The Laughter That United the North — And how we lost it, by Engr. Bello Gwarzo Abdullahi, FNSE Before politics hardened hearts and suspicion drew borders in our minds, laughter once united Northern Nigeria. Across its vast plains and bustling markets, people from different tribes could meet, mock, and laugh together without offence. The Hausa call the participants in such playful exchange “abokan wasa” — literally “playmates” — where teasing was not insult but affection, and laughter served as an invisible peace treaty. It was one of the North’s most...