DEATH OF HAJIYA LAILA DOGONYARO

Hajiya Laila Dogonyaro, Garkuwar Garki died on Thursday 28^th April 2011, leaving behind a vacuum that will be very difficult to fill. She has been buried in her hometown, Garki in Jigawa State. Hajiya Laila left behind a large family and a reputation for public and community service that should serve as a lasting legacy for her family and inspire many women in Nigeria. At a time when the leadership deficit in the North is being felt most acutely, the death of Hajiya Laila will deprive millions of women and virtually all Nigerians of the service of a woman who devoted her entire life to championing causes of the underprivileged and the unfortunate.

Hajiya Laila’s life is a study in the emergence of leaders from multitudes; of the triumph of vision and tenacity for change against established structures designed to preserve the existing order; and of the values of service to others in a system which increasingly emphasizes self-service and the corruption of social values. Born into a society in which men and women were supposed to know their places, and operate within them, Hajiya Laila will be remembered as a wife and mother who, in spite of phenomenal limitations, was able to operate as a beacon of hope for many with her cultural background, and for many who thought women could not reach positions which can speak for them and affect their lives.

Hajiya Laila followed a trail set by other northern wives and mothers who organized as women to speak and act for women and children, and work with men to improve lives and bring relief and hope for the underprivileged. These were privileged women, such as Mrs. Comfort Dikko, Hajiya Astajam Ali Akilu, Hajiya Asiya Bamanga Tukur, Mrs. Zakari and Hajiya Aishatu Joda who nonetheless felt that a distinct northern women’s organization was needed to address the specific needs of northern women. With the active support and blessing of their husbands and the late Sardaunan Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello, they formed the Jam’iyyar Matan Arewa, an organization which achieved many results and the distinction of demonstrating that power and privilege can work for the weak and the powerless. The Association built schools and orphanages, and established branches across the whole length and breadth of the north. It galvanized women from all classes and circumstances to stand up and organize for women, and highlight problems of women. Men were made to sit up and take note, and accord the pressure of northern women the attention and credit it deserved.

Hajiya Laila, as President of the Association, raised the standards set by the founding mothers of the Association to enviable levels. The nation took note, and she was elevated to the position of the President of the National Council of Women’s Societies, an umbrella body which wielded considerable power and influence in Nigerian politics. Hajiya Laila became a household name in Nigeria thereafter, and there has been no significant national development in which she was not a key player. She walked the corridors of power, and served as an icon and mentor for thousands of women who aspired to live lives of leadership, commitment and service to their communities and the nation.

Hajiya Laila lived to the last day as a community leader. Her house in Kaduna was filled from morning until night with people who sought help, assistance or advise. Her last major assignment was the completion of a Community school in Garki, her beloved town which bestowed upon her the title of Garkuwar Garki, a precedent that had no equivalent in history.

Hajiya Laila died at the age of 67. She will be a bright star in the history of this nation, and will be remembered as a symbol of hope against despair, and as a symbol of hope against despair, and as the embodiment of hope, service and commitment.