RINGIM, JIGAWA STATE.
Our motto is "Jinin dabo ringimgim da ka garin karamci" which means "The blood of Dabo is generous and hospitable." We embrace this motto because we are people of generosity and dignity, who uphold traditions, and our town is known for its water and fish, and we are skilled in farming. Believe me, if you visit Ringim, you will see that I am not exaggerating.
My name is Amina Abubakar Salihu, but I am nicknamed AFIYYA because I was named after my paternal grandmother. My grandfather, Alhaji Salihu, was the Waziri (chief advisor) of the Emir of Ringim, so I have royal blood. I often wonder if infertility runs in our family. Although childbirth occurs, it is not frequent; usually, only one child is born, and then it stops. My grandmother, Hajiya Amina, was originally from Ganjin Gebi. She was the only wife my grandfather married, and they had five children. My father, Abubakar, is the eldest, followed by my uncle Sa'idu, then my aunt Mummy Maryam, followed by uncle Ahmad, also known as Tijjani, and the youngest, Uncle Salihu, whom we call Babawo, my very own savior.
As we know, when the Westerners introduced formal education, it started with the royal families to set an example for the rest of the community. This was also the case for us; when the Emir's children were to attend school, my father and uncle Sa'idu were included. My grandmother was initially opposed because she felt it was a way to divert the children's attention from Islamic teachings. It took a lot of convincing for her to agree to send them to school. However, uncle Sa'idu was adamant and would run away to their aunt's house in Kyarama, despite the distance between Ringim and Kyarama. When my father returned and complained to my grandmother, she would scold him, but it was in vain because she did not support the idea either, although she felt obliged to comply.
