Musa Didam
His Royal Highness Musa Didam (April 14, 1933 - November 6, 2018) was the first indigenous District Head of the Fantswam District of Jema'a emirate and also first indigenous monarch of Fantswam (Kafanchan) Chiefdom, a Nigerian traditional state in southern Kaduna State, Nigeria. He was also known by the titles Mallam Musa Didam, Mr. Musa Didam and Agwam Fantswam I.[1][2][3]
| A̠gwam Musa Di̠dam | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| District Head of Fantswam District | |||||
| In office | 1991 – January 25, 2001 | ||||
| Monarch of Fantswam (Kafanchan) Chiefdom A̠gwam Fantswam I | |||||
| In office | 2001 – 2018 | ||||
| Successor | A̠gwam (Dr.) Josiah Kantiyok, A̠gwam Fantswam II | ||||
| Reign | January 25, 2001 – November 6, 2018 | ||||
| Born | Sop (Kurmi), Zikpak, Fantswam (Kafanchan), Northern Region, British Nigeria (now Zikpak, Fantswam (Kafanchan), southern Kaduna State, Nigeria) | ||||
| Died | November 6, 2018 Zikpak, Fantswam (Kafanchan), Kaduna State, Nigeria | ||||
| Burial | |||||
| Spouse | Akamai Didam (née Atyong)
( m. 1954; died invalid year) | ||||
| Issue | Hauwa Lydia Victor Angela Simon Usman Serah Gin Tuman Jang | ||||
| |||||
| House | Zikpak | ||||
| Father | Didam Dadiyi | ||||
| Mother | Ndwan Kuhyeb | ||||
| Religion | Evangelical Christianity | ||||
| Occupation | Teacher A̠gwam Fantswam (Chief of Fantswam (Kafanchan)) | ||||
Early life and education
HRH Agwam Musa Didam was born in Sop (Kurmi), Zikpak, Fantswam (Kafanchan), Northern Region, British Nigeria (now Fantswam (Kafanchan), southern Kaduna State, Nigeria on April 14, 1933. His father, Didam Dadiyi was a farmer and his mother, Ndwan Kuhyep a housewife.[4]
Young Didam's educational pursuit began at the then Sudan Interior Mission (SIM), in Fantswam (Kafanchan) whereafter he proceeded to Sudan Interior Mission (SIM), Gworok (Kagoro) to complete his primary education. Following much encouragement by his father, on completion of his primary school education he advanced to Katsina College for his Grade III and II Courses between 1958 - 1964. Among his peers who attended the college with him were Mr. Micah Kalat, Col. Iliya Baba (late) and Mallam Abubakar Sanga.[4]
Career
Didam began a career in education as a teacher, rising to become the headmaster of Primary School, Ancha then later on, Primary School, Kaura (Watyap) where he left landmarks.[4]
Being in love with education, he advanced further and acquired a National Certificate of Education at the College of Education and was among the pioneering students of the All Teachers College (ATC), Kafanchan. He then advanced to Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria where he obtained a B.Ed. in Mathematics.[4]
As a sportsman, he became the football and hockey captain of that very institution.
Family life
Didam got married to Miss Akamai Atyong whom he met while at Gworok (Kagoro) in 1954. The couple had 10 children namely: Hauwa, Lydia, Victor, Angela, Simon, Usman, Serah, Gin, Tuman and Jang. Being a loving and caring father, he endured that his children were well educated. He was as well at the time of his burial, blessed with 22 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.[4]
Faith life
Didam accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal saviour and got baptized in 1964. Growing in spiritual life, he became a member of the Boys' Brigade and the Scouts and also a keen participant in their activities. He was also a member of the church men's fellowship and helped in growing the church, for he was brave, courageous and served God and man with his entire heart.[4]
Leadership roles
Didam was a leader among both peers and younger ones of his and participated in community development such as road and bridge constructions linking several villages around, and was always a leadsman. He loved to participate also in meetings aimed at developing the Fantswam community.[4]
These and more led to his selection amidst many others to be the first Fantswam District Head when the new district was created in 1991. His reign was marked by his listenership quantities where he gave ears to all regardless of ethnic or religious leanings.[4]
After the request by him and other Fantswam sons and daughters for the creation of a Fantswam Chiefdom and the creation of it by the then governor of Kaduna State, Ahmed Makarfi, he was made the first Agwam Fantswam (Kafanchan) on January 25, 2001. Six additional districts were created to make seven for the chiefdom to ease administration and foster rapid development during his reign.[4]
Ailment and death
Didam suffered from diabetes and hypertension for many years, and after 17 years as Agwam Fantswam I, he died on November 6, 2018 at the age of 85.[4] He was buried at his home in Zikpak, Fantswam (Kafanchan) on Friday, November 9, 2018.
Wife's murder
It was reported by several news media that Fulani herdsmen invaded his home on July 25, 2020 killing his wife, his brother (father to the Nigerian musical artiste, Joe El), burning down the house in the process.[5]
References
- "Composition of the State's Council of Chiefs, Kaduna State Government". Retrieved 11 August 2020.
- "LIST OF EMIRS AND CHIEFS IN KADUNA STATE UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP IF EMIR IF ZAZZAU". Royalty Magazine. 25 June 2019. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
- Ibrahim, Longtong (1 June 2016). "SOUTHERN KADUNA TRADITIONAL RULERS SUPPORT CHILD BIRTH SPACING". Africa Prime News. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
- Biography section of Burial programme. Family.
- "Fulani herdsmen defy curfew to attack Southern Kaduna communities". 26 July 2020. Retrieved 11 August 2020.