I am Anelile Gibixego, a Masters student with the IWR at Rhodes University, currently placed at the Federal University of Technology in Minna, Niger State Nigeria. This opportunity has been granted by the African Water Resource Mobility Network programme funded by the Intra Africa Academic Mobility Scheme of European Union. Many other scholars, staff and I have been located at institutions around the continent to learn, exchange ideas and broaden our knowledge.

Halfway through my time in FUT Minna, is the perfect time to reflect on the journey of a Zulu girl in Nigeria. Not just Nigeria but the Northern part of Nigeria. Sitting under the shade of a mango tree to ease the heat which reaches 40 degrees as we end off the harsh dry season. All you can do is have a fan, drink cool pure water and eat sweet watermelon.

Observably there is many cultures, languages, religions, and tribes in the country due to its rich and diverse history. This area is characterised by a dominant Hausa and Muslim people although there is good representation of many tribes and religions from other states. So, I am a foreigner with other foreigners, creating a sort of rainbow nation that I am well familiar with given my South African origin.

There is a classic symmetry between being a water resources activist, advocate for justice in water politics and ethics in the sector and being placed in a place with large water, and electricity and with scant water delivery systems in places and limited waste removal. I arrived in Minna, Niger state in the middle of the dry season. This meant that I would not experience rain until the end of April if the rain came early. It would mean that preaching about ‘saving water’ would not only be a slogan but it would be a lived experience. After 5 months of my stay and with dry taps, I see more and more men filling water at boreholes and selling it to us (a lucrative business in this city); and more and more young maidens going to fill up water in nearby wells and boreholes. The extreme heat here contributes to the contestation of water at the watering homes as each household requires numerous trips for personal hygiene, cleaning and preparing food.

This realisation brought a new and clearer perspective of the value of our work as aquatic scientists. This is particularly evident when observing River Chanchanga where my study is; the river is a life source for many. Between children swimming to cool down and women washing clothes as well as men fishing. This inspires more research and awareness that is needed to assist the local government and the people of Minna.

There have been numerous culture shocks as a Zulu Christian living in Minna which is largely populated with Muslims. A daily prayer call at 5am and many times per day always makes sure I am awake and alert. I have learned more about Muslim people as well as some of the dominant cultures here like the Hausa, Gwarri and the Nupe people. With an open mind and willingness to learn I attend some gatherings and ask questions which people are happy to answer.

The food has been one of the funnier experiences. What I have learned is that we as Africans are resourceful with what is present naturally. So, when the soil produces yam, cassava and the rivers supply big fish then the diet of the people will revolve around that. I have tried pounded yam, semovita, and numerous soups like egusi, vegetable and ewedu. I find them delicious however I still miss my maize meal and samp.

Another shock has been the electricity situation. After I thought I ran away from loadshedding, with only about five hours of electricity a day we struggle to maintain good working hours and such. However, the people have found alternative ways of supplying energy and have found generators and inverters. There is great potential to innovate renewable energy solutions especially with these extensive natural resources.

The best part of my stay here are the people. The words, “when a foreigner resides among you in your land, you shall not oppress them, or mistreat them” taken from Leviticus 19; 33 come to mind when I think about the people of Minna. Living here with Nigerians from different states has shown me that science is universal, that kindness is free and that as Africans we must build each others’ economies and strengthen partnerships for our people and the future of our continent.

Last Modified: Fri, 26 Apr 2024 15:55:54 SAST