Cultural Heritage

The people of Agaie are known to be friendly and accommodating.

Agaie is still ranked among the best in the area of cultural propagation and preservation, as it relate to dressing, music and dancing.

Although white is our commonest color. Our mode of dressings includes: Agbada with caps and kaftans. The elders wear alkemba i.e men’s after dressing with turban. The women folks wear wrapper supported by our beautiful weaved local fabric i.e Kpasa. All these are available at our women/youth development center.

Language:- the people of Agaie speaks Nupe  and only few are Zhitako (Subsidiary of Nupe language) and a good number understand English and hausa. With the advent of islam, Arabic language became widespread and it is now thought through out the schools and at all levels. This has made it easy for the people of Agaie to communicate easily with foreigners from neighboring countries such as Senegal, Niger, Sudan, Moroco and Chad In Arabic language.

Our traditional music and dancing has taken us to greater height at cultural festivals and exhibition. Our unique style of music and dancing by all pedigree put us ontop of others. Hajiya maimuna Zagos zaworo dance , the Eba – Nna nma Shabawoshi Angale dance , Tsakan, gbagurasa, Sorogi, Sibi are our commonest form of dancing. Twayan Maikudi is one legend that has worn medals at state festivals and shows.

EKA’TU

Every Thursday night sounds of drums and trumpet is heard from the Emirs palace reminding HRH that tomorrow is Friday

NAMING THE CHILD:

When a baby is born, the belief is that, the first thing he should hear is the name of God and the muslim confession of faith. So he is first taking to an elder or a pious person in the family who whispers the word of Adhan into the babys right ear and those of Iqamah into his left ear after which sounds of Wulele( Ayoyi) is made tro announce the birth of a new child.

The birth of the baby is celebrated on the 7th or 14th day when the name of the child is pronounced depending on the convenience of the parents. Traditionally, a newly born baby is named after a deceased member of the family.

A goat is sacrificed and flesh shared to the kids and the poor. On such occasions, food is served heavily while Bumbu and Gbangba is enjoyed throughout the day.

DEATH AND BURIAL

Everybody born on this earth has to die one day.

Soon after a person dies, three rites are observed immediately. i.e the washing of the dead body, funeral prayers and burial. Near kins and friends of the deceased prefer to perform the last service to the departed soul themselves. The shroud is always of a new white cotton cloth unidentified by any impurity.

Then after washing it, the dead body is dressed in the shroud. The arms are folded across his or her chest. Those who have already performed the Hajj usually bring back their shroud dipped in the water of Zam zam.

This is followed by the funerals prayers  Jana Izah the corpse is placed in the front of the imam leading the congregational prayer. Then the corpse is taken to the grave with the face pointing towards Alqiblah and then the grave is closed with wooden planks and mud in such a way that the earth will not enter therein. A  brief prayer is observed and every one departs

Funeral prayer is observed after 3 days of death and on the 40th day.

MARRIAGE IN AGAIE

Marriage forms an integral part of our culture. Girls are married out at the age of 13. Nevertheless, they are now allowed to complete their secondary education and also allowed to complete learning of Holy Quran before marriage.

TYPES OF MARRIAGE:

a.      Inter marriage within the same family:- in order to keep the chain of relationship cousins are encouraged to married. Firstly, it is believed that marriage within the family strengthen Ties and increases loves  and regard. In this type of marriage, it is also believed that money spent is considered money retain within the family.

b.      Yawo Sadaqa- Charity Marriage:-  this type of marriage is where the parents will conclude all necessary preparation to marry out their daughter without telling the girl who will be her husband. Evry thing is kept under strict confidence until the wedding day.

In the evening the bride will be cover in veil in a convoy of friends sisters and aunties round the town; chanting Zanasokoayana- zagayi Malamio. Meaning whosoever Allah gives is learned.

The convoy will be led by a man and a woman assigned to direct the convoy to the house of the lucky groom.

c.      Marriage of courtship;-  this type of marriage is rooted on the basis of free will according to the wishes. Their first meeting usually start with an expression of interest, which later grow to an extent whereby the two will think of marriage. From that time both parents will start to observe their movement and if confirmed the boys parent will send to theparents of the  girl. The boy will be giving her gifts especially sallah clothes and market day money.

d.      Marriage of Widows/Divorces:- Marriage of women who lost their husbands and those who have been divorced or have voluntarily seek liquidation of their marriages in a court in a court of law either of this is refered to as YAWO PIPACHI. The widows are called EKPO while divorces are called BAZAWARA The practice of retaining widows after the death of their husband are common, most often the younger brother will be asked to re marry their late brothers widows.

MARRIAGE PROCEDURES:

Seeking for marriage YAWOWA

When the family of the boy wants to ask for the hand of a girl which they want to marry to their son, they will appoint two elders from the family who will in turn discuss and look for a responsible person within the neighborhood as the Ndarina – Intermediary. The ndarina will be delegated to go and consult the girls family. The mission start right from the time the marriage is sought, to the time when the marriage agreement is completed.

ENGAGEMENT:

This is called Emikpe after the boys parent have received the response of approval from the girls parents, a date will be fixed for Emikpe meaning engagement. On that day the representative of the boys parents Ndarina will sit before the girls parent in the girls house. Usually presided over by the Ndaliman.

The Ndarina arrives earlier than any other person with a cash sum of four thousand naira, a basket of cola nut, a t shirt, sleepers, wrapper and one head tie, one veil and other item as custom demands. The money and the kola nut are usually shared across the entire family of the girl a neighborhood. The ndaliman is also given part of the money and kola nuts.

After the opening prayer, the ndaliman ask the Ndarina to seek for marriage on behalf of the boys parents. He will say: for example I am sent by mallam ndanusa to seek your daughter Aisah for his son Muhammad in marriage. This he will it thrice, each time prostrating . the girls father, Guardian or wolliyi will then respond saying: I have agreed to give my daughter to you in marriage according to the teaching of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Then, the Ndaliman continue by saying from this day, Aisha has by custom of Agaie and teaching of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) becomes muhammed wife. After which Sadaqi is mentioned usually a minimum of 10,000 naira.

YAWORUFADAN BRIDAL BATH

The boys parents has paid all the agreed amount. On the eve of yaworufadan, the Ndarina present a set of box containing all prescribed items EDEYAWORUFADAN I.E cloth meant for bridal bath, BA ARI (one quarter) for covering her head. Another two pieces of clothes are demanded ; one will be a pure white cloth and a colored mantled one, one metal bucket, tarabi accompanied with 20 mudu of rice and guinea corn with two woven matts, Another five thousand naira is demanded. This money is called She for bridal bathngwa i.e  money for bridal bath proceedings.

Yaworufadan is usually administered at dawn by older women in the family. A big bowl of water is kept (tarabi) in the bathroom with three calabashes and a kasco i.e pot made of clay.

The girl will be dragged to the bathroom where 2-3 women are waiting. As the girl step in, the women will splash the warm water on her head 3 times. It is believed that the girl will be provoked and will start to cry. She will then be dragged to the kasco, lift it and break it. The women will then continue herself.

This will be followed by wulele i.e the sound of Ayoyi to announce to the neighborhood that yaworufadan has taken place.

YAWOPA – WEDDING FATIHA

Yawopa is the most important aspect of marriage in Agaie and usually well attended. Praise singers, flatterers etc. add color to the wedding.

It is the wedding solemnization. On the seventh day of yaworufadan usually Friday days. Yawopa begins with an opening prayer by the ndaliman leading in prayers usually that of the town or the neighborhood.

After the opening prayers, the Ndaliman starts by asking the parents of the girl whether she is pregnant , this he will ask three times before proceeding with the yawopa the reason for the this is because Islamic law prohibits yawopa under pregnancy. He will then ask the ndarina the name of the groom and bride. The ndarina will answer, for example. The name of the groom is Muhammad and the name of the bride is Aisha. The ndaliman will then say: for example mallam ndanusa has rested on him the marriage solemnization of his daughter Aisha and Muhammad as husband  and wife according to the tradition of Agaie and the teaching of the prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the bride price of ten thousand naira paid. Then he will turn to the crowd and say: or people you all hear and bear me witness, the angels bear witness. this He will say for three times and then invoke Allah to bless the marriage, and prayers for the peace of the community and the nation at large, prayers for those who have come to attend the wedding.

The Madiwu finally close the proceedings with a brief praise of the holy prophet

While money, kola nuts and refreshment goes on, praise singers take advantage of the gathering as they add color to it.

YAWOGO:- the ceremony is usually at night. The grooms family and his friends will arrange vehicles for conveying the bride and her entourage. The pparents of the bride sit at the katamba with the Ndarina and other representatives of the grooms family with the Bayawotishi- best man. This sitting is the formal handing over of the bride to the grooms parents and a groung were the parents gives final admonition to the brid to be a good ambassador. The parent of the bride will also enjoy the parent of the groom to see their bride as a trust and to kindly handle her as they will handle their own daughter. In most cases, such discussions ends in tears after which the bride is handed over to the Ndarina while a celebration begins up to the grooms house.

On getting to the grooms house, the bride will not come down from the car until the bayawotishi – best man settles the bride friend of their demands. The bride friends usually demand for money as Ewo- Yawokatalo

YAWOWADZUN – Unveiling the bride:

In the evening of the 7th day of the wedding, it is believed that the bride is still covered with veil. “Yawowadzu” unveiling is done the nest day of the weddind. It is also believed that the bride’s head is still covered. In the evening, the bride is brought out of the room for the unveiling. “Nnayawozhi” (bride’s aunties and sisters) unveils the bride.

 The bride’s friends would have washed her hair, plait it very well neatly for the groom’s friends to pay. The bride will be crying while her friends will be murmuring that she has left them to join the class of the married woman.

The “Nnayawozhi” will dress the bride gorgeously and spread out mats for everyone to seat. He the bride will be laid to a position where these women are sitting but will be distinguished with a special seat. “Sanci” (usually a blood or cousin sister to the bride) will also be dressed elegantly along with the bride.

As the bride is seated, everyone remain silent until the appointed woman steps out and move nearer to the bride, open the veil and put it back. Seeing the bride’s face, everyone claps- this process is repeated three times, each followed with “Wulelle” – Yelling of “Ayooyi”. After the third process, it is followed by cash donating on the bride. The money spread on the bride is called “Ewoyawozhunyeli” i.e farewell gift. Some women gives cash while others donates materials e.g clothes.

Before the donation, two women: one from either side of the couple. Each holding a tray, while other holds two calabashes. One of the calabashes filled with small particles of stones, while the other one is empty. Both will seat by either side of the money, while other who keeps the calabashes will be busy transferring these particles one by one into to empty one anytime money is handed to the holder of the tray. When everyone has finished donating, a message will be sent to the friend of the bridegroom for their part. Part of the total collections is given back to the friends of the groom while the balance goes to the bride.

   “Yawozo”- Consummation:

      The practice of consummation is quite unique. Usually a piece of white cloth is spread on the matrimonial mat or bed so that blood stains can confirm the virginity or otherwise of the bride. After which friends of the groom convenes for dinner served with chicken and rice pour age confirming that the marriage was consummated the previous night.

POSITION OF WOMEN:

The position of women in Agaie has always been a far more respected and happier one than that of their sisters else where.

Besides the duty of managing household and cooking, she holds the honor and good name of her husband in the hollow of her hand and enjoys many legal rights conferred on her by the sharia or Islamic law. As mistress of the house, she also has to look after the upbringing of the children and their education and manners. In most well to do houses, normally an old lady is engaged for religious education, especially for the teaching of Holy Quran to children of a tender. Children from the neighboring houses are also encouraged to receive free education from such tutors. Educated middle aged house wives teach the Quran to their neighbors daughters without charging any fees for it.

The National Youth and women development center in collaboration with the local government councils provides training for women in all kinds of skills such as tailoring, knitting, catering etc. making them less dependent on their husbands.

The girl’s child education is well supported by local government council. This is to give opportunity to upcoming girl’s child to rise to the enviable positions previously occupied by women from Agaie Local Government. Such as hajiya hassana kobo, hajiya fati Jibrin, Hajiya Dije Bala, Hajiya Halima Musa, Hajiya Aishetu Nkya, hhajiya Aishetu Tiffin, Hajiya Amina Tafida, Hajiya Ramatu Suleiman who were one time council chairmen, Hon. Councillors, Hon. Commiissioners, permanent Secretaries and principals etc.

FESTIVALS

Some Notable tradition festivals observed in Agaie are:-

IDIEL CELEBRATION

The two idiel celebration both fitr and Kabir usually last for five days. It attracts sons and daughters, friends of the emirate because of it beauty and glamour

It is a day non indigens experienced love and sense of belonging as they eat, drink and rejoice together.

Sallah celebrations ends with Bariki i.e Durbar or horse riding and a display of other cultural heritages.

WORIWO AND NINFU:

The people have adopted the custom of enjoying life fireworks on the night of Shahi- Barat which falls on the night of the 15th Shaban, the 8th month of Islamic calendar. On that day every house holds a heavier and tastier dinner. It is an abomination to dare say – I am not satisfied and that is why all is allowed to eat above satisfaction. On that day young boys chase spinsters with woriwo i.e a bunch of long grasses tied with rope and fire is set on it. After playing with woriwo , the women will rush to their river to fetch the new water.

MAULUD:

This is the prophets birthday and the most festives days in Agaie. The prophets birthday is the most important and widely celebrated. The occasion is mount by mammonth gathering in which orations are delivered on the life and teachings of the Holy prophet (SAW).

GRADUATION WALIMA KATUN

The process of completing the quranic education end with Walima Karatun i.e Quranic graduation.

TRADITIONAL TITTLES AND CORONATION

Traditional tittles are given high cognizance and that is why holders of such tittle are usually from ruling houses.

Coronation in Agaie are usually very colorful events that one would not miss. Some of the tittle are: Shaba, Kpotun, Waziri, wambai, galadima, ndeji, Ubandaki, sallawu, Garkuwa, mayaki, Chiroma, Tafida, Nagya, kafa, Nkochi, baraje, Ubandoma, Sardauna, Manfara, Sarkin gabas, Sarkin Yamma, Mutawali, wali, madaki, Wakili etc

EFOCHIGBE

This marks the celebration of herbs and mystical strength. It is a day set aside for the display of cultural heritages as hunters, local barbers (gozan) masqurades, blacksmiths, herbalists, traditional wrestlers to prove their myth.

EKODA:

This is traditional wrestling. It is observed during the dry seasons. The beuty of it does no longer lies in the beating of band played for the wrestlers but as well as the wisdom displayed by the officials when fighting is on. It is observed every fourth night at KUTRIKO, ETSUGAIE AND MAYAKI.

RESPECT FOR ELDERS

Old age is never and knower despised. It is accord the highest esteem and reverence. Status and knowledge earns one greater love. Respect and care by younger members of the family. No child or a younger person will show a disrespect to an elderly man or a clergy. The younger ones deem it an honour to serve such class of people whether male or female.

The younger ones address the elder ones as YAYA, the children address the father as BABA while mothers are address as NNA.

The younger ones are seen making obedience to elderly ones, by prostrating before them saying KUBELAZHIN, KUBEYIGIDI, and KUBELOZHUN as the case maybe.

Happily, respect for elders translated into respect  for constituted Authorities.

DWELLINGS:

A good number of residence still leave in their ancient builts by egbazhi- local builders. Even though buildings were not well ventilated, spacious court yards were created such that the inside view was secluded from the outside. The KATAMBA entrance is usually round in shape. Leading you to the male section only. The structure of the building isolates the women from the men.

The city layout provides streets leading to areas e.g G.R.A Ahmadu Bello Way, Etsu Nuhu Road, Suleimanu Road and Market road etc

HORSE RIDING : another beautiful aspects of our cultural heritage. Our excellent outing during our last durbar at minna earned us Laurels. The glamour of horse riding in Agaie can be seen on Sallah and Bariki days.