By Sanee Yarima
The history of the Hausa community in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State, North-East Nigeria, is as old as the town itself.
This statement is part of the introduction to a 48-page book titled “A Brief History of the Hausa Community in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State,” which was launched on Tuesday, April 2, 2025.
The launch coincided with the 30th anniversary celebration of the Sarkin Hausawa Takum, Alhaji Hudu Isma’ila Madugu.
The event took place at Anguwan Rogo Primary School in Takum, attended by dignitaries from various sectors.
It included the presentation of awards to prominent individuals and posthumous awards to the families of those who had significantly contributed to the peace and development of Takum during their lifetimes.
The origins of the Hausa community can be traced back to the late seventeenth century during the reign of KUMBOSHI, the third chief of Takum from the Chamba ethnic group, as detailed in the book.
The Hausa community has played a vital role in the socioeconomic and political evolution of the area, actively participating in the early struggles that helped establish Takum and addressing the challenges of the post-independence era.
Alhaji Hudu Isma’ila Madugu succeeded his father, the late Alhaji Isma’ila Muhammadu Madugu Rajab, and ascended the throne in 1995.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Agbu Kefas, the Governor of Taraba State, represented by member representing Takum(I) Constituency in the Taraba State House of Assembly, Hon Abubakar Jolly, Kefas emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence, respect for constituted authority, and love for one another among the people.
“This event reflects the resilience of the Hausa community in this diverse region and highlights the evolving role of the Sarkin Hausawa—from facilitating trade and preserving culture to navigating modern governance and security issues.
“The title of this book and the Sarkin Hausawa signify a blend of tradition and adaptation. Alhaji Hudu Isma’ila Madugu’s 30-year tenure, which we celebrate today, underscores this legacy. It is crucial to continue emphasizing our peaceful coexistence, respect for authority, and love for one another, as these are the foundations of our progress and our goals as a people.” Gov Kefas stressed.
In his address, the Chairman of the occasion, who is also the Sardaunan Kauru in Kaduna State, Barrister Nasiru Maiyaki, said the importance of peaceful coexistence cannot be over-emphasized, hence the need for the people of Takum, especially parents, to always preach peace and tolerance to their children.
“His tireless efforts to promote peace, unity, and progress have earned him respect and administration of our community. Sarki Hausawa has played a vital role in preserving and promoting the Hausa tradition, customs, and values.” Maiyaki added.
He explained that throughout his tenure, Alhaji Hudu Isma’ila Madugu had demonstrated exceptional leadership, fostering collaborations and cooperation among the Hausa community members, traditional leaders, and governmental agencies.
Additionally, Barrister Nasiru Maiyaki said the commitment to healthcare, education and economic empowerment has improved the lives of countless individuals and families and called on the youths to focus on skills acquisition.
His Royal Majesty, the Aku Uka of Wukari and Chairman of the Taraba State Council of Chiefs, represented by the Moyi of Wukari, praised the Sarkin Hausawa Takum for his contributions, patience, resilience, and commitment to maintaining peace in Takum, urging him to keep up the good work and prayed to God for more wisdom and blessed years ahead.
The Executive Chairman of Takum, Hon. John Ali, represented by his Chief of Staff, expressed amazement at the turnout for the occasion, describing the Sarkin Hausawa as a man of integrity and a peacemaker, and congratulated him on his 30th anniversary.
In his speech, the Sarkin Hausawa Takum, Alhaji Hudu Isma’ila Madugu, expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the wisdom and mercies he has received during the years on the throne and prayed for continued peaceful existence and development.
He also thanked Governor Agbu Kefas for prioritizing good governance, inclusivity, peace, and security throughout the state, urging him to consider them and upgrade his title.
Alhaji Madugu noted the many accomplishments achieved despite challenges and urged his subjects to continue praying for the leaders, Takum LGA, Taraba State, and Nigeria as a whole, for peace, unity, and development.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Central Organizing Committee, Hon. Sani Abdullahi Tullu, highlighted the presence of dignitaries as a testament to the importance of the Hausa community and the significance of the anniversary ceremony.
“Today’s celebration is not only a moment to reflect on our past achievements but also an opportunity to recognize the contributions of individuals who have helped shape our community into what it is today. It is our pleasure to present prestigious awards of excellence to deserving individuals and to honour the memory of our legendary leaders with posthumous awards for their invaluable contributions,” Tullu shared.
Hon. Sani Abdullahi Tullu commended the tireless efforts of the Sarkin Hausawa Takum in promoting their cultural heritage, describing his dedication to the Hausa community as inspiring.
He encouraged the community to continue upholding the values that have united them, such as respect, tolerance, and unity, and to remain good ambassadors for the development of Takum and Taraba State at large.
The guest speaker at the event, Professor Mustapha Baba Ibi of Taraba State University, emphasized that meaningful development cannot occur without social cohesion.
He urged the community, particularly the youth, to embrace peace to build a better future for Takum, Taraba State, and Nigeria as a whole.
Prof. Ibi revealed that the history of the Hausa community in Takum had been in existence for over three decades before the coming of colonial masters who came in the eighteenth century and emphasized the need for continuous tolerance, unity, and love for one another.
He commended Governor Agbu Kefas for his transformative agenda and prioritisation of the education sector and called on parents and guardians to prioritize the education of their children as no amount spent in the area is wasted.
The Chairman of the Taraba State Independent Electoral Commission, Dr Philip Danladi Duwe, who is also a traditional title holder in the Takum Chiefdom, spoke on behalf of the awardees, congratulated the Sarkin Hausawa Takum for his 30th anniversary on the throne and expressed their gratitude for finding them worthy of recognition.
Dr Duwe described the Hausa community in Takum as the most peaceful, attributing it to the resilience and commitment of Alhaji Hudu Isma’ila Madugu to the peaceful coexistence of the area, and called on sons and daughters of the soil who have excelled in their various fields to bring development to the area, embrace peace, and love each other.
According to Dr Philip Duwe, no laboratory will tell an individual his tribe through the test of his blood, hence the need to tolerate one another and live in peace, urging the youths to be patient, resilient, and engage in meaningful ventures as leaders of tomorrow.
Notably among those who received the award of excellence include General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (Rtd), Dr. Philip Danladi Duwe, member representing Takum, Donga, Ussa in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Mark Bako Useini, among many others.
It is worth noting that before the initialization and recognition of the stool of Sarkin Hausawa Takum as an entity, several community elders (Madugu I) were considered valid representatives of the Hausa community within the set-up and convenience of the pre-colonial and colonial era, as mentioned in the book.
It is also on record that late Alhaji Muhammadu Madugu Rajab, late Mallam Sarki, late Mallam Ali (Acting capacity), late Mallam Idi, late Mallam Umar Mallam Sarki, and late Alhaji Isma’ila Madugu had served as Sarkin Hausawa of Takum, while Alhaji Hudu Isma’ila Madugu is the seventh and the current Chief of Hausawa of Takum.
