My father’s writings seek to correct society — Gimba’s daughter

Hajiya Aisha Abubakar Gimba is the eldest child of late writer, Abubakar Gimba. She holds a degree in English Language and currently works at the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai aŌ er leaving the banking sector. In this interview with IBRAHIM RAMALAN, Aisha speaks on her father’s legacies

How would you describe him?

He was a fatherthat was always there for the family, our friend and confi dant irrespective of what one had to discuss with him. We all looked up to him. What is your fondest memory of him?

A disciplinarian with a loving heart. Funny, when he feels he has hurt your feelings but always tells you the truth My fondest memory, well, his love for his children. We never had to consult anyone outside the house because he was always there even when not physically there. You have quite a lot of siblings, how does it feel being the big sister of the house?

It’s interesting and challenging. We sometimes disagree, then agree. Generally, we get along because we still remain a family. Have you read all of your father’s 16 published books? I have read the novels not the poetry collections. Why haven’t you read the poetry collections?

Poetry wasn’t my favourite in school. I’m just learning to appreciate it now. What of the collection of essays? I have. What do you like most about his writings? The fact that he highlights issues that have to do with the society he lived in; Politics, leadership and the led. Religion, in the context of the scriptures, family life, the roles of parents towards their children and expectations from the children to the family, elders and society at large. Education of both sexes, especially the girl child. Matrimony, experiences in both public and private sectors. Is it true that he left a will on his published books?

Could you let us into details of the will?

The Rights have been given the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Other details are confi dential for now till all formalities are carried out. What are the specifi c rights that were willed to ABU?

The University & family are working on the details and can’t be made public till it’s fi nalised.

Has any of your siblings taken after him with writing?

Yes, some have written some short stories published in the dailies, others have diary entries taught us by our father. He always says no day is an ordinary day. There is always something to write about. While he was alive, your father was a huge Art Patron and Philanthropist.

Is the family thinking of a Foundation in his name to continue with these legacies?

Yes. He had a Foundation called the Concern Foundation that took care of accident victims and the less privileged in the society. We are working towards continuing with the Foundation in his memory in shaa Allah!

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