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Balaraba Ramat Yakubu: The Voice of Northern Nigerian Women Through Hausa Literature

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From early marriage to literary empowerment, Balaraba Ramat Yakubu’s journey reshaped women’s narratives in Hausa society.

A Trailblazer in Hausa Literature

Balaraba Ramat Yakubu stands as one of Northern Nigeria’s most influential literary voices. Born in 1959 in Kano State, she rose from a conservative background to become a powerful advocate for women’s rights and education through her writing. Her novels, written in Hausa, belong to a popular literary genre known as littattafan soyayya—literally translated as “books of love.” But beneath their romantic surface lies sharp social commentary on patriarchy, gender inequality, and the struggles of Northern Nigerian women.

She holds the distinction of being the first female Hausa-language author whose work was translated into English, bringing Northern Nigerian women’s experiences to a global audience.

Early Life and Education

Balaraba Ramat Yakubu was born into a traditional Hausa family in Kano, Northern Nigeria. Growing up in a society where women’s roles were often confined to domestic spaces, her opportunities for formal education were limited. She attended only a few years of primary school before being married off at the age of 13, an experience that would later shape much of her creative and thematic vision.

Her early marriage exposed her to the realities of polygamy, societal expectations, and gender inequality—issues she would later confront directly in her writing. Despite these obstacles, Balaraba nurtured a passion for storytelling and literacy. Her self-driven education and persistence transformed her into a writer of remarkable cultural influence.

Rise of a Literary Icon

Yakubu’s literary journey began in the 1980s, during a time when women’s voices were largely absent from the Hausa literary scene. The littattafan soyayya movement emerged as a new wave of popular fiction that blended love stories with moral and social lessons. However, Yakubu’s contributions went beyond mere entertainment. Her stories highlighted the daily struggles of women navigating marriage, poverty, and societal expectations.

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Her most famous novel, Alhaki Kuykuyo Ne (Sin is a Puppy that Follows You Home), became a landmark in Hausa literature. The novel tells the story of a woman mistreated by her husband, exploring themes of betrayal, justice, and moral accountability. It offered readers a bold critique of gender oppression and religious hypocrisy in Northern Nigeria.

In 2012, the novel was translated into English by Aliyu Kamal and published by the African Books Collective, earning Yakubu international recognition as a feminist literary pioneer.

Themes and Influence

At the heart of Balaraba Ramat Yakubu’s work lies a deep concern for women’s empowerment and education. She often uses her female characters to challenge societal norms and question traditional gender roles. Through her stories, she promotes literacy, independence, and self-awareness among women in Hausa society.

Her works also reflect her Islamic faith, merging moral teachings with social reform. She has stated that her writing seeks to “correct societal wrongs” by teaching moral lessons in a language and style that resonates with Hausa-speaking audiences.

Yakubu’s novels are often discussed in the context of African feminist literature. However, she identifies not as a Western-style feminist, but as a reformer working within her cultural and religious framework—a stance that has made her both respected and controversial within conservative circles.

Beyond Writing: Film and Cultural Work

In addition to her success as an author, Balaraba Ramat Yakubu is a screenwriter, producer, and director in the Kannywood film industry—the Hausa-language film scene based in Kano. Her transition from literature to film allowed her to reach wider audiences, especially women who could not read.

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Her screenwriting often mirrors her literary themes, portraying female characters who defy stereotypes and fight for dignity and justice. By working in film, Yakubu helped expand the visibility of women’s voices in a male-dominated industry, contributing to the cultural evolution of Northern Nigerian cinema.

Personal Life and Legacy

Balaraba Ramat Yakubu’s life reflects resilience and purpose. Having faced early marriage and limited access to education, she transformed personal adversity into creative power. Her stories continue to inspire women to pursue education and self-reliance, especially in communities where such ideals are often discouraged.

Today, she is celebrated as one of the matriarchs of Hausa literature and a pioneer of women’s writing in Northern Nigeria. Her influence extends beyond literature into social advocacy and cultural preservation. Through her writing, she gave a voice to countless women whose stories were previously unheard.

References

Yakubu, Balaraba Ramat. Alhaki Kuykuyo Ne (Sin is a Puppy that Follows You Home). African Books Collective, 2012.

Furniss, Graham. “Love, Romance and Popular Fiction in Northern Nigeria.” Research in African Literatures, Vol. 42, No. 4, 2011.

British Library. “Balaraba Ramat Yakubu: Hausa Writer and Filmmaker.”

BBC Hausa Archives, “Women Who Changed Northern Nigeria,” 2019.

Nigerian Tribune, “Balaraba Ramat Yakubu: The Woman Who Dared to Write in Hausa,” 2021.

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Fans mourn late Nollywood actor Alex Ekubo

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Fans and followers of late Nollywood actor Alex Ekubo across social media platforms have expressed sadness over his demise, describing the incident as shocking and heartbreaking.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Nigerian entertainment industry has been thrown into mourning since Tuesday when news of the actor’s passing surfaced online.

Social media posts by his close colleagues, and trending media reports, stated that he died after a prolonged battle with cancer.

The incident has continued to generate frenzy on social media platforms, with fans across Nigeria and beyond pouring in condolence messages and tributes to the late thespian.

A fan, @Mr. Rekindled of AFC, asked: “Is this some late April Fool joke. God, what kind of news is this? Rest in peace bro I don’t even know what to type”.

@perpetua Ebubech wrote: “Rest well Alex I am done pressurising myself and being ungrateful. Being alive is enough. Aaaaaah Alex”.

@Amed Oshiorenua commented: “This one hurts me ooo”.

@sheismirah_bakr noted that: “Indeed, every soul shall taste death. May we leave behind kindness, love, and good memories May we be celebrated while we are alive, not only mourned when we are gone”.

@oheneba_nanayere_joyce wrote: “Ooo my God, have mercy on us”.

@SAMPSOLO on X wrote: “Omoh, sometimes when I hear such news I just sit down and think about life.

“Everything we’re struggling for can just end in one moment. It’s really scary”.

@nyarkowai23 said: “Aww fine boy. May his soul rest in peace”.

@_emefaaa wrote: “This is really sad, may his soul rest in peace”.

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@ceeyahs_xclusivcollection commented: “Social media makes a lot of us look like we are living happily when we are actually fighting our battles. Remember we are all passing through something. Stay humble, stay kind”.

@DOG3tt said: “What’s wrong with Nollywood, why is everyone dying young?”

@bbelleamieeee wrote: “I loved him in Keeping My Man with Ramsey and Ini. Sad news… rest easy Alex”.

Ekubo’s passing has also attracted tributes from his colleagues and other celebrities, with many describing him as a talented actor and a kind-hearted friend.

Veteran actor Richard Mofe-Damijo wrote: “Life is not only fickle, it can also feel unreal. Even as I type this, I still struggle to fully process it, and it deeply saddens me to hear this news.

“Rest in peace to a truly great soul. You came, you saw, and you conquered. We are proud of the life you lived, the journey you embraced, and the legacy you leave behind.

“Sleep well, our dear Alex.”

Actor Bolanle Ninalowo also wrote: “Rest on, Alex. May God heal your family and us all.”

Singer Peter Okoye simply posted: “RIP”.

Actor Chinedu Ikedieze wrote: “Jesus, how?”

In a post on his X page, human rights activist and politician Omoyele Sowore described the late actor as a “rare talent”.

“My profound condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Nollywood star Alexx Ekubo, who I understand passed away after a prolonged battle with cancer.

“I never met him personally, but I still cannot forget a movie of his I watched on an Emirates flight from New York to Dubai en route to Nairobi.

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“He was a rare talent whose presence lit up the screen effortlessly. May he rest in power.”

NAN reports that Alex Ekubo, born on April 10, 1986, was widely regarded as one of Nollywood’s most versatile actors, known for his performances in several hit films and television productions.

However, his prolonged absence from the public had raised concerns among fans and colleagues, as he stayed away from social media and public events for a long time.

His last post on Instagram was made in December 2024, shortly after reports emerged that his engagement to US-based model Fancy Acholonu had been called off.

(NAN)

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Why I assaulted my daughter, Ilebaye – Father

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Father of former Big Brother Naija All Stars winner, Ilebaye Odiniya, Emmanuel Odiniya, has broken his silence over the viral altercation involving his daughter, claiming he was provoked before allegedly assaulting her during a family confrontation.

In a voice note purportedly from Odiniya, and shared on Facebook on Sunday by Kogi-based journalist, Jeremiah Promise Enemona Ocheme, now circulating online, the father said the incident was not driven by hatred for his daughter but by frustration over what he described as her changed behaviour after winning the reality TV show.

“I want to put the records straight that what led to that incident was not that I don’t love my daughter. She is one of my best children,” he said.

He claimed he made sacrifices and mobilised support for her emergence as the winner of the BBNaija All Stars edition.

“During her time in the Big Brother Naija house, I contributed a lot. I stood by my daughter and made sure people voted for her massively. I used my influence and connections, including governors and other people, to support her until she won,” he stated.

According to him, their relationship allegedly deteriorated after her victory, accusing the reality star of becoming disrespectful and physically aggressive towards him.

“After she came out and won, she changed. Ilebaye stopped listening to me. I would book her appointments five to six times in a week and she wouldn’t give me audience. She stopped regarding me as her father,” he alleged.

The father further criticised her lifestyle, particularly her alleged cosmetic procedures.

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“I warned her against getting cosmetic surgery — face reconstruction with fillers and BBL. She’s too young for that,” he said.

Emmanuel also alleged that his daughter had physically attacked him on previous occasions.

“She has hit me twice, and I didn’t do anything to her. One day she took an AC hanger and hit me with it till blood started gushing out of my body,” he claimed.

Speaking on the latest confrontation, he alleged that the reality TV star assaulted him first before the situation escalated.

“In this recent incident, she insulted me, hit me first with a sea hanger, causing bleeding, pushed me, and then broke an electric lantern on my head,” he said.

He also accused her of neglecting him financially despite his health challenges.

“I am very sick and needed to go for medical treatment in Dubai. I called Ilebaye to help me with some money and promised to refund her. She said she didn’t have money. But I saw her video spraying bundles of naira at a colleague’s wedding,” he alleged.

The father further alleged that his daughter negatively influenced her younger brother and interfered in his marriage.

“She has also influenced her younger brother with drugs, and he was expelled from school because of it. She once advised me to divorce her mother,” he added.

Despite the accusations, Emmanuel maintained that he still loved his daughter and wanted reconciliation.

“I still love my daughter deeply. I want her to change and do better. I ask for prayers from Nigerians. The police have already intervened and settled the matter,” he said.

See also  Nigeria’s Independence in Print: The Daily Times, October 1, 1960

PUNCH Online had earlier reported that Ilebaye, alongside members of her family, including her father and younger brothers, were hospitalised following the confrontation at their Abuja residence.

The incident became public after the reality TV star shared an emotional livestream video crying for help, sparking concern among fans and followers online.

Confirming the development, the spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, Josephine Adeh, disclosed that all parties involved sustained injuries and were receiving medical treatment.

“The man is in the hospital; he is sick. All of them were badly injured and are all in the hospital,” Adeh had said.

She also stated that the siblings were under police protective custody while investigations continued into the matter.

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Kwara concludes airlift of pilgrims for 2026 Hajj

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The Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has concluded the airlift of intending pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj exercise with the departure of the last batch of 223 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.

The pilgrims departed aboard Max Air from the Babatunde Idi-Agbon International Airport, Ilorin, at about 6:05 am on Saturday.

The development was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the Press Secretary of the Board, Sodiq Abdulmumin Folarin.

Speaking before the departure, the Chairman of the Board, Prof. Mashood-Mahmud Jimba, thanked Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for supporting the successful transportation of the pilgrims.

The Executive Secretary of the Board, Abdulsalam Abdulkadir, advised the pilgrims “to be good ambassadors of the state and country at large while in Saudi Arabia.”

Also speaking, the Amirul-Hajj and Etsu Tsaragi, Aliyu Abdullahi Kpotwa, urged the pilgrims to pray for peace and unity in the country and the state.

The final batch was accompanied by Jimba, Abdulkadir, Kpotwa and other state officials.

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