Eighty-one-year old twins, Dr. Dora Maude Akanya, and Mrs. Mary Jummai Jarma, tell gooo/feature/octogenarian/we-hope-to-die-same-day-81-year-old-twins/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Punch about their lives.
When and where were you born?
We were born on November 8, 1933, in Zaria, Kaduna State.
Who came first at birth?
Maude: She came first.
But we don’t know the hours difference because we did not ask. Our
parents were just told us Jummai came first and I afterwards.
But we don’t know the hours difference because we did not ask. Our
parents were just told us Jummai came first and I afterwards.
How was growing up in your days like?
Maude: It was normal
and interesting. We were still very little when our father, the late
Rev. Canon Henry Galtir Darren Miller, was posted to Lokoja, Kogi State,
and he took us along. We actually grew up in Lokoja and met a lot of
friends there whom we still interact with till today. Like other
children, we had fun and had a lot of interesting periods while growing
up. We lived in the large school compound of Holy Trinity Church, where
our father was the vicar. Our mum, the late Juli Martha Miller, was a
housewife.
and interesting. We were still very little when our father, the late
Rev. Canon Henry Galtir Darren Miller, was posted to Lokoja, Kogi State,
and he took us along. We actually grew up in Lokoja and met a lot of
friends there whom we still interact with till today. Like other
children, we had fun and had a lot of interesting periods while growing
up. We lived in the large school compound of Holy Trinity Church, where
our father was the vicar. Our mum, the late Juli Martha Miller, was a
housewife.
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Jummai:
Our parents had eight children. We were the youngest and the only
surviving siblings. We grew up in an environment where discipline,
self-respect and humility were hallmarks.
Our parents had eight children. We were the youngest and the only
surviving siblings. We grew up in an environment where discipline,
self-respect and humility were hallmarks.
What schools did you attend?
Maude: We started our
primary school at the Holy Trinity School, Lokoja. This was in the 30s.
We were in Standard Five in 1943, when our father was transferred to
Lagos. We relocated to Lagos and completed our Standard Six at Christ
Church Cathedral School, Marina. Afterwards, we proceeded to the CMS
Girls Grammar School. That was from 1945 to 1950. We took the common
entrance into the secondary school despite the fact that our father was
the chaplain of the cathedral.
primary school at the Holy Trinity School, Lokoja. This was in the 30s.
We were in Standard Five in 1943, when our father was transferred to
Lagos. We relocated to Lagos and completed our Standard Six at Christ
Church Cathedral School, Marina. Afterwards, we proceeded to the CMS
Girls Grammar School. That was from 1945 to 1950. We took the common
entrance into the secondary school despite the fact that our father was
the chaplain of the cathedral.
What does this say about the
education system today in Nigeria where some children enjoy special
access because of their parents’ privileged positions?
education system today in Nigeria where some children enjoy special
access because of their parents’ privileged positions?
Jummai: We thought it was a normal thing at the time to take common entrance with outsiders, and there was no preferential treatment.
Maude: We passed the
examinations successfully. From there, we went to the United Missionary
College, a teacher training college owned by both the Anglican and the
Methodist Missions. We spent two years there.
examinations successfully. From there, we went to the United Missionary
College, a teacher training college owned by both the Anglican and the
Methodist Missions. We spent two years there.
Did you train as a doctor?
Maude: No, I am a
teacher by profession. The prefix is a honorary doctorate from the
University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. We both started our teaching career
at the same time. We got scholarships to study in the United Kingdom.
It was a three-year Teacher training course. We were together right from
the beginning to the end of the training in the 60s.
teacher by profession. The prefix is a honorary doctorate from the
University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. We both started our teaching career
at the same time. We got scholarships to study in the United Kingdom.
It was a three-year Teacher training course. We were together right from
the beginning to the end of the training in the 60s.
How does it feel to have spent so much time with each other for the last 82 years?
Maude: It was after the
UK training that we separated for the first time. While I was a teacher
for some years before I went into the civil service, she was a teacher
throughout her career. We started our teaching profession at the same
time at the Anglican Girls School in Kaduna as well as Holy Trinity
School, Lokoja, in the 60s. Jummai was the headmistress, while I became a
staff under her.
UK training that we separated for the first time. While I was a teacher
for some years before I went into the civil service, she was a teacher
throughout her career. We started our teaching profession at the same
time at the Anglican Girls School in Kaduna as well as Holy Trinity
School, Lokoja, in the 60s. Jummai was the headmistress, while I became a
staff under her.
How would you describe your teaching experience?
Jummai: Teaching was
fun. I was a primary school teacher for 36 years. I was the founding
principal of the Women’s Teachers’ College and the famous Queen Amina
College, both in Kaduna. I also served in the Ministry of Education in
Kaduna and Maiduguri as a senior education officer, director of
educational services and director of special duties. I was also a
council member of the Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto. During the
transition of the democratic government of 1978/79, I was appointed as a
member of the Constituent Assembly which formed the government of the
regime at the time. I retired in the 80s.
fun. I was a primary school teacher for 36 years. I was the founding
principal of the Women’s Teachers’ College and the famous Queen Amina
College, both in Kaduna. I also served in the Ministry of Education in
Kaduna and Maiduguri as a senior education officer, director of
educational services and director of special duties. I was also a
council member of the Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto. During the
transition of the democratic government of 1978/79, I was appointed as a
member of the Constituent Assembly which formed the government of the
regime at the time. I retired in the 80s.
Maude: We had always
wanted to be teachers. We thought teaching was the only great job to do.
I served as an adult education officer of the Ministry of Information
and Public Enlightenment of the old government of Northern Nigeria. I
also served as a founding principal of the Government Girls Secondary
School, Minna, in 1967. Although this was not for too long, as I was
later appointed as Commissioner in the newly created North Central State
that same year; that made me the first female to be appointed as a
Civil Service Commissioner in Nigeria at the time. I have also held
several positions such as the Commissioner for Health and Social
Welfare, where I worked with Ambassador Sarki Tarfida, also, for Trade,
Industries and Cooperatives between 1967 and 1975. I travelled to many
countries around the world. After my service as commissioner, I went
back to the Ministry of Education in Kaduna, where I was responsible for
Primary Education, Universal Primary Education and educational services
as Principal Education Officer and Chief Education Officer. I retired
from active service in 1980 after 27 years in the public service.
wanted to be teachers. We thought teaching was the only great job to do.
I served as an adult education officer of the Ministry of Information
and Public Enlightenment of the old government of Northern Nigeria. I
also served as a founding principal of the Government Girls Secondary
School, Minna, in 1967. Although this was not for too long, as I was
later appointed as Commissioner in the newly created North Central State
that same year; that made me the first female to be appointed as a
Civil Service Commissioner in Nigeria at the time. I have also held
several positions such as the Commissioner for Health and Social
Welfare, where I worked with Ambassador Sarki Tarfida, also, for Trade,
Industries and Cooperatives between 1967 and 1975. I travelled to many
countries around the world. After my service as commissioner, I went
back to the Ministry of Education in Kaduna, where I was responsible for
Primary Education, Universal Primary Education and educational services
as Principal Education Officer and Chief Education Officer. I retired
from active service in 1980 after 27 years in the public service.
Can you give an insight into your close relationship as twin sisters?
Jummai: She is not just my twin sister; she is also my best friend. We are very close.
Maude: It goes without
saying, that she is my best friend and confidante. I can tell her
anything. We discuss a lot. In those days when we are not together, we
communicated with the telegram. We don’t miss ourselves as such but we
are very close.
saying, that she is my best friend and confidante. I can tell her
anything. We discuss a lot. In those days when we are not together, we
communicated with the telegram. We don’t miss ourselves as such but we
are very close.
You were both honoured with the national award of the Officer of the Federal Republic by the Federal Government…
Maude: Yes, we were.
The OFR was given to us by the late President Umaru Yar Adua in 2008.
When he presented me with mine and I left, and then my sister came up to
collect hers, he was surprised! He said, “But you have just come to
collect yours.” He thought I was coming back again to collect another
one. Then, they informed him that we were twins. He did not know. We
have received several other awards from different groups.
The OFR was given to us by the late President Umaru Yar Adua in 2008.
When he presented me with mine and I left, and then my sister came up to
collect hers, he was surprised! He said, “But you have just come to
collect yours.” He thought I was coming back again to collect another
one. Then, they informed him that we were twins. He did not know. We
have received several other awards from different groups.
Jummai: We are grateful to have received the award.
Have you had any experience where people are surprised to see the two of you together?
Maude: Yes, several
times. But it does not seem like anything to us. We have known each
other all our lives. But it is still a surprise to people seeing old
twins. The Oyewole twins were also given an award the same time we got
ours.
times. But it does not seem like anything to us. We have known each
other all our lives. But it is still a surprise to people seeing old
twins. The Oyewole twins were also given an award the same time we got
ours.
How does it feel to be 82?
Maude: We thank God. We
still go to the market at our age. It is something we have been doing
right from childhood. It feels normal to go to the market at any age.
Our late mother used to go to the market in her old age too. We buy
things that we give to people too. God has been wonderful to us, and
used people to give us things. Therefore, we should give back to others
too.
still go to the market at our age. It is something we have been doing
right from childhood. It feels normal to go to the market at any age.
Our late mother used to go to the market in her old age too. We buy
things that we give to people too. God has been wonderful to us, and
used people to give us things. Therefore, we should give back to others
too.
Is cooking one of your hobbies?
Maude: Yes, we like
cooking. It is part of us. Women should know how to cook. But it all
depends on how they were brought up as girls. Some may have been used to
having cooks, stewards and they may not have had time to learn cooking,
unless they had special interest. I think cooking should be a normal
activity for every lady.
cooking. It is part of us. Women should know how to cook. But it all
depends on how they were brought up as girls. Some may have been used to
having cooks, stewards and they may not have had time to learn cooking,
unless they had special interest. I think cooking should be a normal
activity for every lady.
What is your favourite food?
Maude: I like rice. Then, we like our tuwo. Jummai used to do a lot of baking in those days. Now, she does not even know where the pans are.
What are your common interests?
Jummai: We were also into sports in our younger days.
Maude: We participated
in swimming competitions and won prizes for that too. Being twins doing
the same sport was normal for us. We also like singing hymns. At our
age, we still know a lot of hymns from memory. We share everything
together.
in swimming competitions and won prizes for that too. Being twins doing
the same sport was normal for us. We also like singing hymns. At our
age, we still know a lot of hymns from memory. We share everything
together.
Did you get married at the same time?
Maude: No. It would interest you to know it was 10 years apart between her marriage and mine. I got married in 1978.
Jummai: I got married in 1968.
How did you feel when she first got married?
Maude: It did not feel odd or strange. I was happy with it.
Were you her bridesmaid?
Maude: I can’t
remember. I just know I was a part of it. She was also present during my
wedding. The children were the ones busy organising everything.
remember. I just know I was a part of it. She was also present during my
wedding. The children were the ones busy organising everything.
How long were you married?
Maude: I was married to
the late Chief Musa Akanya for 16 years before he died in August 1994.
When you see someone who wants to marry you and you both love each
other, then go ahead. She (Jummai) met her husband when she was working
in the University Staff School. He was also working there. I was in
Kaduna then when I met my husband. Providence brought us together.
the late Chief Musa Akanya for 16 years before he died in August 1994.
When you see someone who wants to marry you and you both love each
other, then go ahead. She (Jummai) met her husband when she was working
in the University Staff School. He was also working there. I was in
Kaduna then when I met my husband. Providence brought us together.
Jummai: I was married for over 56 years. My husband, Ahmed Jarma, is now late. He died last year.
How many children do you have?
Maude: Neither of us
has our own biological children. But we have adopted children. I am
mother to my husband’s six children. But we lost two of them in 1992 and
2011. I have many grandchildren.
has our own biological children. But we have adopted children. I am
mother to my husband’s six children. But we lost two of them in 1992 and
2011. I have many grandchildren.
Jummai: We lost our
only son, Danladi Jarma, in 2006. It was painful. But I thank God for
family, nephews and nieces, and our grandchildren.
only son, Danladi Jarma, in 2006. It was painful. But I thank God for
family, nephews and nieces, and our grandchildren.
Do you miss your husband?
Maude: Yes
What’s your advice to young people about marriage?
Maude: They should love
and respect one another, no matter the profession or status of one of
them. There should be understanding between young married couples. They
should listen to the right counsels of elders. They should also be
prayerful.
and respect one another, no matter the profession or status of one of
them. There should be understanding between young married couples. They
should listen to the right counsels of elders. They should also be
prayerful.
Jummai: Wives should be obedient to their husbands. Couples should always show love to one another.
What should be done to improve the education sector?
Maude: Education in the
country today has gone to the dogs. But it should not be so. Things
have changed from our days. Students now cheat in examinations, there is
dishonesty among teachers and pupils alike. There has to be
intervention by everyone. We should be determined that we want to raise
useful citizens in this country, people who are also determined to build
the nation. Everybody is busy looking for money. There is too much
corruption. There is no fear of God.
country today has gone to the dogs. But it should not be so. Things
have changed from our days. Students now cheat in examinations, there is
dishonesty among teachers and pupils alike. There has to be
intervention by everyone. We should be determined that we want to raise
useful citizens in this country, people who are also determined to build
the nation. Everybody is busy looking for money. There is too much
corruption. There is no fear of God.
Jummai: We learnt from
the UK educational system, but we have missed the steps in many ways.
Our teachers should be trained and re-trained. They should also be paid
well.
the UK educational system, but we have missed the steps in many ways.
Our teachers should be trained and re-trained. They should also be paid
well.
What would you tell the Kaduna State governor and President Muhammadu Buhari to do about regular pensions for senior citizens?
Maude: I wouldn’t just
talk to the President alone. Governance is teamwork. It also depends on
the state, local government and administrative staff. One rogue called
me one day and said he would be able to help me with collecting my
pension, and requested for some money. I later went to see the chairman
of the pension board, and gave his telephone number to him. When an
official called the number, the man kept quiet and could not talk.
talk to the President alone. Governance is teamwork. It also depends on
the state, local government and administrative staff. One rogue called
me one day and said he would be able to help me with collecting my
pension, and requested for some money. I later went to see the chairman
of the pension board, and gave his telephone number to him. When an
official called the number, the man kept quiet and could not talk.
Jummai: I hope the new Governor Nasir El-Rufai can transform Kaduna State. Nigeria should be united.
Maude: I’ve never met
the Kaduna State governor but I believe El-Rufai would perform.
Generally, we pray for better governance in the country. Nigeria should
come first before anything.
the Kaduna State governor but I believe El-Rufai would perform.
Generally, we pray for better governance in the country. Nigeria should
come first before anything.
What are you favourite television programmes?
Maude: We watch
television occasionally and we do not have a favourite programme. We
watch whenever we see something interesting showing on television. But I
am not happy about the sort of things they show these days, some of
them encourage immorality, with ladies dressing indecently. What do they
expect the young ones to learn from? But most of those people who dress
in such ways are highly paid, and everyone wants to be like them.
television occasionally and we do not have a favourite programme. We
watch whenever we see something interesting showing on television. But I
am not happy about the sort of things they show these days, some of
them encourage immorality, with ladies dressing indecently. What do they
expect the young ones to learn from? But most of those people who dress
in such ways are highly paid, and everyone wants to be like them.
Jummai: I don’t have any favourite programme. There are so many programmes on television nowadays.
How true is the belief about twins being almost connected in thoughts and other issues?
Maude: My twin sister
could be in Lagos and I would be in Kaduna, but we would be wearing the
same outfit. Also, on several occasions, despite the fact that we did
not discuss the outfit we would be wearing, both of us would end up
wearing the same outfit to an event. It has happened on several
occasions. That’s how identical we are. We share everything together. I
can take a decision and she agrees with what I was thinking. I don’t
have to go looking for her to ask her what she feels about it. We all
agree on a decision whenever one decides on something.
could be in Lagos and I would be in Kaduna, but we would be wearing the
same outfit. Also, on several occasions, despite the fact that we did
not discuss the outfit we would be wearing, both of us would end up
wearing the same outfit to an event. It has happened on several
occasions. That’s how identical we are. We share everything together. I
can take a decision and she agrees with what I was thinking. I don’t
have to go looking for her to ask her what she feels about it. We all
agree on a decision whenever one decides on something.
Jummai: That is what people say. But I don’t know whether we do it. We just take it for granted; we view it as a normal thing.
What are you most fulfilled about in life?
Maude: We thank God for the life he has given us. We are grateful for our children and family. Our children are well brought up.
You are related to the famous broadcaster, the late Bala Miller. What can you say about him?
Maude: Bala was our
elder brother. That’s why we are called the Miller twins. He was gifted
in music. In church, he played the organ and drums very well. He made an
impact with his gift; that is why everyone knows Bala Miller. He was
ahead of us in primary school, but we all started and finished secondary
school at the same time. We are the last born in the family.
elder brother. That’s why we are called the Miller twins. He was gifted
in music. In church, he played the organ and drums very well. He made an
impact with his gift; that is why everyone knows Bala Miller. He was
ahead of us in primary school, but we all started and finished secondary
school at the same time. We are the last born in the family.
Are you disappointed that you did not have your own biological children?
Maude: No, we don’t
feel any disappointment. Our adopted children are our children. They
accept us as their mothers, and we accept them as our children. I have
six adopted children, two are gone now. My twin sister, Jummai, has one.
We also have other people who grew up under us and we raised them as
our children.
feel any disappointment. Our adopted children are our children. They
accept us as their mothers, and we accept them as our children. I have
six adopted children, two are gone now. My twin sister, Jummai, has one.
We also have other people who grew up under us and we raised them as
our children.
Do you sing together too?
Maude: Yes, we do. We have favourite hymns. One of them is, ‘Great is your faithfulness.’
Jummai: It is my favourite too.
What kind of exercise do you do?
Maude: Occasionally, we take a walk, or do stretch ups while sitting. No more swimming at our age.
What is the secret of your longevity?
Maude: It is God’s making. God has given us the strength to live long.
Jummai: We thank God.
Do you want to live to a 100 years?
Maude: It makes no
difference to us. We are grateful for life. We pray that God should
grant everyone the enablement to fulfill their purpose.
difference to us. We are grateful for life. We pray that God should
grant everyone the enablement to fulfill their purpose.
Jummai: If God wants it, so be it.
Would you also want to be buried at the same place?
Maude: It depends; especially if we die the same day too. But yes, we would love to be buried in the same place.
Jummai: Of course.
Since you were born on the same day, would you like to die the same day too?
Maude: Yes, we would. But it’s only God that can determine that.
