MAIDUGURI: ONCE A CITY FULL OF ACTIVITIES   

MAIDUGURI: ONCE A CITY FULL OF ACTIVITIES   

By: Balami Lazarus     

I was at an award presentation ceremony recently; when I patiently listened to some group of guests expressing their views on Borno state precisely the city of Maiduguri. Their views were bitter, a total blackout based on reports and hear-say as a result of Boko Haram ambush. As a writer and a journalist by extension, I have heard things in grapevine and rumour mills and I am always mindful to react or join issues in such rumour. Assessing these men I concluded that none of them has ever been to Maiduguri and their views lack any foundation of truth.     

Every town or city has its unique social, cultural and economic atmosphere that attracts the influx of people in spite of its weather and environmental challenges.     Most times we think that urbanization of towns and cities has to do with its position as state capital giving it a cosmopolitan status and drawing commerce and industries to rising economic activities. This has been a wrong notion held by many. I will debunk this assertion because towns like Zaria, Mubi, Oshogbo, Onitsha, Keffi and Biu to mention but a few, are typical examples of towns that has made name in their own right and have in it  people from all walks of life because of their socio- economic, or educational growth and development or both as a system.     

Also Read: Boko Haram: 37 terrorists killed, 7 injured in Borno

What many Nigerians are hearing and saying about Maiduguri these few years have given her a bad image. The explanations and interpretations of Maiduguri have become Hammer house horror scary and full of terror. There is more fiction about Maiduguri than the true story of this city.    Yes, it has high security challenges caused by Boko Haram terrorists. Nonetheless, it was a peaceful city with very high commercial traffic. It was once reported and known for her liquid cash transactions that were much higher than instruments of payment.

Unverifiable statement before now said that out of the 100% business exchange per day in Maiduguri, 90% is done on cash and carry basis. But today the good story has gone with the winds.     I want individuals to know that these challenges Borno is immersed in will someday come to an end. However, Maiduguri still has pockets of businesses going in both private and in the public sector including social life like marriage ceremonies, religious festivities and visitations but these are conducted on a low- key basis. Unlike our days as young men my peers and I had a field day in the social circle segment of Maiduguri.   

Balami,  a Publisher/ Columnist.   (08036779290)

MAIDUGURI: ONCE A CITY FULL OF ACTIVITIES