History would never be complete without the action or
inactions of great men and women who have significantly made their society
better than it was; leaving behind legacies that outlived many generations and
indelibly left their footprints on the sands of time. From time immemorial,
kings or chiefs have had course to change the dynamics of their lives and
society by their heroics in battle, establishing mighty empires, amassing great
wealth, championing renaissance, uniting fragmented and antagonistic
communities, amongst other great feats. These and many more they have achieved
through elucidated vision, uncommon bravery, indomitable courage, dexterity and
astuteness. They are usually loved by their people, hated by their enemies and
revered by posterity.
The earth has played host to great and legendary men like Biblical
King David and his son King Solomon, King Alexander III of
Macedon (known as Alexander the Great 356 BCE – 323 BCE), King
Constantine (Roman Emperor from 306 to 337 AD of Thracian-Illyrian
ancestry.), Shaka Zulu (King of Zulu, 1818-1828), Mansa Kankan Mussa (King of
Mali, 1306 to 1332), Jaja of Opobo (1821-1891). What these great men had in
common was that they were the custodian of their people’s culture and
traditions, and passionately defended their people against external aggression.
One King (Chief) that is presently stepping into the footpath of great Kings
before him is, His Royal Highness (Dr) Ishaku S. Damina, the B’gbang Kurmi, the
second paramount chief of the Akurmi (Kurama) people in Lere local government
of Kaduna state. He succeeded the late Chief, Alhaji Tanimu Shuaibu.
His ascendency to the throne can be attributed to the will
of God; because it brought stability to the Akurmi (Kurama) nation, after many years
of uneasy calm especially that of mistrust and suspicion generated by the
dispute over the District Headship in Yarkasuwa since 2001. As a peace-maker
and a bridge-builder, he has successfully prevented, managed and resolved
conflicts with tact and dexterity to the admiration of many, including his
critics. A trained Veterinary Doctor and a seasoned politician, he has brought
his wealth of experience, depth of knowledge and exposure into play in successfully
running the affairs of the Kurama chiefdom.
As the custodian of the Akurmi (Kurama) culture and
traditions, he has brought about a renaissance of historical consciousness among
the Akurmi people through setting-up cultural committees and encouraging the
activities of especially the various associations. Some of the notable and
recent activities include the conference and subsequent first of its kind book
about the Akurmi history (The Akurmi People of Central Nigeria: Their Heritage
and Hope) by the Akurmi Studies Group, the annual cultural festival by the
Federated Kurama Youth Association (National Body), and the production of an
Akurmi documentary in partnership with the NTA organized by the Federated
Kurama Association-Kaduna (Parent-body and Youth wing). In fact, the NTA crew
testified that of all the communities they had worked with in the past, he is
the most accommodating and enthusiastic Chief of them all and the community with
the richest history.
Either by design or coincidence, his reign so far has
brought about the reemergence of the Akurmi (Kurama) people in various spheres
of endeavors and calling. Today, and unprecedented to, an avalanche of Akurmi sons
and daughters are enthusiastically pursuing academic qualifications like never
before in various fields. Once upon a time we had a negligible number of
professionals in fields such as medicine, law, engineering, architecture, banking,
lecturing and even professors; but the story is rapidly changing, we can now
hold our heads high among our equals.
We can now proudly boost of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria,
Permanent Secretary, Directors, Head of Departments; while in the recent past
we had two members in the State House of Assembly, two commissioners (with one
of them a permanent commissioner still in office) amongst others. Even though
nationally agriculture has not fared well coupled with the high level of youth
rural-urban migration, the Akurmi people have not abandoned the age-long
economic activity. We also, interestingly to, are beginning to witness the
emergence of a new generation of entrepreneurs and business owners especially
within the youth population. All the aforementioned and many more, would not be
today a possibility without the grace of God upon our B’gbang Kurmi and the
stabilizing role he is playing that has brought direction and peace to the
Akurmi nation.
Sterling quality that every leader should have is that of
decisiveness and vision; of which our present B’gbang Kurmi has it in no short
supply, he displays it as an in-built character. When it comes to decisions that have to do
with the fate of his people, he burns bridges and without hesitation takes decisions
that move his people towards the promise land (figuratively speaking). This he
displayed when the Akurmi people became polarized as a result of the issue of
state creation and where we should belong to either with Gurara or Zazzau (New
Kaduna) state, when created. Upon widespread consultation, due consideration
and consensus among critical stakeholders; without hesitation, he took a
decision and proclaimed that the Akurmi people should face the direction of
Gurara state.
The question, am sure, many that are unaware of who the
Kurama people are, would be asking is who is this great man, who loves his
people so much and an able custodian of their culture and traditions? Dr. Ishaku
S. Damina was given birth to into the Damina
Kamisa family in Parparu from Yarkasuwa in Makwarga; his star began to shine
early on from primary school up to the tertiary level where he studied Veterinary
Medicine and became a certified doctor. As a thoroughly bred
professional; he bagged many awards, belong to professional associations and
sits on many boards. His quest to liberate his people pushed him into politics,
where he began to shine politically during the former President Babangida failed
transitional process when he contested to represent his people at the National
Assembly.
Afterwards, he continued in the political struggle down to
the fourth Republic when he actively participated in laying the foundation for
democracy and his then party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), to take
root. He was also at the fore-front of those that ensured that former Governor
Ahmed Makarfi became the executive governor of the state in 1999. At a point,
he was the National Assistant Publicity Secretary of the PDP; before fate
anointed him to become the second B’gbang Kurmi of Akurmi (Kurama) Chiefdom.
The Akurmi (Kurama) nation is truly proud to have such an
elegant, tactful, benevolent, pragmatic, philanthropic and pro-people Chief. While
we would continue to support him; we urge him to continue to do more. We pray
that God would continue to grant him wisdom, good health and long life.
Yusuf I Goje
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