Despite bad roads, Sabongari, Kano still a delight in the night

THE ancient city of Kano is unique for many things. One major thing about the state is that everything sells there, including what some people may consider as waste, but can conveniently fetched one cool money if the owner is ready to disposed them .

A unique and strategically located enclave, predominantly inhabited by “Non-indigenes” is a place called Sabongari.

History has it that Sabongari came into existence as far back as 100 years ago, populated by employees of the Nigerian Railway Corporation. Due to the nature of their job, Kano stakeholders felt that a place should be created for the workers to enjoy themselves after a busy day at work and also avoid running foul of the culture and religion of their hosts.

Speaking recently with the Eze Ndigbo of Kano, Chief Boniface Ubekwe on the status of Sabongari, he said, a big kudos and appreciation must be given to the Kano Emirate and stakeholders who were behind the carving out of Sabongari.

According to him, it is a special place where mostly Non-indigenes reside. “Aside that, the place also gives non-indigenes a sense of belonging,” he said.

Chief Ibekwe added that Sabongari is highly inhabited by people from Southern part of the country, especially the Igbo, Yoruba and south south, noting that there are also others from North Central, North East as well as some Hausa and Fulani, all living together without rancour.

Also speaking in the same vein, Dr.Jimpat Aiyelangbe, a former president General of Yoruba community in Kano, said Sabongari is very unique in the sense that both indigenes and non-indigenes always love to be in Sabo for one reason or the other.

In fact Sabongari highly patronised for its offering of relaxation and the freedom that comes with it, provided money is available.

Investigation conducted by Sunday Tribune revealed that it is a place where there is a high concentration of both small and big hotels owned by the non-indigenes. It is also a place where there is high concentration of churches, standing side by side with Mosques.

Streets in Sabo also shows its ethnic colouration. There are about 15 roadseveral roads named after notable Nigerians, towns and others. They include France, Church, Awolowo, Emir and Middle roads.

Other are Enugu, Warri, Atiken, Onithsa, Aba, Ijebu, Ballatus, Ibo, Sarkinyaki and Festin roads.

However the pathetic situation of Sabongari is that these roads are bad; but despite this, it is a place one would love to visit, especially in the evening because of its many recreation facilities.

Kama Abubakar, a young man who sells suya at Burma Road, while speaking with Sunday Tribune said, he always made good sales from 7pm and midnight because this is the peak of business when customers come calling.

“At least, every night after removing the actual capital invested, I always realise not less than N4,000 as my profit. With this, I can conveniently take good care of my family,” he said.

Also Ibrahim Suya spot at Festing street, is never in want of customers. Ibrahim who operates the spot did not hide his feeling, disclosing that from 6.50pm to midnight, all the chicken on offer for the night would be snapped up by his customers because many people are running away from suya.

“Some of my customers atimes deposited money to buy chicken, and the price ranges from N1,200 to N3,000. Some who could not afford to buy one do go for half.

“In fact, I enjoy business in Sabongari more than any other place. I am from inside city and the moment I finish my sales, I will climb my motorcycle to proceed to my house. wIth this business I have traained three of my children up to University level and they are now graduates,” he said.

For Madam Monica Ajit, business is also good in sabongari. The roasted fish seller at Enugu Road told Sunday Tribune that she normally resumes for work at 6pm with three of her sisters who help her in the businesss.

“You can see those selling drinks have started bringing out their tables and chairs, patiently waiting for their customers. Many customers who have come to enjoy themselves always buy roasted fish from us. The price of roasted fish ranges from N1,000 to N5,000,” she told Sunday Tribune adding that many customers are running away from suya for reasons best known to them.

Madam Monica complains of effect of recession but says she thank God for the sales she makes on a daily basis.

Malam Shehu Muhammad who plies his trade on Warri Road has resolved to be selling kidney suya, chicken and cigarettes, because many of his customers are shunning suya.

One thing that is however costly in Sabo is accommodation. An average self-contained apartment goes for between N70,000 and N100,000, while a two-bedroom flat ranges from N150,000 to N200,000.

In spite of this getting accommodation there is a struggle as people always troop there.