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Gimba’s works in
perspective
Some writers never get the
reorganization they deserve during their life times, they are
discovered and celebrated only after they are dead and gone, while
others bask in the glory of their literary exploits from the very
beginning of their writing career. Alhaji Abubakar Gimba, the Minna-based
writer and former president of Association of Nigerian Authors, ANA,
is among those lucky ones that are privileged to enjoy the rare
opportunity of listening to the trumpets extolling their literary
accomplishments. Since the publication of his first novel, Trails of
Sacrifice in 1985, critics have found a fertile ground for their
trade, critiquing and bringing out the essence and salient qualities
of his works. As his works in novels, poetry and essays grow in
quality and quantity, critical works on them grow in numbers, depth
and dimensions. And by the time he published his twelfth work, a
collection of essays titled Why Am I Doing This? in 2007, critiques
on his works have piled high, as many students have done their
degrees on them. The latest addition to this body of critical works
is Abubakar Gimba: Perspectives on His Writings and Philosophy by
Abdullahi Ismaila and Ezekiel Fajenyo of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida
University, Lapai.
The public presentation of the book, organized by the Niger State
chapter of ANA, was held last Saturday at Gidan Matasa, Minna, with
dignitaries like the Deputy Governor of Niger State, Alhaji Ahmed
Musa Ibeto, in attendance. The presentation featured tributes to
Gimba, poetry performance and formal presentation of the book.
The event began with opening remarks by the chairman of the Niger
State chapter of ANA, Malam Aminu Shiek Muhammad. He described Gimba
as a great author who deserves to be honoured not just for his
ability to craft interesting stories but his knack for incorporating
in his works principles of life from which the society could
benefit. According to him, “it is our duty to honour him and keep
alive his philosophy and service to mankind.”
Mr. Fajenyo, co-author of the book, affirmed that it is for the
purpose of honouring Gimba for his contribution to literary
development and interpreting the noble messages in his works that
the book was written. He described Gimba as one of the greatest
writers of our time, substantiating his claim with the fact that
many scholars have cited his works as case study.
The chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Yusuf Suleiman, observed that
Gimba’s fame rests on his sense of modesty and humility. Gimba is
modest about his achievements and allows his production to speak for
him, he said, adding that “everyone should emulate his character so
that the nation could move forward.” He further observed that though
Gimba has contributed to humanity in various ways, his literary
contribution is the most valuable as knowledge is the backbone of
every human development.
The Deputy Governor, who represented the Governor, Alhaji Mu’azu
Babangida Aliyu, described Gimba as an honourable gentleman whose
contributions have brought honour to the state. According to him,
Gimba’s ability to combine his writings with other endeavours such
as economic planning is quite commendable.
He lamented the prevailing poor reading culture and challenged ANA
to help evolve strategies that would revive it.
The remarks were to be followed by the formal presentation of the
book by the Chief Presenter, Senator Dahiru Awaisu Kuta, who was
represented by Malam Yakubu Ibrahim. But Malam Yahaya only paid
tribute to Gimba and commended the authors, insisting that the
Deputy Governor should take the first ‘shot’. Hence, the Deputy
Governor launched the book with the sum of One Million Naira on
behalf of the state government. He also made a personal donation of
500,000 Naira, which he said should be used to purchase copies of
the book for distribution to schools in the state.
Malam Yahaya then presented a donation of 250, 000 Naira, opening
the floodgate of donations in cash, cheques and pledges. And at the
end of the occasion millions of Naira was realized.
In his vote of thanks, Abdullahi Ismaila expressed gratitude to
those who have contributed to the success of the event. He said
Gimba’s works represent a fountain of wisdom and that in the bid to
interpret them one could only scratch the surface, as they had done
in the book. He thanked Gimba for providing them the opportunity to
embark on the literary exercise.
Earlier in his response to the various remarks on him, Gimba
expressed appreciation for the honour. In his usual humble manner,
he said the event was not about him as a person but about the
principles which his writings represent. He then expressed the hope
that the public recognition of these principles, as symbolized by
the event, would translate into real terms in the lives of
Nigerians.
Abubakar Gimba: Perspectives on His Writings and Philosophy is a
163-page book, sub-divided into eight chapters. Topics treated
include Gimba’s ‘Philosophy and Creative Process’ and ‘Typologies of
Gimba’s Fiction Writings and the Prospects of Northern Nigerian
Literature’.
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