, were the ones who fled their parents’ homes but found refuge under her care until they came of age. The rest of her grandchildren, whom she lovingly raised, married within Giwa or Zaria, often within their bloodline.
Abubakar Bamalli Giwa was a wealthy man known for his farming activities, specializing in the cultivation of various food products such as corn, millet, achcha, yam, wheat, rice, potatoes, and yams. His farms supplied these crops annually to markets in various towns, transported in Daf-Daf sacks. Apart from his farms, he owned houses in Giwa, Kaduna, and Zaria, which he rented out free of charge. His business flourished over the years, making him a well-known figure in the region.
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