We Had To Add Sugar to [the] Beans –an Interview with Halima Yusuf Bawah

Into Borno state this month, I had the privilege of sitting down with Halima Yusuf Bawah, a graduate of Chemical Engineering, who is also a fashion designer, a baker, and a techie, among other things. We delved into her remarkable journey during the crisis and her unwavering commitment to peace-building. Her story is not only a testament to the human spirit’s strength in diversity but also a source of inspiration for all those who believe in the power of individuals to make a difference.

Join us as we explore Halima’s experiences, her vision for peace, and the incredible strides she has taken to contribute her part to rebuilding lives and communities in Borno. This is a conversation you won’t want to miss!

Halima Yusuf Bawa

My chat with Halima began by asking her how growing up in Borno State influenced her journey as a climate champion and innovator.

“I saw first-hand, the impact of climate change in my community, so I became inspired to do something to make a difference,” she said. “I have seen how climate change has caused migration, flooding, draught and other disasters that displaced many people and destroyed many homes. A typical example is the shrinkage of Lake Chad which, an issue of concern and a major contributor to conflict, migration and food insecurity in this part of the country. All of these pushed me into becoming a climate educator. I believe through education and awareness, the people will be exposed to ‘Why the need for climate Action?’. People need to know the problem before giving a solution or being asked to take action. This is necessary in order to address climate change and adopt a sustainable environment.”

“Can you share some personal experiences or memories from your time in Borno during the challenging period of terrorism?” I asked.

“It was a period of fear. I remember the sound of explosions; it was constant and labeled as ‘ringing tone’. I remember whenever there was an explosion in a certain location, the military would parade the area and arrest every person they saw on the streets. Except for a few lucky ones, once someone is arrested, you will never them again.

“I could remember there was this particular day there was an attack close to where I lived and the military came parading everywhere and looking for suspects. There was this particular guy who ended up in our street; there were many uncompleted buildings around there, so this guy hid in one of them for fear of not being picked as a suspect. It was around 6pm. So we spotted him and informed our parents, and they asked one of our brothers to go get him. I can't remember if he dropped his phone or he was low on credit, so my dad gave him his phone to call his family, to let them know he is safe. When it was time for Isha prayer, my dad got him a kettle for ablution. That was when we knew he wasn't a Muslim. Did it change anything? No. The following day when everything was calm, he left.

“Then there was the brutal massacre of many. During the State of Emergency, when people would travel to Damaturu to make phone calls because there was no network in Maiduguri for a year or so. One day we received the news that silenced the whole of Maiduguri: hundreds of those moving to find network coverage to place calls were attacked and killed. It directly or indirectly affected so many people I know.

“I also remember during the migration period, schools were closed for months and markets were closed too, banks too were not operating. Thanks to Allah, we had more than enough beans at home then because my dad had harvested loads of beans from his farm. We ate beans like our lives depended on it –which it actually did. Haha. It got to the point that we had to add sugar to the beans to have a variation in taste. Once, we were tired of eating beans, so, my parents decided to check if we could get any bank that was open so we could get some cash and try some other foodstuff.  My sister and I tagged along. What we saw was an entirely different Maiduguri city: everywhere was silent, empty just like the zombie movies you watch on TV. There was only a few people moving –perhaps,  remaining– in the city. We drove to West-end around Bank Area, but no single bank was open. That was how we came back home, to our sugar-tasty beans.

“The memories are many and all I can say is, they were horrible and traumatizing,” she concluded.

Moving on, I asked Halima about her passion as climate educator. “How do you see the environmental changes in Borno State, and how they have impacted the community?”

“As a climate change advocate and educator who has experienced first-hand the impact of climate change, I will say, the state has -and is still experiencing-  a number of environmental changes ranging from increased heat wave, a rise in temperature, and the likes. All these have led to extreme weather events like drought, flooding, change in rain pattern, et cetera. All these have led to food and water shortage. These are some of the environmental changes we have in Borno State and the impact it has on the community.”

“Could you tell me more about your role as a digital marketing facilitator and how it has helped raise awareness of the situation in Borno?” I sought.

“As a digital marketing facilitator, I use my skill and knowledge to work with organizations to equip youths with digital marketing and e-commerce skill to help them take their businesses and services to the next level,” she elaborated. “I have conducted free online digital marketing Masterclasses. Like I mentioned, I am a freelancer, so I work and get paid. I've worked with organizations like Natview in partnership with NITDA and sponsorship of World Bank to train young women on digital skills. Recently, I worked with Co-Development Hub in partnership with the Ministry of RRR to execute a project aimed at training 1,000 youths in Borno State with digital skills. We've done workshops to see that we equip youths with the right skill in this digital era. My role as a digital marketing facilitator has helped me raise awareness about the abundant digital skills we have and also break the barrier between the youths, particularly women and digital illiteracy.”

I inquired, “What inspired you to become a journalist, and how has your work contributed to rebuilding Borno State after the turbulent times?”

“I got inspired to be a journalist because journalism is a powerful tool that can be used to tell stories, raise awareness and hold people accountable,” she asserted. “I want to tell our stories myself –especially those who have been affected by the insurgency. I have written about the challenges facing the people of Borno State, their needs and experiences. I have some of my works published on HumAngle website, while more is forthcoming. This is just the start of my carrier in journalism,” she added.

Earlier in our pre-interview chat Halima mentioned being part of the Fati Abubakar Art Foundation, so I asked her how art plays a role in conveying the experiences of people in Borno, especially during those difficult times.

“Art has played a great role in conveying the experiences of people during the insurgency,” she responded. “Through art, one can document the experiences of the people affected. Photography has captured the devastations caused by the violence, the resilience of the people, and the hope for a better future. Poetry has also been used to write about the sufferings and pains of the people and their strength, aside other part of art like the theater production, animation and the rest.  Art is a powerful tool that can actually be used to spread awareness, promote healing and clear misconceptions about extremism and terrorism.”

“Can you share some insights into your work with the Attaqwaa Charity Foundation and the positive changes it has brought to Borno State?” I slipped.

“Attaqwaa Charity foundation is a foundation that provides support to orphans, widows and less privileged individuals, particularly those affected by the insurgence. Some of the work we do includes providing food, shelter, medical and education support. We have successfully carried out numerous projects that have impacted the lives of the people of Borno State. We annually execute harmattan and Ramadan projects where we give out harmattan kits to needy kids like the almajiris, orphans and other less privileged. We also give food support to widows and needy homes. I have been a frontier participant in executing some of these projects. Currently, Attaqwaa Charity Foundation is sponsoring over 30 orphans, mostly victims of the insurgence in schools. We also support the students with study materials. These are some the works we do in Attaqwaa Charity Foundation,” she responded.

“Let’s dig in a bit deeper,” I said. “What projects or initiatives are you currently involved in to promote climate education and sustainability in Borno State?”

“Like I said, I do what I do on my own because of the passion I have to make a difference. So, utilizing the platform HumAngle has provided me, I try to focus on my thematic area to see that I create initiatives that will help hone my expertise in the career I have chosen. I tend to include climate education for schools and grassroots communities. I also tend to offer free tree plants to any participant of my climate education trainings while I strategically transfer the ownership of these trees to them.

“Another way is by educating the marginalized and underrepresented people within the community. I believe that when you empathize with the underrepresented group, you'll begin to solve the problems of many. So, in order to fight climate change, grassroots communities need to be given greater priority.”

“With the return of people to their villages and cities, what are your hopes for the future of Borno State, and how do you plan to contribute to its development?” I couched a question.

“I am hopeful or the future of Borno State. The return of people to villages is a sign of progress, and it serves as an opportunity to rebuild and create a better future for the state. My personal hope for this state is to be able to achieve lasting peace and security. I plant to contribute to its development by committing myself to what I do, I will continue to encourage people to speak out against injustice, promote peace and unity. I will continue enlightening youths on digital skills and the abundant digital opportunities so that the youths are part of the digital era.”

I finalized, “Before we say goodbye, in your opinion, what are the key factors that have made Borno State safer now, and how can individuals continue to contribute to its peace and progress?”

Halima finished, “There are a number of factors that have made Borno State safer now, these include the effort of the CJTF, that of the Nigerian Military and the resilience of the people. I think how we as individuals can contribute to the peace of this state is by promoting peace and tolerance among ourselves, speaking out against violence, supporting women and youth in education and skills acquisition. And all in all, by working together, we can help rebuild this state into a safer and more prosperous place.”

As my conversation with Halima draws to a close, her resilience and commitment to peace-building in Borno shine brightly. Her experiences during the crisis have not only shaped her but have also fueled her determination to make a positive impact. It’s inspiring to witness individuals like Halima who, in the face of adversity, become beacons of hope and agents of change.

We look forward to following her journey as she continues her invaluable quota to building a brighter future for Borno state and beyond.

ECHOES IN FRAMES

Attaqwaa Charity Foundation supporting the needy with harmattan support. December, 2022.

Service year, Abuja, 2022.

Documentary and videography workshop at Fati Abubakar Art Foundation.

HumAngle Accountability Fellowship Onboarding, Abuja, 2023.

Training young girls on Digital Skills. Maiduguri, June, 2023.

Training youths on digital marketing and e-commerce.

"During periods of turmoil and upheaval, individuals possess the extraordinary power to shape the course of history, for it is in such moments that the true measure of our character and resolve becomes evident." 

- Mahatma Gandhi

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