By Sam Ogabidu
Go now to the sandstone cliff
on the east bank of the Niger—
you will find my headstone there.
I am Idah, the seat of thrones.
Stand, and pull your ears to the stories
of my becoming.
In Idah, yesterday always looks over
the shoulders of today, for tomorrow’s sake.
Here are industrious sons,
and days memorialized for the meridian
of renewal.
In Idah, precedence beats the path
for coming generations.
Here are sacrificial daughters,
and offerings memorialized in monuments.
Come, swim in the river of memories,
and hear the story of blood
and sacrifice,
of kingdoms kept for posterity,
of giving for the sake of living.
Hear her story—Idah’s story—
of a daughter stronger than ten sons.
Inikpi Omo Ufedo Baba
Inikpi Omo Ufedo Baba
Beloved daughter of her father,
you live on in our hearts,
full of songs.
A sacrifice too huge for the grave
to rest in the sands of time.