Late Rtd. Sgt. Garba Gwanyo
emerged into this sinful world to the family of late Gwanyo Dariya and Aguni
Hayin Gwanyo in 1914, in Garun Kurama District, lere local government, Kaduna
state. He had an upbringing like any other child in the community, which was
deeply rooted in the traditional religion which guided the traditions and
cultures of the people of Garun Kurama at that period in time. It was in this
context that he got married to his fist wife by the name of Chichi; the
marriage was blessed with a child, who they named Dallatu Garba (who was later
on killed in Onitsha during the civil war).
As fate had designed it, baba had
a bitter misunderstanding with his father that resulted in his running away
from home, from then on providence took charge. When baba was away from home he
was converted to Christianity by the missionaries in 1938, he was baptized by
Rev. Adebayo on 20th May, 1942 in Jos; baba in his selfless nature
was compelled by the overwhelming desire to carry the message of salvation to
his people, he returned to his people with the gospel of Christ, then under the
denomination of the assemblies of God.
From this point on baba became
the target of vicious persecution because of his new found belief, which many
viewed as a threat to their institutionalized diabolical traditional beliefs,
every possible effort was made to frustrate baba. But instead of this to be a
source of depression; it rather strengthened baba’s faith in his quest to go
into the world to preach the gospel to all nation, with his community
inclusive.
The community stigmatized baba to
the level that he had to leave to be on his own; this compelled him to find
shelter in hills and other peoples homes, baba even with his predicaments
ensured that anywhere his feet took him to, he was always found preaching and
teaching the word of God . it was when baba was involved in the gospel of
Christ, he went to a boys brigade meeting in Damakasuwa, in the present day
Kauru local government, it was there that he met Mrs. Kande (Garba) and they
subsequently got married. They are blessed with ten children (even though one
is late), with thirty one grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Baba had his early education
courtesy of S.I.M mission; they sent him for training in Kagoro, where he
obtained his early education. As a man with a selfless character, baba
motivated others to also go to Kagoro for training too, his first converts were
Rev. Mammam Umaya, Gambo Abuga, Mal. Ujare among many. Baba had his own share
of working experience outside evangelism, first as the secretary of the village
head, then the amalgamated Tin Mines of Nigeria as a tractor driver in Jos, and
later on he joined the Native Authority
Police in 1953, which was later on transformed into the Nigeria Police
Authority in 1970, there he rose through the ranks to retire as a police
sergeant. In 1978 he worked with the E.C.W.A Rural Development in Jos.
Baba was also very industrious,
this portrayed his disdain for laziness, at one point or the other he engaged
himself in animal and grains farming. Another area that brought baba fame was
when he ventured to become a chemist; it even earned him the nickname “baba mai
shago”. This he did until old age stole his strength, even though he was still
enterprising until his regrettable demise on the 10th May 2013.
The life of baba is a legacy for
any Kurama son or daughter that aspires for greatness; he showed determination
even in the face of persecution from his parents, relations and community. His
was a life of dedication to both the service of God and humanity. He was
selfless and never was a bigot, even with his unshakeable belief in Christ, he
accommodated non Christians without reservations, and he was a true man of the
people.
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