She descended slowly from the steps of the plane bearing the Nigeria Airways emblem, which had just landed at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport.
Her face was hidden behind dark sunglasses, and a mask covered her nose and mouth. Two young men with strikingly similar looks followed closely behind her.
She wore a long black gown with a matching shawl draped over her head. Her shoes were flat, simple footwear without any heels. In her hand was a medium-sized handbag, not too big nor too small.
One glance at her was enough to show she was wealthy; her appearance alone revealed that much.
This was Hajiya Iyami, wife of the former Nigerian Ambassador to America, who represented Nigeria between 1986 and 1993.
She closed her eyes gently, then opened them again, gazing at her homeland—Nigeria. Though she had been away for many years, she could still recognize some things she left behind. But with surprise, she also noticed how backward her country seemed. Yet despite its struggles, she longed to return permanently and live among her family.
“Easy, Hajjajo,” one of the young men behind her said, watching her gaze around in amazement, disappointed at the lack of progress in the country.
Since her husband left his diplomatic work, she had lived abroad with her family, working in a company that kept her busy and far from home. But now, she felt it was time to return to Nigeria—to raise her children and grandchildren in the cultural and moral upbringing of their people.
She strongly believed Hausa traditions were distinct from other cultures of the world. To the Hausa man, tradition was often blended with religion. And despite global corruption, Hausa values still preserved morals that benefited society. This made her decide—without consulting anyone—to move back to Nigeria permanently with her family.
Her children and grandchildren were shocked when she announced this decision, but she stood firm. She prepared everything beforehand—house renovations, business arrangements, and all necessities—so they would not suffer once they arrived.
Now, by Allah’s will, they had all gathered and returned home to Nigeria. Some of her family members were unhappy, thinking she had uprooted them from a comfortable life abroad to a land burdened with ignorance and hardship. But Hajiya was strong enough to carry everyone along. No one could challenge her wishes—except her eldest son, who was still in China working with modern technology companies. She trusted him completely because of his deep faith and values.
At the airport, their cars stood in line, all owned by the family. Hajiya Iyami, smiling slightly, was filled with joy at seeing her relatives who had come to welcome them. They exchanged brief greetings before entering the vehicles.
As the cars moved, she closed her eyes, remembering her late husband, Ambassador Alhaji Ma’azu, whose influence had provided them with security and blessings. It had been nearly ten years since he passed away, yet his legacy still sustained the family.
Their journey from Kano to Kaduna was not long, and soon they arrived safely. Relatives and friends crowded the house, celebrating their homecoming with food, drinks, and cheerful reunions. Life took on a new beginning for them in Kaduna, surrounded by loved ones.
Life at Home in Kaduna
The return also brought relatives to live with them. Two wives of her late husband’s brothers, along with her own daughter, joined them. Though they had simply come to settle, Hajiya welcomed them warmly. Along with her younger sister, they filled the house with four young women in total.
Hajiya Iyami ensured that everyone lived comfortably, paying attention to their needs. She provided everything—food, education, and enjoyment—so they would not lack anything.
Among the girls:
Salma, daughter of her late husband’s brother, who managed all household matters. The family respected him as if he were the head of the house because of his wisdom.
Rufaida, daughter of her husband’s younger brother, who had returned from Jos with her husband and children. She initially came for a short visit but never left, enjoying the warmth of the family.
Jamila, Hajiya’s own niece, whom she had taken in to relieve her sister of some burden. She treated Jamila like her own daughter.
Thus, Hajiya cared for all of them as if they were her biological children, and they, in turn, respected and loved her dearly.
The Household Conflicts
From the gate of their home, voices could be heard—Asabe, the grandmother who gave birth to their father, was shouting as usual. Her quarrels were a daily occurrence. Even though the children were used to it, her harsh words always stirred unrest.
That day, she was quarreling about firewood with their mother. Despite her weariness and hunger, Abu returned from school only to meet Asabe raining insults on their mother.
Their mother, humble and patient, tried to explain she only had a little firewood left, enough to cook a simple meal for the children. But Asabe continued, mocking her for not bearing sons, accusing her of laziness, and belittling her daughters.
Abu listened quietly, removing her worn-out school shoes and thinking about her struggles. Despite poverty and Asabe’s hostility, she had managed to reach Primary Six. She was determined to continue her studies, even though Asabe constantly pressured their father to stop the girls’ education and marry them off early.
That evening, when their father returned home, Asabe seized the chance to insult their mother further, complaining about poverty, hunger, and the burden of daughters. Their mother, tears hidden, served food humbly.
Abu, deeply hurt by her grandmother’s cruelty, silently promised herself she would never give up on education, no matter the hardship.
Description
Arrival at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport
She descended slowly from the steps of the plane bearing the Nigeria Airways emblem, which had just landed at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport.
Her face was hidden behind dark sunglasses, and a mask covered her nose and mouth. Two young men with strikingly similar looks followed closely behind her.
She wore a long black gown with a matching shawl draped over her head. Her shoes were flat, simple footwear without any heels. In her hand was a medium-sized handbag, not too big nor too small.
One glance at her was enough to show she was wealthy; her appearance alone revealed that much.
This was Hajiya Iyami, wife of the former Nigerian Ambassador to America, who represented Nigeria between 1986 and 1993.
She closed her eyes gently, then opened them again, gazing at her homeland—Nigeria. Though she had been away for many years, she could still recognize some things she left behind. But with surprise, she also noticed how backward her country seemed. Yet despite its struggles, she longed to return permanently and live among her family.
“Easy, Hajjajo,” one of the young men behind her said, watching her gaze around in amazement, disappointed at the lack of progress in the country.
Since her husband left his diplomatic work, she had lived abroad with her family, working in a company that kept her busy and far from home. But now, she felt it was time to return to Nigeria—to raise her children and grandchildren in the cultural and moral upbringing of their people.
She strongly believed Hausa traditions were distinct from other cultures of the world. To the Hausa man, tradition was often blended with religion. And despite global corruption, Hausa values still preserved morals that benefited society. This made her decide—without consulting anyone—to move back to Nigeria permanently with her family.
Her children and grandchildren were shocked when she announced this decision, but she stood firm. She prepared everything beforehand—house renovations, business arrangements, and all necessities—so they would not suffer once they arrived.
Now, by Allah’s will, they had all gathered and returned home to Nigeria. Some of her family members were unhappy, thinking she had uprooted them from a comfortable life abroad to a land burdened with ignorance and hardship. But Hajiya was strong enough to carry everyone along. No one could challenge her wishes—except her eldest son, who was still in China working with modern technology companies. She trusted him completely because of his deep faith and values.
At the airport, their cars stood in line, all owned by the family. Hajiya Iyami, smiling slightly, was filled with joy at seeing her relatives who had come to welcome them. They exchanged brief greetings before entering the vehicles.
As the cars moved, she closed her eyes, remembering her late husband, Ambassador Alhaji Ma’azu, whose influence had provided them with security and blessings. It had been nearly ten years since he passed away, yet his legacy still sustained the family.
Their journey from Kano to Kaduna was not long, and soon they arrived safely. Relatives and friends crowded the house, celebrating their homecoming with food, drinks, and cheerful reunions. Life took on a new beginning for them in Kaduna, surrounded by loved ones.
Life at Home in Kaduna
The return also brought relatives to live with them. Two wives of her late husband’s brothers, along with her own daughter, joined them. Though they had simply come to settle, Hajiya welcomed them warmly. Along with her younger sister, they filled the house with four young women in total.
Hajiya Iyami ensured that everyone lived comfortably, paying attention to their needs. She provided everything—food, education, and enjoyment—so they would not lack anything.
Among the girls:
Salma, daughter of her late husband’s brother, who managed all household matters. The family respected him as if he were the head of the house because of his wisdom.
Rufaida, daughter of her husband’s younger brother, who had returned from Jos with her husband and children. She initially came for a short visit but never left, enjoying the warmth of the family.
Jamila, Hajiya’s own niece, whom she had taken in to relieve her sister of some burden. She treated Jamila like her own daughter.
Thus, Hajiya cared for all of them as if they were her biological children, and they, in turn, respected and loved her dearly.
The Household Conflicts
From the gate of their home, voices could be heard—Asabe, the grandmother who gave birth to their father, was shouting as usual. Her quarrels were a daily occurrence. Even though the children were used to it, her harsh words always stirred unrest.
That day, she was quarreling about firewood with their mother. Despite her weariness and hunger, Abu returned from school only to meet Asabe raining insults on their mother.
Their mother, humble and patient, tried to explain she only had a little firewood left, enough to cook a simple meal for the children. But Asabe continued, mocking her for not bearing sons, accusing her of laziness, and belittling her daughters.
Abu listened quietly, removing her worn-out school shoes and thinking about her struggles. Despite poverty and Asabe’s hostility, she had managed to reach Primary Six. She was determined to continue her studies, even though Asabe constantly pressured their father to stop the girls’ education and marry them off early.
That evening, when their father returned home, Asabe seized the chance to insult their mother further, complaining about poverty, hunger, and the burden of daughters. Their mother, tears hidden, served food humbly.
Abu, deeply hurt by her grandmother’s cruelty, silently promised herself she would never give up on education, no matter the hardship.