Ham people

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Ham people are an ethnic group found in the southern part of Kaduna State in the northwestern region of Nigeria,[1] predominantly in Jaba, Kachia and Kagarko Local Government Areas of southern Kaduna State, Nigeria. They speak the Hyam language and refer to themselves as Ham. They are known as the 'Jaba' in Hausa, but a recent study by a linguist who is a native of the area (John 2017) has definitely proven that the label 'Jaba' was derogatory and should be rejected.[2] Some estimates place the Ham as numbering 400,000.[3]

Ham
Total population
300,000 (2014 NBTT)[4]
Regions with significant populations
Nigeria
Languages
Hyam
Religion
Christianity
Related ethnic groups
Gwong, Anghan, Adara, Koro (Tinor), Atyap, Berom, Jukun, Efik, Tiv, Igbo, Yoruba, Edo and other Benue-Congo peoples of Middle Belt and southern Nigeria

History[]

The Ham people are believed to have created the Nok culture after archaeological discoveries in the Ham village of Nok.[5]

Culture[]

The Tuk-Ham festival is celebrated each year at Kwain (Popularly known as Kwoi by the Hausa), a town in the Local Government Area of Jaba. It is celebrated around the Easter season.[6][7]

Religion[]

The majority of the Ham people are Christian, estimated at about 85%. About 75% of the population is defined by some sources as "Evangelical Christians", with 10% fitting other definitions of Christians.[8]

Language[]

Main article: Hyam language

The Ham speak Hyam language.

Politics[]

Ham rulers are called Kpop Ham. Since 1974, the Kpop Ham is His Royal Highness (HRH) the Kpop-Ham Dr. Jonathan Danladi Gyet Maude (J.P.), OON.[9]

Notable people[]

Notable people of Ham origin include:

  • Martin Luther Agwai
  • Andrew Jonathan Nok
  • Adamu Maikori, first lawyer in Southern Kaduna
  • Audu Maikori, founder and group CEO of Chocolate City Entertainment record label
  • Yahaya Maikori, founder of Chocolate City Entertainment record label
  • Admiral Ishaya Iko Ibrahim, Former Chief of Naval Staff and Sarkin Yaki Ham
  • Felix Hassan Hyet, Former Minister of Aviation
  • , Former Justice Sokoto High Court
  • , Author, Politician and Activist
  • Late AVM Usman Ma'azu, Former Military Administrator of Kaduna Sate
  • , Former Military Administrator of Imo Sate Yohanna Yarima Kure
  • , Armed Forces Ruling Council (1985-1987)
  • Ambassador Bulus Lolo, RTD Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  • Senator Haruna Aziz Zego, Senator 1999-2003
  • Ambassador Nuhu Bajoga, Deputy Governor Kaduna State 2011-2015

References[]

  1. ^ Ibrahim, James (1986). The Ham in history : the Ham and their neighbours. Jos University Press. ISBN 978-166-038-4.
  2. ^ John, P. H. (2017). Narratives of identity and sociocultural worldview in song texts of the Ham of Nigeria: A discourse analysis investigation (Doctoral dissertation, Stellenbosch: Stellenbosch University).|url=https://www.ethnologue.com/language/jab%7Ctitle=Hyam%7Cnewspaper=Ethnologue%7Caccess-date=2017-01-31}}
  3. ^ "Hyamic".
  4. ^ "Hyam". Ethnologue. Retrieved 2017-04-30.
  5. ^ McKenna, Amy (2011). The History of Western Africa: Britannica guide to Africa. The Rosen Publishing Group. p. 173. ISBN 978-1615303168.
  6. ^ Matthew-Daniel, B. J. St.; Mamman, A. B.; Petters, Sunday W.; Oyebanji, J. Oluwole; Federal Ministry of Information Nigeria (2000). Nigeria, a People United, a Future Assured: Survey of states. Federal Ministry of Information Nigeria. p. 250. ISBN 9780104321.
  7. ^ "Tuk-Ham". ZODML. Retrieved 2017-01-31.
  8. ^ Joshua project entry on Ham people
  9. ^ "HAM CULTURAL HERITAGE". HAM CULTURAL HERITAGE. Retrieved 2017-01-31.
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