Historian Calls For Identity Preservation

A professor of History at Kaduna State University, Terhemba Wuam, has emphasised the importance of historical documentation as a vital pathway for understanding the present and guiding the future of any society.

Wuam made the assertion during the presentation of a book titled, “A History of the Nikyob (Kaninkon) People from Early Times to 2000”, authored by Mr Godwin Danjuma Kwalbe in Kafanchan, Kaduna State.

The book reviewer and lecturer in History and Strategic Studies stressed that knowledge of the past is essential for shaping the present and preparing for a better future.

According to him, “not to have a record of your past may be approximate to being without an identity.”

He explained that history enables societies to understand their origins, appreciate past achievements, recognize mistakes made over time, and learn how to avoid repeating such errors.

Professor Wuam noted that the book was carefully researched, drawing extensively from interviews with elders who served as custodians of Nikyob history from the pre-colonial through the post-colonial era.

“In this book, we are introduced to the rich history of the Nikyob people—who they are, where they live, and who their neighbours are in Kaduna State, Nigeria.

“The author also highlights resources found in the area, such as tin ore, nickel, tantalite, and columbite, among others.”

He added that the book, which is structured into three sections and six chapters, clearly and concisely presents the history of the Nikyob people.

While commending the author, he noted that the work serves as an introduction to a much broader historical narrative, describing it as having “only scratched the surface” of the people’s vast history.

Professor Wuam expressed optimism that the book would help the Nikyob elite better understand their history and appreciate their responsibility in addressing the developmental challenges of Nikyob land and beyond.

In his remarks, the author, Mr. Godwin Danjuma Kwalbe, expressed joy at the successful completion of the book, describing it as a labour of passion aimed at reconstructing the history of his people.

Mr. Kwalbe, also a lecturer of history and strategic studies at the Kaduna State University, explained that the work now serves as a reference material and an addition to existing knowledge within Nikyob land and beyond.

According to him, the journey was challenging due to the absence of sufficient secondary sources, relying largely on archival materials and extensive field interviews.

“It was not an easy journey, but I thank God for finding me worthy of this achievement.

“We should expect more as the reconstruction of our history continues.

Nobody should expect this book to answer all questions, but what matters is that the journey has begun, and the academic landscape of our history will never be the same again.” Kwalbe Said.

The royal father of the day, the Tum Nikyob, HRH Malam Tanko Tete, expressed appreciation to the author for his dedication to preserving the history of the Nikyob people.

He also thanked political office holders and guests for their presence and support.