I remember the good old days with a warm sense of nostalgia when life was simple, and three square meals were never a struggle. Childhood in Kaduna was defined by innocence and adventure: trekking to school barefoot, hunting for ripe mangoes and garden eggs in the shrubs near the riverbank we fondly called Bundumbundum.
Primary education was affordable just a pound. Just as we were preparing for Primary Seven, a new education policy came into force, truncating it at Primary Six. I still recall dodging certain routes on our way home from school because they were dumping spots for human waste, collected for disposal whose final destination only God knows.
Afternoons were for the TV. At exactly 4:00 p.m., we would sit patiently for NTA Kaduna to begin transmission. Our favourite shows became household names. The Village Headmaster with characters like Kabiyesi, Chief Eleyimi, and Garus the village headmaster was a national staple. The Masquerade brought laughter through Chief Zebrudaya (alias 430), Ovuleria, Jegede Shokoya, Akpeno, Clarus, Gringori and Natty.
There was also Icheoku, a hilarious satire about court rulings in Ndigbo rural communities. Samanja Mazan Fama, the soldier comedy led by Samanja himself, and Karambana, brilliantly delivered by the legendary Kasimu Yero (Uncle Gaga), kept audiences glued. Cockcrow at Dawn, with Sadiq Daba playing Bitrus, was both entertaining and educational. We also loved Dan Wanzam na Boka mai Kokeli a Sokoto drama series, Kuliya Manta Sabo a Kano court sessions , and Jaguar.
Internationally, we watched The Saint with Simon Templar (played by Roger Moore), Zorro, The Cat, Mod Squad, Hawaii Five-O, and cowboy series like Bonanza, featuring Dan Blocker, Michael Landon, Pernell Roberts, and Lorne Greene. Harold Lloyd’s silent comedies were a weekend delight.
Radio was just as important. The NBC, later renamed Radio Kaduna to FRCN Kaduna, had captivating programs. One standout was Democracy in Action, brilliantly anchored by Abdulmalik Addy. Alkawari Kaya Ne, by Halilu Ahmed Getso, brought moral lessons into homes.
When it came to music, Timmy Nebuwa was the name. His voice introduced us to new hits both local and foreign. From Nigerian greats like Christy Essien-Igbokwe, Felix Liberty, Dizzy K Falola, Chris Okotie, and Onyeka Onwenu to highlife legends like Victor Uwaifo (Joromi), Oliver De Coque, and Osita Osadebe.
International sounds filled the airwaves: The Jackson Five, Michael Jackson, The Whispers, Shalamar, Kool and the Gang, The Gap Band, and Marvin Gaye with Let’s Get It On and Sexual Healing. Teddy Pendergrass made us believe that “life is a song worth singing,” while The Temptations’ Papa Was a Rolling Stone echoed through our radios. Reggae was not left out Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, and U-Roy with Go There Natty were kings of the genre. Kurtis Blow wrapped up the rap genre with his song about sex.
At night, Durbar Hotel’s After Six Club was the go-to spot. Sadiq Daba doubled as MC and DJ, making the place vibrant and classy. Hamdala Hotel was another treasure with its public swimming pool, zoo, Eatery and serene environment.
When Bongos Ikwue released ‘Kada Ku Hau ‘ a song advising against jumping over stadium fences without tickets we took offense, thinking he was mocking us. Little did we know it was about safety.
Kaduna back then was also a sports powerhouse. Paul Buba was a three-time national cycling champion. Mohammed Kalambaye and Abdullahi Aondo thrilled in boxing with their coach Yahaya Shombe. Football legends like Rashidi Yekini and Charles Yanchio came from here. So did Daniel Amokachi, Garba Lawal, Celestine and Emmanuel Babayaro, and Ayo Ogunlana.
Indeed, those were the days of peace, community, and purpose. We attend Bazaars at churches and enjoy Sallah with our Christian brethren with grandeur. I often wish we could turn back the hands of time return to the fervor, the pride, the unity, and the promise of those good old days.
