NIGERIA: Abuja: Malaysia Day (16 September 2016) - (PART 1)

Late August, I received an email from the High Comm's office in Abuja inviting Malaysians in Nigeria to celebrate Hari Merdeka (Independence Day) with them. There will be the flag raising ceremony and singing of the national anthem, Negaraku. A short speech from the Prime Minister would be read out by the High Commissioner himself and like truly Malaysian we are, there's the makan-makan (eating, feast). 

It was the 59th Merdeka celebration and we in Lagos, 8++km away celebrated by organising a small makan-makan for Saifuddeen. He and his family left this shore a few days after Merdeka day.

NIGERIA: Lagos: Eid al-Kabir (Part 1)

We celebrated Eid ul-Fitr (Aidil Fitri) in Malaysia and that was during the school summer holiday, but Eid al-Kabir, Aidil Adha, Hari Raya Korban or Hari Raya Haji (Hajj) in Nigeria for a change. It's a two day public holiday, so going back to Malaysia is not an option. 

certainly a one way ticket for the ram

This year's Hajj season was marred with tragedy. First was the crane accident at Masjidil Haram in Mecca and the stampede in Mina (May Allah grant them Jannah). In my mind, the previous Friday's khutbah (sermon) by Imam Sulaiman Ibrahim urging Muslims to do the Qurban (slaughtering of livestock). 

If you've met or have Nigerian friends, they can be very animated during conversation, so does this particular Imam. 
He told the story of Allah's prophet Abraham and his son, Ismael in a very out of ordinary manner....but in a nice way, actually (all the hand gestures and slaughter was a hand across the neck). He mentioned about the livestock, the age, the condition, price and the dividing of the meat. Regarding price, he was talking about the need to strive for the best livestock...but within budget. Do not abandon your niat (intention) and focus on the reward in hereafter....and that is faith. He reminded the verse from the Holy Koran which we recite at least 5 times a day...

"Say. Indeed My prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my life and my death are all for Allah, The Lord of The Worlds"

- Surah Al An'am/The Cattle (6:162)

I put off the idea of doing the Qurban this year until the moment we were on our way back to Lagos from Abeokuta, Ogun state (story here) where we passed the Kara Market which was full with goats and cattle. 

Kara livestock market, Lagos

NIGERIA: Kaduna-Abuja: Malaysians in Abuja...and the High Comm

It was already late in the evening when we left Kaduna. Entering the interchange into the freeway to Abuja, when were saw this..

a small plot of corn field

NIGERIA: Kaduna State: Madam's Birthday Celebration (The Orphanage)

At long last, we are in Kaduna State!

Kaduna State is to the North of Abuja, but belongs to the North West of the geopolitical zone in Nigeria. 

Map of Nigeria and its states (source:wikipedia)

A huge river, Kaduna River gave rise to the name of the state. But according to Zaharan, our guide for this trip...it has a more sinister meaning. Kaduna, derived from the root word Kada means crocodile in Hausa language. Honest! Google it...But according to another source..it's from another language, Gbagyi which means river. Anyway, right now just accept the simple fact that we are in Kaduna.

the mighty Kaduna River

NIGERIA: Kaduna State: Madam's Birthday Celebration (The Journey)

It's Madam's B'day +1 day today (August 15th) and we had booked a flight ticket to Kaduna to celebrate the occasion with an orphanage. She had requested her colleague, Zaharan  to help out with the event. 

that far ek? (google map)