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Mrs Margaret Maliki as a young nurse
By HRH Dr. Sabo Azyjidoku Emmanuel
In the Guinness Book of Records, the Book of life; any superlative performance or triumph; only those who merit such spectacular feat are honoured with trophies or awards. To state the obvious, even if it is a presupposition, Mrs. Margaret Abingye Maliki can be adjudged to be the pioneer pupil of the Girl-Child Education in Jukun Wanu land. Probably, there could have been someone, but this teenage girl then, Margaret, was the first to have schooled up to the level of an intermediate class in the 1960s.
Her pedigree, and under the tutelage of her maternal uncle, a disciplinarian to the core, the elder stateman of the Wanu Nation, Late Ignatius Igbo (I. I.) Akwuchi of blessed memory, erstwhile, Acting Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command, Minna. Margaret and her elder brother Abise, were both trained by the ever-caring uncle of theirs.
So, throughout her early education, she enjoyed the comfort of city life, caught in the partial career mobility occasioned by constant transfers together with the uncle who was the officer of the Nigeria police force.
Marriage being a social contract, an instrument of integration, by providence brought the duo, united to become one. Yes, prince (Adeya) Philip Apurugba Maliki (Abo), with a scintillating gesture was attracted by the radiating beauty of (Anyize) the princess of Atiya, Margaret Abingye Akwuchi. She can be best adjudged as an amazon, curvaceous and elegantly protected in a typical Jukun Wanu command to appeal. It may interest you to know that ‘Anyize’ is her clannish salutation. But Awakpoko would prefer daughters of other clans married to them have to automatically relinquish their salutations to accept the ‘Agodo’ salutation for Awakpoko clan. Sometimes the Awakpoko ladies are so addressed as ‘Agodo wa guba’ a superlative description to authenticate its originality or superseding clannish greetings of all, as they insist. Just like the Awazyoko, would boast as ‘Agbadu Gomna’ of Jukun Wanu nation. Other clans also promote theirs in the brotherhood. By this intra-cultural
assimilation, Mrs. Maliki has since abandoned ‘Anyize’ salutation and prefers ‘Agodo’ to fit in properly into her husband’s clan/lineage of Awakpoko. The marriage was blessed with very promising and industrious children such as: Mr. Anthony Maliki (Journalist). Engr. Ashoke Maliki, Martha Maliki (Late) Mrs. Mary Sunflakes (nee Maliki) Mr. Iyima Maliki (Late), Ozashawa Arome Mrs. (nee Maliki).
Mr. and Mrs. Maliki could be best described as love birds as husband and wife. They never called each other by name. Their pet name in their
marital life was ‘Dear’. They referred to each other as ‘Dear’. Even if you wanted something, favour from any of the duo, ‘Dear’s consent must first be sought for. This intimacy of the couple became so envious to many others who could not keep or maintain this type of stylish relationship, as it was not the fashion among the native Jukun Wanu people. This friendly intercourse in the marriage, kept the ‘Third parties’ off-balance. If it was not official work, nothing separated the ‘Dears’ from each other as they were so dear in their marital life. Mrs. Maliki knew her wifely duties and such lubricated their relationship all the more.
I do remember their London visit in 1980. A sort of honey moon by extension, extravaganza galore. Their natal home visits at Abinsi and Agyogo. Visits to Jos, Lagos, Yola etc. They used to be together in that dear ‘Dear’ fashion, tightly together till ‘Mutu ka raba takalmin kaza’, i.e
death did them part. The death of my elder brother Adeya, Abo, Mr. Philip Apurugba Maliki, her husband, very dear to her heart took ‘Dear’ away from ‘Dear’. Mama, Mrs. Maliki has to swallow this bitter tablet, known to be
separation or loneliness, today. In her solitude, these nostalgic feelings would come calling; but I know she could only find solace in keeping faith in God.
Death is a necessary end and all mortals must taste it. After all, her profession – medical, as a nurse, must have given her the courage, stamina, strength to withstand this shock. It is not easy to miss a beloved, the ‘Dear’, the husband. Rest in peace Mr. Maliki, the Prince.
Mama, Mrs. Maliki lives in Jos at the moment. She derives joy in seeing her children and grand children who visit her from time to time.
When occasion demanded she would be in Abinsi to inhale the serene breathe and warmth of the environment.
Mrs. Maliki M.A ‘Agodo wa Guba’ had worked with the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital in Kaduna. She rose to the position of a
senior Nursing officer cadre. She became a Matron by rank many years before she retired. Mama, age gracefully. Amen.
Agodo wa guba, awa ango-ku, awa-ku, ayi – ku.
Mgbagye.
