A Brief History Of Gbagyi People (Watch Video)
Gbagyi or Gbari (plural: Agbagyi) is the name and the language of the Gbagyi/Gbari ethnic group, which is predominantly found in Central Nigeria with a population of about 15 million people. Members of the ethnic group speak two dialects.
While speakers of the dialects were loosely called Gwari or Gwagi (a dulterated form of Gbagyi) by both the Hausa/Fulani and Europeans during pre-colonial Nigeria, they preferred to be known by their original name of Gbagyi.
They live in Niger, Kaduna, Kogi, Nasarawa, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Gbagyi is the most populated ethnic and indigenous group in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria, Abuja, and their major occupation is farming.
Historically, the Gbagyi practiced a patrilineal kinship system. The lowest tier of authority is found in the extended family compound, led by the oldest male. The compound consists of small huts and rectangular buildings.
The Osu (king) is the highest tier of authority in a Gbagyi settlement, and he is assisted by a group of kingmakers and elders.
The Gbagyi people are predominantly farmers, but they are also hunters, and some are involved in making traditional arts and crafts products such as pottery and woodwork like mortar and pestles.
Gbagyi are good at mixing clay to produce decorative household products such as pots.
Significant Gbagyi towns include Minna, Kwakuti, Kwali, Wushapa (Ushafa), Bwaya (Bwari), Karu, Suleija, Abuja, and Paiko.
There are some theories that posit the reasons for the scattered settlements and migration of the Gbagyi people. Some historians believe that the Gbagyi were displaced from their original settlements during the Fulani jihad, while some local historians link migration with the Gbagyi's need for farmland.
Gbagyi settlements can be both large and small. In locations where farming is the dominant occupation, the settlements tend to be small so that enough land is available for farming.
The Gbagyi were the largest (and still remain so) among the ethnic groups that inhabited the land proposed for development when Abuja was chosen as Nigeria's new federal capital. The dislocation led to the removal of people from their ancestral homes and spiritual symbols such as Zuma Rock.
Seeing their ancestral lands referred to as "no man's land" has continued to hurt the people, leading to presentations to the federal government to correct the notion and other anomalies in the public domain of Nigerians.
The Gbagyi people are known to be peace-loving, transparent, and accommodating.
Dominant tribes and other northerners are fond of saying in Hausa "muyi shi Gwari Gwari" meaning "let’s do it like the Gbagyi" or "in the Gbagyi way".
According to Theotanko Chigudu, the Gbagyi people have emerged as a unique breed among Nigerians; their culture shows how much they have come to terms with the universe. Daily, they aspire to give life meaning, no matter the situation in which they find themselves.
The Gbagyi language is part of the Kwa sub-division of the Niger-Congo language family; however, some researchers, such as Kay Williamson, put the language in the Benue-Congo family.
The Gbagyi people are adherents of Islam, Christianity, and traditional African religions. In their traditional religion, some Gbagyi believe in a God called Shekwoi (one who was there before their ancestors), but they also devote themselves to appeasing deities of the god, such as Maigiro.
Many Agbagyi believe in reincarnation.
Islam became more prominent among the people after the Fulani jihad, while Christianity was introduced to the people by the Sudan Interior Mission (also known locally as the Evangelical Church of West Africa, ECWA).
However, the things they do in common are;
Food
The Gwari people enjoy eating a meal known as Wyizhe. It is made from Guinean corn, which is also used to make a special drink known as Zhepwo. The Gwari people also enjoy drinking a soup known as Knadolo, made from locust beans.
Clothing
The Gbagyi people wear tie-and-dye clothing known as Ajeside, made from local cotton and traditionally woven and dyed.
Occupation
The Gbagyi people are mostly farmers, although they are also good at woodworking, pottery, and blacksmithing.
The Gbagyi people were also well known for their visual art, especially pottery. Other arts practiced by the Gwari people are sculpture, iron smelting, domestic craft, and smelting.
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Sumner Shagari SamboSupported by: Galukwo Magazine
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