24/09/2023
THE DESTINY SON OF HUNTER IN GAKPAN
In a remote riverine area of Gakpan in Kpada District nestled deep within a lush forest, there lived a young boy named Kolo. He was the son of a humble hunter, Baba Jiya, who had spent his entire life living off the land and the bounties of the river. Life was simple but fulfilling for the family, and they cherished the natural beauty that surrounded them.
Kolo had always been fascinated by the tales his father would tell him in the evenings, sitting by the campfire. These stories were not of grand adventures or distant lands, but of the deep connection between their people and the untamed wilderness. Yah Ndache "Baba Jiya" taught Kolo the art of hunting, fishing, and surviving in harmony with nature.
As Kolo grew older, he began to understand the delicate balance that existed between his people and the forest. The river provided fish, the forest gave them food, and in return, they respected and protected these sacred realms. But destiny had a different plan for young Kolo, one that would test his understanding of this harmony.
One fateful day, a powerful storm descended upon Gakpan village. The river swelled, its waters threatening to flood their homes. Kolo and his father, along with other villagers, worked tirelessly to build makeshift barriers to divert the rising waters. Their efforts were in vain, as the river's rage overwhelmed their defenses, sweeping away their homes and possessions.
The villagers, including Kolo's family, were left with nothing but the clothes on their backs. They faced the heart-wrenching decision to leave their ancestral lands behind and seek refuge in a nearby town along the Kpada village. Kolo's father, Yah Ndache "Baba Jiya", felt the weight of the situation deeply, knowing that they were leaving behind not just their homes but also their way of life.
In the town, life was starkly different from what Kolo had known. The bustling streets and crowded buildings felt foreign to him. His father took on odd jobs to make ends meet, and Kolo attended a school for the first time in his life at Patigi. Although he struggled with the new environment and the unfamiliarity of books, he was determined to learn.
As the years passed, Kolo's perseverance and innate connection with nature shone through. He became known as the "Destiny Son of Hunter in Gakpan," a title that reflected his unique blend of traditional wisdom and newfound knowledge. He excelled in his studies, eventually earning an outstanding performance to Kaduna to study Public Admin at a prestigious Polytechnic through hardship and pain of never seeing where the sunshine will emanate.
Kolo's journey was not without challenges. He often felt torn between the modern world and the ancient traditions of his people. Yet, he realized that he carried with him a responsibility to bridge these two worlds, to use his education to protect the natural treasures and impactive that his village had revered for generations.
Returning to his riverine homeland in Gakpan as a qualified customs officer after several years of working from hand to mouth, Kolo initiated projects to restore the river's health, promote sustainable fishing practices, and conserve the forest that had been his home. His efforts not only brought prosperity back to his Gakpan community but also strengthened the bond between the people and the land they had reclaimed.
As the years passed, Kolo's story became an inspiration to many. He proved that even in the face of adversity and displacement, one could carry their heritage and values forward while embracing the opportunities of the modern world. Kolo, the "Destiny Son of a Hunter in Gakpan, a Riverine Area," became a symbol of resilience, harmony, and the enduring connection between humans and nature.
Story source; Gakpan Village
Ref: Baba Jiya Kolo Kolo Baba
Amir Rational is my Appellation ๐๏ธ