Rigasa

By Abdullahi Yusuf

The phrase “Ni Dan Rigasa ne” (which means “I am an inhabitant of Rigasa”) was once notorious within the Kaduna metropolis, evoking a troubled history. Rigasa, a well-known community under the authority of Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, boasts a dense population of over 3 million inhabitants, primarily from the Hausa tribe, making Hausa the predominant language of communication in the community.

In the past, the phrase “Ni Dan Rigasa ne” was akin to saying “I’m from O’block” in Chicago, United States. It connoted hailing from a place where violence was rampant, almost warning others to steer clear due to assumed tendencies for aggression. While certain notions about the community were stereotyped, these stereotypes held some semblance of truth, however generalised.

Due to Rigasa’s population density, a large number of out-of-school children roamed the streets. Some scavenged within different marketplaces, while a fortunate few were sent to learn skills. Many adolescents and young people in the community had been immersed in illicit activities, often engaging in violent altercations, causing harm to themselves and others while also perpetuating property destruction.

During this period, the term “Yan shara” was commonly used, referring to gangs of thugs armed with weapons, causing mayhem and inflicting injuries and damages. This unrest often served as an opportunity for robbery, leading to the theft of belongings from innocent passers-by.

Phone snatching was prevalent, and individuals lived in fear of being victimised in broad daylight. Such incidents resulted in injuries, disabilities, and even fatalities.

As a result, the community became daunting to outsiders, dissuading visits from people from other parts of the state due to the fear of potential unrest or falling victim to robbery.

“Yan hayi” was another term those living outside Rigasa used to describe the residents, signifying people residing in Hayin Rigasa. The word “Hayi” conveys “crossing,” and was derived from the fact that a river at the entrance of Rigasa had to be traversed before entering the community. During that era, being called “Dan Hayi” implied that one was unwise or unsophisticated.

These stereotypes gradually dissipated over time as Rigasa transformed into a burgeoning community with abundant, relatively affordable land. People from other parts of the state began to immigrate to Rigasa and construct houses. Consequently, Rigasa has become one of the most rapidly developed communities over the past two decades, a testament to its positive transformation.

Despite the aforementioned tumultuous events, the residents of the Rigasa community are among the most selfless individuals one could encounter. Their spirit of altruism and patriotism is unparalleled, and they channelled their unity towards overcoming adversities and shaping a brighter future for their community. Education served as the fulcrum for this positive transformation, marking the inception of their development journey. 

Over two decades ago, a group of forward-thinking individuals came together to establish a forum to foster education and community development to promote success. The Rigasa Students Forum (S-Foris) was formed to orient, educate, and mentor the people within the community, including the younger generation and the elder populace. 

S-Foris was instrumental in providing extramural lessons to students and introducing adult education to elderly individuals, particularly women who did not have the opportunity to acquire education earlier in their lives. The forum made significant strides in transforming the mindset of numerous youths in the community, achieving notable success.

Subsequently, other student bodies, such as the Rigasa Students Association (RSA) and Rigasa Old Student Association (ROSA), emerged with similar aspirations, continuing the trajectory of success.

Building on these achievements, the same group of individuals sought to elevate their advocacy efforts by expanding the scope of development-related initiatives. This led to the formation of the Rigasa Action and Awareness Forum (RAAF). RAAF operates as a pressure group, enlightening the community about various aspects of development and advocating for adherence to the rule of law. Moreover, the forum takes proactive measures to ensure that the government addresses the needs and concerns of the Rigasa community.

Due to the tireless efforts of a dedicated group, Rigasa can be considered a benchmark for positive change. The community boasts numerous talented individuals who excel across various domains of development. Academically, Government Secondary School Rigasa has produced a multitude of intellectuals who have excelled in academia. Moreover, developmentally, Rigasa is home to the leading youth civil society organisation in Kaduna, the Enhancing Community Action for Peace and Better Health Initiative (e-CAPH), headed by the vibrant young leader and prominent human rights advocate, Yusha’u M Abubakar. Additionally, the Village Debbo Care Initiative (VD Care), led by Samira Isah Modibbo, serves as another influential platform for women’s rights, among other organisations contributing to the community’s progress.

Before the 2023 election, during the voter registration exercise, RAAF played a pivotal role in mobilising citizens for registration and transfer, as Rigasa welcomed the addition of over 80 polling units. This effort led to mobilising over 10,000 additional votes within the community, presenting a significant political advantage considering the maxim “politics is a game of numbers.”

“Dan Rigasa” or “Dan Hayi” is no longer derogatory but a source of pride. Rigasa is now widely represented in learning institutions and governmental agencies across northern Nigeria. Rigasa youth have obtained prominent positions in government, excelled in business endeavours, and showcased their skills across various industries. The community has notably enhanced its security, becoming one of the safest locales in Kaduna State, fostering an environment where individuals can navigate without fear of robbery or threat to personal safety.

Amid these accomplishments, humanitarian services have also flourished. Zauren Al’umma, led by Idris Tumba, has emerged as a notable humanitarian organisation providing crucial aid to vulnerable individuals in diverse capacities, further accentuating the community’s spirit of benevolence.

Rigasa’s journey reflects a remarkable transformation, underscored by a commitment to education, civic engagement, and holistic community development. Rigasa people are fond of helping each other in an individual capacity and as an organisation.

I can confidently beat my chest wherever I find myself and proudly exclaim, “Ni Dan Rigasa Ne,” without fearing any stereotype or judgment. I am confident that Rigasa is now well-represented widely.

Abdullahi Yusuf is a graduate of Health Education, Bayero University Kano. He wrote from Rigasa, Kaduna, via abdoolphd@gmail.com.

By Pharm. Mustapha M Umar

Rigasa is a ward in Igabi local government in Kaduna State endowed with people. It has an estimated population of 3 million people. Politically, Rigasa as a ward provides the largest number of votes, even higher than some local governments, in the state. The people of Rigasa are zealous about any development, which gives birth to different community-based organisations working tirelessly to move the community forward. Rigasa Action and Awareness Forum (RAAF) is among those organisations regarded as the most collaborative and active pressure group in Rigasa.

Elections are won and lost due to voters’ choices. There are no voters without voter cards. Every person who got a new voter’s card or transferred from anywhere to the Rigasa ward did that through the RAAF effort.

After the conclusion of the initial phase of Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) on 21st September 2021, RAAF observed poor awareness in the Rigasa community. With the new polling units added to Rigasa from 23 to 153 and the big dream of having an LGA or constituency one day, we realised that we must come together and mobilise to ensure all new polling units have the required number of voters to avoid cancelling any polling unit.

To achieve this, RAAF constituted and inaugurated a CVR committee in October 2021.  This committee works day and night. It enters all the nooks and crannies in Rigasa. Single-handedly, RAAF’s CVR committee members registered and transferred more than 11000 voters, the highest in the nation as a ward.

The committee worked from October 2021 up to July 2022. To ensure the new and transferred voters collected their cards, RAAF extended the period of the committee work to help mobilise and ensure the Rigasa community had collected their cards. It was a successful job, and about 90% collected their cards.

The presidential election came with poor voters turning out, which was the same nationwide. For our efforts not to be in vain, a voter’s mobilisation committee was inaugurated to ensure people come out in mass during the governorship and state house of assembly election.

One of the issues observed as the cause of the poor voters turning out is the voters’ migration, which affected many people unaware of where to vote.

The committee members worked tirelessly by printing signs to help people locate their new polling units. Then, immediately, it stationed its members at every main polling unit to check and direct voters to where they are to vote using the INEC website. It was fantastic to work that significantly increased the number of votes cast.

Every single time, energy and resource spent by the members of the RAAF with little or no help from anyone are for the betterment of the community. We thank the Almighty that our effort has yielded a result.

The best ladies and gentlemen always volunteer to develop the Rigasa community, not for personal gain. We are game-changers.

The winner of the Igabi West State assembly seat, the speaker, Hon Yusuf Zailani, got almost half of his winning votes from the mighty Rigasa ward, which is 46.28% of the total votes. The remaining six wards combined gave him 53.72%. With this, Rigasa cannot be ignored for any reason.

Rigasa gave the governor-elect, Hon. Uba Sani, 32.06% of the total votes from Igabi LGA, the second LGA with the highest vote for his victory. No single ward in Kaduna gave the governor-elect this percentage of votes.

We have done our part of the bargain. The winners must do their part. Our community needs to get representatives in this government, structural and human development, and adequate government support equal to the effort we put together toward your victory.

Always remember those that help you when you are in need. There will be another time when you will need them again. What you did today to reward their efforts determines what will happen next time you need them. Four years is just around the corner. Time and history will always judge us.

His Excellency Governor Nasir El-Rufai needs all the gratitude from the winners of this election because we couldn’t have convinced people if he had not done all he did for Rigasa. May Allah bless and protect you, sir, as you hand over to the next governor, which we are hopeful will make Rigasa Community proud as they made them proud.

Pharm. Mustapha M Umar wrote from Rigasa Kaduna and can be contacted via mustaphau03@gmail.com.

By Sumayyah Auwal Ishaq

Residents of Rigasa, a major support base of President Muhammadu Buhari in the Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, have cried out over the gully threatening to swallow up the community. The gully had swept away many houses in its paths, rendering many residents homeless.

The Daily Reality observed that areas badly affected by the erosion include Layin Cinema, Unguwar Yan Kilishi, Makera, Tarotaro and Madaki Habu Street. With heavy rainfall, the branches of the erosion are spreading fast as a vast expanse of land is caving in, threatening more houses.

The Secretary-General of Rigasa Development Forum, Mr Sani Ibrahim, who spoke on behalf of the affected communities, pleaded that concerned authorities should come and end the innumerable damages the gullies had done to them.

He said the gully had already cut them off from accessing each other and some other parts of Rigasa town. Another resident, Mr Umar Ahmad, said, “We no longer send our children on errands anymore, and worst still, the people in government, who came to canvass for votes, have abandoned us”.

Findings by The Daily Reality showed that the gully has cut off many routes making life unbearable for the hundreds of residents. A signpost in one of the areas has indicated that the Federal Ministry of Environment had previously awarded the contract in the past. The community is on the edge of the precipice and may be cut off from other communities if nothing is done urgently.