By Sule Aliyu Bauchi
The ancient town of Gumau, headquarters of Lame District in Toro Local Government Area of Bauchi State, recently played host to a colorful durbar and cultural heritage display known as Hawan Mamman Kusu.
This momentous occasion brought together people from diverse backgrounds and cultures from Bauchi, Niger, Kano, Jigawa, Kaduna, and Plateau states to celebrate the rich history and traditions of the first Sarkin Yakin Bauchi, Mamman Kusu.
The durbar was a spectacular display of horse riding, music, dances, and cultural heritage, attracting a large gathering of visitors from within and outside Bauchi State.
The event was graced by traditional and community leaders, government officials, politicians, and business moguls, all of whom were treated to a mesmerizing display of the district's rich cultural tapestry.
In his keynote address, the traditional title holder of Bauchi Chief Worrior (Sarkin Yakin Bauchi), Alh. Aliyu Yakubu Lame who is also the District Head of Lame, urged his subjects to embrace peace and preach love and unity among themselves.
Alh . Lame highlighted the significance of harnessing culture to promote peace and unity in Toro Local Government, the state, and the country at large.
He attributed some security challenges to the abandonment of cultural values, beliefs, and practices, stressing that sustaining cultural values is vital for promoting peace, unity, and social harmony
He emphasized that the event was designed to promote peaceful coexistence, honor the sacrifice of Late Mamman Kusu, and share the joy of the recently celebrated Eid-el-Fitry..
Lame who expressed regret that every activity in Nigeria today be it official or private is turning into capital intensive which requires perseverance, indurance and patience to unde
To this end, the ‘Sarkin Yakin’ Bauchi commended the state government and the Bauchi Emirate Council for their immense moral and financial support in keeping the district, village and ward heads afloat, saying the economy has been bedeviled by inflationary trends.
Alh Lame was fielding journalists’ questions shortly hosting this year’s annual ‘Mamman Kusu’ Durbar in remembrance of the first Sarkin Yaki of Bauchi dates back to 300 years ago, held weekend at Gumau, headquarters of Lame district in Toro Local Government Area of Bauchi state.
Alh. Aliyu Yakubu Lame who is the 16th Sarkin Yaki of Bauchi, explained that it has become capital intensive to organize such an annual rememberance Durbar, and called on constituted authorities, corporate bodies and wealthy individuals to help keep the annual event alive and lively.
Lame, while recalling that the first ‘Sarkin Yaki’ was on the saddle for 18 years dates back to 300 years ago, had gallantly fought the jihad war in the establishment of an Islamic government under the Caliphate leadership of Usman Dan-Fodio which then comprised of almost Northern Nigeria.
The district head said however that while that jihad was fought with swords, bows and arrows, today’s jihad is being fought with education, hence Lame’s resolve after his appointment five years ago vowed to ensure that every school-age child goes to school.
Lame therefore appealed to his subjects and the people generally to support and cooperate with governments at all levels in their efforts to provide democracy dividends to the citizenry, while giving out helping hands to security matters in ensuring peaceful and harmonious co-existence among the diverse ethnic groups
He also commended the people of Lame district for their financial and moral support in facilitating the staging of the durbar, as well as the weeklong prayers in rememberance of the first ‘Sarkin Yaki’, Mamman Kusu as part of the activities of the annual durbar, and urged them not to relent in this regard in upholding culture and tradition.
Sarkin Yaki, who is also a permanent council member in the Bauchi emirate, further recalled that late Mamman Kusu played tremendous role during the jihad of Usman Dan-Fodio for the rule and expansion of the Ismaniyya empire, stressing the need to remember such a gallant Nauchi Worrior.
According to him, the staging of the Mamman Kusu annual durbar is to provide an avenue for everything son and daughter of Lame district wherever he/she may be to come back home, unite together and discuss developmental issues pertaining the district with a view to move it forward.
He also emphasized the need to remember and celebrate, Mamman Musa as the founding father of Lame district and Chief Worrior of Bauchi emirate under the tutelage of Emir of Bauchi, Dr. Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu who is the Chief Worrior (Sarkin Yaki) of the Ismaniyya empire.
Highlights of the annual event included turbaning of some illustrious sons of Lame district, horse riding by the village and ward heads of Lame, Wonu, Rahama, Tama Rishi and Zalam, among other settlements of the
He also commended the people of Lame district for their financial and moral support in facilitating the staging of the durbar, as well as the weeklong prayers in rememberance of the first ‘Sarkin Yaki’, Mamman Kusu as part of the activities of the annual durbar, and urged them not to relent in this regard in upholding culture and tradition.
Attendees commended the District Head for his exceptional leadership and commitment to promoting unity and cultural heritage through the annual Mamman Kusu Durbar.
They described the event as a landmark occasion poised to boost economic activities and attract local and international investors to the state, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the area.
The successful hosting of the Hawan Mamman Kusu durbar is a testament to the district's commitment to promoting peace, unity, and cultural heritage.
As the district looks to the future, it is clear that events like this will play a vital role in shaping the community's identity and fostering a sense of togetherness among its people.
