A Journey To Yobe, Part 2: Cultural revelations, local delights and farewell, by Sakinat Musa Abubakar
After a well-deserved rest, the next chapter of my Yobe adventure began. At 4 pm, we made our way to the residence of Dr. Hassan Gimba, CEO/Publisher Neptune Prime, where the air was filled with excitement as a cultural dance took place. It was part of the preparations for the upcoming wedding of his son, Barrister Suleiman Gimba. The atmosphere was lively, and I was tempted to join the dance, but, “Kunya ya hana ni”—shyness held me back, and I simply admired the graceful movements from the sidelines.
Following the dance, we decided to explore the community, and what a delightful experience it was! Potiskum, to my surprise, is a town filled with influential people, as I observed with the help of my tour guides, Mohammed Kukuri and Abubakar Kado, my colleagues and both natives of Potiskum. They took me to various notable places, including the school attended by our current Vice President, Kashim Shettima, along with several other personalities. It was enlightening to see how much Potiskum has contributed to shaping great minds.
The Wedding Day, Commissioning of Hafsatu Gimba Ahmed Memorial School, and Inspection of Lami Fatima Babare Cervical Clinic Construction: Work Before Play
Finally, the much-anticipated wedding day arrived, though I must confess I felt a little pang of disappointment. I had packed my most beautiful gown and high heels, ready to slay, only for Mrs. Lillian Hosea, Admin. Officer at Neptune Prime, who earlier remind me to bring along my office wear. “Sakinat, don’t forget your office clothes; you’ll be wearing them in both Kano and Yobe,” she had said. I couldn’t help but think, “This Madam has spoiled all my plans!” It turned out to be a day full of work.
When we arrived at the bride’s residence, it was buzzing with activity. Inside, I saw a stunning woman with a bright smile and flawless makeup. For a moment, I thought to myself, she might be the bride or perhaps her sister, only to be pleasantly surprised that she is the bride’s mother! Young, radiant, and graceful—Masha Allah. It was an image that stuck with me throughout the day.
READ ALSO: A Journey to Yobe: My exploration begins, by Sakinat Musa Abubakar
After the festivities concluded, we returned to the palace, where we were served a special tea that seemed to wash away all the day’s stress. I don’t know how, but it was the most relaxing cup of tea I’ve ever had. I think there’s a touch of royalty in it that gives it that calming effect.😎
Potiskum’s Warmth: A Market Experience Like No Other
The following day, we set out on a market survey, with our Hausa Editor, El-Tafseer Ibraheem, leading the way, and Potiskum did not disappoint. The people were incredibly friendly, and each time we stopped to take a picture, they greeted us warmly, often inviting us to snap photos with them as well. It was such a contrast to what I’m used to in Mararaba, where one might end up without their camera or phone!
READ ALSO: Neptune Prime staff pays courtesy visit to Emir of Fika
The market chairman explained that prices, particularly for vegetables, would drop in the coming months. I even spotted a suya spot that piqued my interest, and I promised myself I would return. True to my word, we made our way back to try the famous suya, said to be the best in Potiskum. I wasn’t disappointed—the flavours were rich and satisfying.
Farewell to Yobe: Parting Gifts and Tight Spaces
As our time in Yobe drew to a close, we were surprised by the thoughtful souvenirs from our boss, Dr. Gimba . It was a touching gesture that we deeply appreciated, making our departure bittersweet.
By 6 am, we were ready to leave Potiskum, now a group of four as Abubakar Kado joined us. At the garage, we found only four seats left—two in the middle and two at the back. Not wanting to be separated, we opted for the back seats, unaware that we had chosen what I now call the “danger zone.” The space was so tight that it felt like the worst decision. I couldn’t help but wonder why the drivers insist on cramming four people into such small spaces. “Why not make it three per seat and charge a little extra?” thought to myself. For a journey that spanned nearly nine hours, comfort should be a priority.
When we finally arrived at my destination, One Man Village, I asked the driver to drop me off, but he refused, insisting that they couldn’t stop before reaching the park. Drama ensued as we exchanged words, and I eventually had to give in. When we reached the park, the caretakers refused to let us in, telling us to go to Nyanya park instead. Furious, I made it clear I wasn’t going anywhere near Nyanya. Finally, they found a spot outside the park and let Kukuri and me off, while Maryam and Kado continued to AYA.
And so, my unforgettable journey to Yobe came to an end. Full of rich experiences, warm hospitality, and even a bit of drama, it was an adventure I’ll cherish forever.
Feeling great full that you enjoyed your visit, next time will be on invitation from the palace to explore more of the kingdom 👍🏽
Thank you Ma 😊 🙏, I really appreciate.