What I picked up in Kaduna State that is staying with me

When I got my NYSC posting and saw "Kaduna," I honestly sighed. I had never been up north before. All I knew about the place came from news headlines or social media stereotypes. But I decided not to overthink it after all, service is just a year, right? I packed my bags and went with an open mind.

Image by me

Fast-forward a few weeks, and one thing I didn’t expect was how much I’d start enjoying the Hausa language. Not in an "I took it as a course" kind of way, but just through everyday exposure. I heard Hausa everywhere in camp, in town, and even in the greetings from strangers. At first, I’d just smile and nod, but then I started catching on.

The first phrase I picked up was “Ina kwana?” meaning good morning in Hausa language. People here don’t just throw greetings around. They say it with intention. You greet someone, and they respond with a whole chain of questions — “Yaya aiki?” “Yaya iyali?” “Lafiya?” It’s not just small talk. It feels like people care how you’re doing.

That was different for me. Where I grew up, greetings are quick. Polite, yes, but not deep. But here, even buying food from a roadside seller comes with a full conversation if you’re open to it.

So, I started learning more. Not with a textbook just by asking people, repeating what I heard, and letting them correct me. I’d say things like “Nagode” (Thank you) and watch people’s faces light up. You could tell they appreciated the effort.

Surprisingly, I think the culture here just rubs off on you. People look out for one another. They check in. It’s simple, but it sticks.

One particular day, I remember helping an elderly woman carry her things at the market. She spoke to me fully in Hausa, and although I barely understood half of it, I replied with the little I knew. She smiled and gave me a blessing I couldn’t even translate but I felt it. That moment stayed with me.

I wouldn't say I’ve mastered Hausa, but picking it up and practicing it has made my time here richer. It's made me feel less like a visitor and more like part of the community.

Funny how something you learn casually, without planning, can shape your behavior. Now, even when I call my friends or talk to people back home, I find myself being more polite and more patient. Maybe that’s one thing this culture has taught me respect and presence.

Image by me

So yeah, I came to Kaduna for NYSC, but I’m leaving with more than service experience. I picked up a language, a new way of interacting with people, and a fresh perspective I honestly didn’t expect. And for that, I’m grateful. It's very important to learn this Hausa language because when I want to board a tricycle at my workplace, some of these Hausa drivers don't understand English. So it is always embarrassing speaking English, and they respond in Hausa, which I don't understand until someone else has to interpret for them before I can enter the tricycle because I don't want to be stranded on the way.

This is what I learned and I still want to learn more and new things at Kaduna State.

Thank you for reading through.

I love, I care, and I forgive

I remain @peckypeace