0:00:00 > 0:00:00- 888
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- 888- - 888
0:00:05 > 0:00:08- It's my first time back in Nigeria - in a quarter of a century.
0:00:09 > 0:00:15- In the next hour, you'll see - the traditional Nupe way of life...
0:00:15 > 0:00:19- ..watch the children - having fun at their lessons...
0:00:19 > 0:00:24- ..and listen to the heart-rending - story of an exceptional ex-pupil.
0:00:25 > 0:00:30- You'll see me laughing and crying - on a real emotional roller coaster.
0:00:30 > 0:00:34- This is the story of my journey - from Gwanas to Gbara.
0:01:07 > 0:01:11- This is the story of my return - to Gbara, a village in Nigeria.
0:01:12 > 0:01:15- I was a VSO teacher there - 25 years ago.
0:01:15 > 0:01:19- I was 22, inexperienced, - in a school with no resources...
0:01:20 > 0:01:22- ..except for chalk, - if we were lucky.
0:01:23 > 0:01:28- I've since travelled the world - as a writer and broadcaster.
0:01:29 > 0:01:32- In those days, - I was just an adventure seeker...
0:01:32 > 0:01:37- ..before Nigeria and its people - captured my heart.
0:01:37 > 0:01:40- I even published a diary - of my two years there.
0:01:41 > 0:01:44- What a trip it's been, - meeting old pupils...
0:01:44 > 0:01:49- ..the Leader of the Nupe people, - and then the biggest surprise...
0:01:49 > 0:01:54- ..being crowned a Jikadia of Gbara, - the highest of all Nupe honours.
0:01:54 > 0:01:56- This was only the beginning.
0:02:00 > 0:02:04- This is Gbara - yes, Gbara, - you swallow the "G".
0:02:04 > 0:02:07- Mud huts can still be found - in Nigeria.
0:02:07 > 0:02:10- It's small, - remote and not even on the map.
0:02:11 > 0:02:14- It's the ancient cradle - of the Nupe people.
0:02:14 > 0:02:19- The Nupe tribe lives in a region - roughly the size of Wales.
0:02:19 > 0:02:22- The river Niger dominates the area.
0:02:23 > 0:02:25- The local language is Nupe.
0:02:25 > 0:02:29- It's one of over 500 languages - spoken in this country.
0:02:32 > 0:02:34- Considering my welcome here...
0:02:34 > 0:02:38- ..I doubt if any white people - have been here since I left.
0:02:39 > 0:02:41- Nothing much has changed really.
0:02:42 > 0:02:46- The village has grown a bit - but the outside world is distant.
0:02:47 > 0:02:49- There's no tap water or electricity.
0:02:50 > 0:02:52- People still arrive by canoe.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55- The school still stands, - thank goodness.
0:03:02 > 0:03:07- Government Day Secondary - was a rural high school.
0:03:07 > 0:03:11- I was sent here - by Voluntary Service Overseas - VSO.
0:03:11 > 0:03:14- I, and another girl, Katie, - taught English.
0:03:14 > 0:03:18- The schoolchildren - were all very poor...
0:03:18 > 0:03:21- ..but had to pay to be educated.
0:03:21 > 0:03:24- Their parents would foot the bill.
0:03:24 > 0:03:29- They hoped that education - was the key to a better future.
0:03:39 > 0:03:41- It's the weekend and school's out.
0:03:47 > 0:03:49- I recognized it, the same layout.
0:03:50 > 0:03:52- The trees are a shade higher.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55- This block has deteriorated.
0:03:55 > 0:03:58- That's new and it's grand.
0:03:59 > 0:04:00- It's improved over all.
0:04:02 > 0:04:04- The resources here...
0:04:04 > 0:04:06- ..were non-existent.
0:04:06 > 0:04:09- There was a wall painted black.
0:04:09 > 0:04:11- The single resource was chalk.
0:04:12 > 0:04:16- Sometimes, you'd just be told, - "Sorry, no chalk today."
0:04:18 > 0:04:23- As a teacher, your imagination - had to work overtime.
0:04:23 > 0:04:25- There was one major advantage.
0:04:25 > 0:04:30- The pupils, almost without - exception, were eager to learn.
0:04:30 > 0:04:33- I remember one lesson well.
0:04:33 > 0:04:35- The class burst into applause.
0:04:35 > 0:04:38- They all clapped.
0:04:38 > 0:04:40- I didn't know where to look.
0:04:44 > 0:04:47- They don't do that - back home in Wales, do they?
0:04:57 > 0:05:00- One day, I was here - writing on the blackboard.
0:05:00 > 0:05:04- "Miss, Miss," cried the children, - "Snake, snake."
0:05:04 > 0:05:06- I jumped towards the window.
0:05:06 > 0:05:10- The kids ran out, fetched pebbles - and stoned it to death.
0:05:10 > 0:05:12- They held it up to show me.
0:05:18 > 0:05:20- They spoke - a strange kind of English.
0:05:20 > 0:05:24- "Please, Miss, - Yunusa has polluted the air."
0:05:27 > 0:05:29- I don't need to explain, do I?
0:05:32 > 0:05:34- They used to like a joke.
0:05:39 > 0:05:42- For some reason, - I enjoy teaching naughty kids.
0:05:42 > 0:05:45- Perhaps it's more of a challenge.
0:05:45 > 0:05:48- I disagreed with one rule here.
0:05:49 > 0:05:53- Punishments involved the bulala, - a sort of large whip.
0:05:53 > 0:05:57- They were also made to crouch - out in the sun over there.
0:05:57 > 0:06:00- They had to hold a large stone - above their heads.
0:06:00 > 0:06:02- I thought that was awful.
0:06:02 > 0:06:06- But, I confess, as time passed...
0:06:06 > 0:06:10- ..I started getting irritable - and frustrated...
0:06:10 > 0:06:13- ..I made Mohammed Zhitsu - go out there...
0:06:13 > 0:06:16- ..with a stone above his head.
0:06:16 > 0:06:19- The other children - found this highly amusing.
0:06:19 > 0:06:23- They said, - "Miss, you are becoming Nigerian."
0:06:23 > 0:06:25- I still felt really guilty.
0:06:36 > 0:06:40- It appears to be only women - and children around here.
0:06:40 > 0:06:45- The men either work in the fields, - or faraway in Bida or Minna.
0:06:45 > 0:06:47- Women do the donkey work.
0:06:50 > 0:06:53- As you can see, - this sort of gear weighs a ton.
0:06:54 > 0:06:56- Little girls such as this one here...
0:06:57 > 0:07:00- ..have a heavy sack - carried by grown men...
0:07:00 > 0:07:03- ..placed on their heads, - wobble a bit and off they go.
0:07:03 > 0:07:05- They're so strong.
0:07:08 > 0:07:12- I did quite a bit - with the women in the village.
0:07:12 > 0:07:16- It wasn't easy to communicate. - I tried Nupe and we laughed a lot.
0:07:17 > 0:07:19- None of them spoke any English.
0:07:19 > 0:07:23- Who needs to speak anyway, - when you can do this?
0:07:23 > 0:07:25- CHILD SCREAMS
0:07:25 > 0:07:27- Someone trod on her foot.
0:07:34 > 0:07:36- Nupe is a beautiful language.
0:07:36 > 0:07:38- It's not the easiest to learn.
0:07:38 > 0:07:42- You must perfect the intonation. - It's a language you sing.
0:07:42 > 0:07:47- "Hi" is "Ke we wanaw" - - duh, duh, duh, duh - you sing it.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50- These are wonderful impersonators.
0:07:50 > 0:07:54- They repeat all you say, - so let's try some Welsh now.
0:07:54 > 0:07:55- Sumai?
0:07:55 > 0:07:57- Sumai?- - Sumai?
0:07:57 > 0:07:58- Iawn, boi?
0:07:58 > 0:07:59- Iawn, boi?- - Iawn, boi?
0:07:59 > 0:08:00- Iawn, boi?
0:08:00 > 0:08:01- Iawn, boi?- - Iawn, boi?
0:08:02 > 0:08:02- Asafoetida!
0:08:02 > 0:08:04- Asafoetida!- - Asafoetida!
0:08:04 > 0:08:05- Asafoetida!
0:08:05 > 0:08:07- Asafoetida!- - Asafoetida!
0:08:09 > 0:08:10- Da iawn, iawn.
0:08:10 > 0:08:12- Da iawn, iawn.- - Da iawn, iawn.
0:08:12 > 0:08:14- What else can I say?
0:08:14 > 0:08:16- What else can I say?- - What else can I say?
0:08:23 > 0:08:24- .
0:08:25 > 0:08:25- 888
0:08:25 > 0:08:27- 888- - 888
0:08:28 > 0:08:30- THUNDER
0:08:35 > 0:08:39- It's the end of the rainy season - and there are spectacular storms.
0:08:39 > 0:08:42- Although I've missed - Africa's dramatic storms...
0:08:42 > 0:08:44- ..the rain brings nasty visitors.
0:08:45 > 0:08:48- I thought you'd like to see - our lodgings in Gbara.
0:08:48 > 0:08:50- We're in an old barn.
0:08:50 > 0:08:52- It's extremely hot.
0:08:53 > 0:08:55- The insects are a problem.
0:08:56 > 0:08:59- Hey, you get used to it.
0:09:08 > 0:09:14- Dawn breaks pleasantly over Gbara - after another hot and sticky night.
0:09:14 > 0:09:16- I'm off to see my old house.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19- I last saw it over 20 years ago.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23- It's changed, this place - where I lived for two years.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26- This has aged.
0:09:26 > 0:09:31- The windows are all smashed, - but somebody lives here.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34- The garage door's no longer there.
0:09:34 > 0:09:37- That's where the library was, - right here.
0:09:37 > 0:09:39- Wow.
0:09:39 > 0:09:41- That's the way we went in.
0:09:43 > 0:09:45- Hello. Morning!
0:09:47 > 0:09:49- This was my house.
0:09:49 > 0:09:51- This is where I lived.
0:09:54 > 0:09:58- Compared with the straw-roofed mud - huts, Katie and I lived in style.
0:09:58 > 0:10:02- It was a concrete building - which was fairly new at that time.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05- There was never any peace to be had.
0:10:05 > 0:10:08- People called by, it was fun.
0:10:08 > 0:10:11- It's sad to see the place - having gone to ruin.
0:10:19 > 0:10:23- That's where the kerosene stove - and the water filter stood.
0:10:24 > 0:10:27- There was a Scotland poster - stuck to the wall.
0:10:28 > 0:10:30- Katie and I had to compromise.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33- We disagreed - about Wales/England posters.
0:10:36 > 0:10:38- This was the garden.
0:10:38 > 0:10:42- The toilet was over in that corner - for three weeks.
0:10:43 > 0:10:45- We then started throwing rubbish.
0:10:46 > 0:10:48- Little trees started to sprout.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52- Maybe that's one we planted - - that mango tree.
0:10:53 > 0:10:55- We grew tomatoes all along here.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58- I have a photo of me - cutting my own hair.
0:10:59 > 0:11:01- Three boys were laughing at me.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04- I also have a photo of the boys - who cleared the garden...
0:11:05 > 0:11:07- ..to create a garden, actually.
0:11:08 > 0:11:12- There were always children here - and sometimes they were a pain.
0:11:12 > 0:11:17- Mostly though, it was great, - children of all ages having fun.
0:11:17 > 0:11:19- We'd all play together and dance.
0:11:19 > 0:11:23- Even so, in the midst of all that, - one could still feel lonely.
0:11:23 > 0:11:25- This was my bedroom.
0:11:31 > 0:11:33- My bed was there.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36- I had a mosquito net there.
0:11:37 > 0:11:40- Look at the state of this place.
0:11:46 > 0:11:51- In the dry season, it got so hot - that I kept some water down here.
0:11:51 > 0:11:55- I'd then throw mug fulls of it - over myself, even when I was in bed.
0:11:55 > 0:11:57- It was sweltering.
0:12:01 > 0:12:05- At my desk, I'd keep my diary, - write stuff for the Urdd...
0:12:06 > 0:12:08- ..my letters and everything.
0:12:10 > 0:12:13- I had to travel for days - to make a telephone call.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16- Letters were my only link with home.
0:12:16 > 0:12:20- They were weeks on end in transit - but I treasured them.
0:12:22 > 0:12:26- It strikes me that I was writing - all those letters...
0:12:26 > 0:12:30- ..for my own benefit, - as well as for their recipients.
0:12:30 > 0:12:34- Writing a diary is one thing.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38- That was for me - and I was aware of the background.
0:12:38 > 0:12:42- In a letter, you must give - a full picture and be descriptive.
0:12:42 > 0:12:46- You want to convince people - that you're having a good time...
0:12:47 > 0:12:51- ..not at all homesick - and that all's well.
0:12:51 > 0:12:56- It also helped me to make sense - of it all in my own mind.
0:12:56 > 0:13:01- It was a way of convincing myself - that I really wanted to be here.
0:13:02 > 0:13:04- Does that make sense?
0:13:07 > 0:13:09- Yes.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12- But, of course, - I can't stop writing.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15- Writing's immensely important to me.
0:13:15 > 0:13:20- I couldn't have stuck it out here - had I not been able to write.
0:13:20 > 0:13:25- Evidently, someone else here - shares my weakness in that!
0:13:28 > 0:13:30- Katie's bedroom.
0:13:39 > 0:13:43- VSO always arranged that people - would be posted as partners.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46- I wasn't alone when I came to Gbara.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49- A girl from England came too - - Katie Sidwell.
0:13:50 > 0:13:54- We didn't hit it off at the start - because we were so different.
0:13:54 > 0:13:57- I was a farmer's daughter - from rural Wales.
0:13:57 > 0:14:02- She was privately educated, from - a rich family. Daddy had been in MI6.
0:14:02 > 0:14:06- There was an Indian colonial - background and a degree from Oxford.
0:14:07 > 0:14:09- There was some friction at first...
0:14:10 > 0:14:13- ..but in time - we became really good friends.
0:14:13 > 0:14:18- Unfortunately, after a while, - her body suffered.
0:14:18 > 0:14:22- She was a slim girl - and very fair haired.
0:14:22 > 0:14:27- She just couldn't take the heat - and had to go home.
0:14:27 > 0:14:29- I was alone after she left.
0:14:29 > 0:14:35- Only months later, I received news - of her death in England.
0:14:35 > 0:14:37- She'd been killed in a car accident.
0:14:38 > 0:14:40- She was only 24 years old.
0:14:40 > 0:14:43- I had to tell everyone here - that she'd died.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49- I was offered a transfer elsewhere.
0:14:49 > 0:14:51- I wanted to stay here.
0:14:51 > 0:14:53- I worked another year on my own.
0:14:58 > 0:15:00- It was more difficult.
0:15:15 > 0:15:17- The Crown - has been withheld four times...
0:15:18 > 0:15:21- ..but today in Cardiff, - there was a worthy winner.
0:15:21 > 0:15:25- The task was to compose - a series of letters.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28- Who was the winner?
0:15:28 > 0:15:32- It's a pleasure to announce - that this year's prose winner is...
0:15:33 > 0:15:38- ..Bethan Evans, - Aelwyd Rhydymain, Idris, Meirion.
0:15:42 > 0:15:47- I'd taken the list of competitions - with me as this was my last chance.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50- I'd be too old the following year.
0:15:50 > 0:15:54- The subject was perfect, with me - being an expert letter writer.
0:15:54 > 0:15:58- I'd always wanted to win - a prestigious literary award.
0:15:58 > 0:16:02- I'd won second prizes - in minor competitions.
0:16:05 > 0:16:07- I held onto my dream.
0:16:07 > 0:16:11- My thanks go to this place - and the people of Nigeria.
0:16:11 > 0:16:13- They extend to Katie and everyone.
0:16:14 > 0:16:16- The whole idea developed.
0:16:16 > 0:16:18- My problem was a lack of paper!
0:16:18 > 0:16:23- Any mistakes, and I had to cut - and paste small pieces of paper.
0:16:23 > 0:16:27- I couldn't post the work - because it might not arrive.
0:16:28 > 0:16:29- By coincidence...
0:16:29 > 0:16:34- ..my father had been invited to sing - at the Welsh Society in Lagos.
0:16:35 > 0:16:39- I took it to him, and it reached - the Urdd office just in time.
0:16:41 > 0:16:46- Some months later, my sister wrote - to say she was getting married.
0:16:46 > 0:16:48- Shotgun.
0:16:49 > 0:16:53- I thought, "My sister - can't get married without me."
0:16:53 > 0:16:56- I packed, then went to Minna - and told a barefaced lie.
0:16:57 > 0:17:01- I told the education department - that someone had died at home.
0:17:01 > 0:17:05- I felt guilty but flew to Lagos - and was on my way home.
0:17:05 > 0:17:07- Mam asked how long could I stay.
0:17:08 > 0:17:10- I'd won the Urdd Crown, she said.
0:17:10 > 0:17:12- Will you return to Wales?
0:17:12 > 0:17:13- Will you return to Wales?- - Oh, yes.
0:17:13 > 0:17:14- To do what?
0:17:14 > 0:17:16- To do what?- - Not to teach.
0:17:16 > 0:17:20- Teaching here after teaching - in Nigeria would be a let-down.
0:17:20 > 0:17:21- So...
0:17:22 > 0:17:25- Will you continue to write, - more than just letters?
0:17:26 > 0:17:28- I'll try, we'll see.
0:17:28 > 0:17:31- If something appeals to me, I will.
0:17:31 > 0:17:33- You'll have stories to tell.
0:17:33 > 0:17:34- You'll have stories to tell.- - Oh, yes.
0:17:43 > 0:17:45- It's weird, isn't it?
0:17:46 > 0:17:48- I was crowned during my time here.
0:17:49 > 0:17:53- A quarter of a century later, - I return to be crowned again.
0:17:57 > 0:17:58- .
0:18:00 > 0:18:00- 888
0:18:00 > 0:18:02- 888- - 888
0:18:10 > 0:18:14- When I was a volunteer teacher - here in Nigeria in the 1980s...
0:18:14 > 0:18:18- ..my old school in Dolgellau - raised funds to buy resources...
0:18:18 > 0:18:21- ..for this impoverished school - in Gbara.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24- Fair play, they've done it again.
0:18:35 > 0:18:40- At morning assembly, - I present Ysgol y Gader's gifts.
0:18:41 > 0:18:44- Good morning.
0:18:44 > 0:18:47- Thank you very much - for allowing me back in GDSS Gbara.
0:18:48 > 0:18:53- I'll start with something that's - sure to impress - a football kit.
0:18:53 > 0:18:56- Lack of funds for equipment - is a problem.
0:18:56 > 0:18:59- We have footballs and a pump - in this bag.
0:18:59 > 0:19:01- There are shirts and shorts.
0:19:01 > 0:19:06- No socks are provided - as hardly anyone wears shoes here.
0:19:06 > 0:19:08- Thank you, Ysgol y Gader.
0:19:16 > 0:19:21- Later, I present other resources - to the different classes.
0:19:21 > 0:19:25- Microscopes and posters go - to the science and geography class.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28- Solar calculators - go to the maths class.
0:19:28 > 0:19:32- Books are provided - for the English department.
0:19:33 > 0:19:35- As English was my subject...
0:19:35 > 0:19:36- ..I'll give a lesson.
0:19:36 > 0:19:39- It'll be like riding a bike, - won't it?
0:19:39 > 0:19:44- I'm about to teach - my first English lesson since 1986.
0:19:45 > 0:19:48- I'm rather nervous.
0:19:48 > 0:19:49- Well, here goes!
0:19:50 > 0:19:53- I start off with some grammar.
0:19:53 > 0:19:56- How do you say this word?
0:19:57 > 0:19:59- To start, they stare in awe at me.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03- I have to work hard - to get any response.
0:20:03 > 0:20:05- Right?
0:20:05 > 0:20:09- They're hanging their jackets there.
0:20:11 > 0:20:15- They are hanging, - they are putting up their jackets.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18- Their jackets, - the jackets belong to them.
0:20:18 > 0:20:21- Slowly but surely, - they begin to get the idea.
0:20:21 > 0:20:25- I find the thrill of teaching - kicking in again.
0:20:25 > 0:20:28- This is a good word - "exhausted". - Repeat it.
0:20:29 > 0:20:30- Exhausted.
0:20:30 > 0:20:33- Exhausted means very, very tired.
0:20:34 > 0:20:37- For example, - if I have to walk...
0:20:37 > 0:20:40- ..from Dancigati to Gbara - with a big bag...
0:20:40 > 0:20:42- ..I am exhausted.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45- After what seemed - like only minutes...
0:20:46 > 0:20:48- ..the lesson was over.
0:20:48 > 0:20:50- Thank you for listening to me.
0:20:53 > 0:20:57- Thank you. I'm ecstatic, - overjoyed and delighted.
0:20:57 > 0:21:00- OK, good. OK, goodbye.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06- Teaching like that is hard work.
0:21:06 > 0:21:10- Jumping around like that, - you put your heart and soul into it.
0:21:10 > 0:21:12- It's no joke in this heat.
0:21:12 > 0:21:14- I used to do it all the time.
0:21:15 > 0:21:17- I'd do that here week in week out.
0:21:20 > 0:21:22- I'm knackered!
0:21:31 > 0:21:34- There are only 16 girls - at this school.
0:21:34 > 0:21:36- It hasn't improved really.
0:21:37 > 0:21:39- There were six here in my time.
0:21:39 > 0:21:43- It's still considered pointless - to educate girls.
0:21:43 > 0:21:46- They should be married - by the age of 16 years.
0:21:46 > 0:21:51- Even though education's free of - charge nowadays, it still remains...
0:21:51 > 0:21:55- ..that families expect girls - to stay at home to work...
0:21:55 > 0:21:58- ..to be useful - and learn to be good wives.
0:21:58 > 0:22:00- There's still a way to go.
0:22:03 > 0:22:05- I'm going to see Ashetu Idris.
0:22:05 > 0:22:09- She was one of the few girls - I taught in Class 1.
0:22:09 > 0:22:13- She lives within the walls - of a compound.
0:22:13 > 0:22:15- It's home to an extended family.
0:22:18 > 0:22:20- She was a lively 12-year-old then.
0:22:20 > 0:22:24- She's now married - and the mother of six children.
0:22:24 > 0:22:26- Hi, Ashetu, how are you?
0:22:27 > 0:22:29- It's great to see her again.
0:22:29 > 0:22:32- She left to get married - and raise a family.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35- Though her English is limited...
0:22:35 > 0:22:38- ..Ashetu wants her children - to be educated.
0:22:40 > 0:22:42- I have a few gifts for them.
0:22:44 > 0:22:48- I have included my diary, - with her photo on the cover.
0:23:00 > 0:23:06- The compound is a maze made up - of cute, traditional mud huts...
0:23:06 > 0:23:11- ..set in a higgledy-piggledy fashion - where all live in harmony.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14- It's typical of the way of life - in Nigeria.
0:23:15 > 0:23:19- A family doesn't live in one house, - just parents and two children.
0:23:20 > 0:23:23- There's the concept - of an extended family.
0:23:23 > 0:23:27- They create a village - within a village, a ghetto almost.
0:23:28 > 0:23:30- All who live here - look after one another.
0:23:31 > 0:23:33- They're mostly women here.
0:23:33 > 0:23:36- There are mothers, grandmothers, - aunts and children.
0:23:37 > 0:23:40- All the men go away to work - in places such as Bida and Minna.
0:23:41 > 0:23:44- They return occasionally, - to keep the women happy.
0:23:44 > 0:23:47- It's a close-knit community.
0:23:47 > 0:23:52- They're all happy, sleeping - almost on top of each other.
0:23:52 > 0:23:56- They like living in close quarters - and pity our lifestyle.
0:23:56 > 0:24:00- If I told them that I live alone - with my dog...
0:24:00 > 0:24:03- ..they'd commiserate and say, - "Sorry."
0:24:03 > 0:24:05- It would be a tragedy - in their eyes.
0:24:07 > 0:24:09- Ashetu shows me a photo.
0:24:09 > 0:24:12- I gave it to her over 20 years ago.
0:24:12 > 0:24:15- I couldn't recall anything about it.
0:24:15 > 0:24:19- Where do you keep this old photo?
0:24:19 > 0:24:21- In a box?
0:24:21 > 0:24:22- Yes.
0:24:23 > 0:24:25- 1984?
0:24:25 > 0:24:27- A long time.
0:24:27 > 0:24:29- And this is you.
0:24:29 > 0:24:31- You are here, with a bucket.
0:24:32 > 0:24:33- Yes.
0:24:35 > 0:24:38- She's taken such care of it - since my departure.
0:24:38 > 0:24:40- That's touching.
0:24:40 > 0:24:45- She thought a lot of me - and that photo.
0:24:50 > 0:24:54- After all these years, we'll now - take a new photo as a keepsake.
0:24:55 > 0:24:59- The technology, of course, - is more advanced.
0:24:59 > 0:25:01- Everybody smile, yes?
0:25:01 > 0:25:02- Everybody smile, yes?- - Oh, yes.
0:25:03 > 0:25:05- Smile, ha, ha, ha.
0:25:05 > 0:25:06- Ha, ha, ha, ha.
0:25:07 > 0:25:09- Ha, ha, ha.
0:25:11 > 0:25:13- Do you see this picture?
0:25:13 > 0:25:15- I press this now. Ding.
0:25:18 > 0:25:20- Is something supposed to happen?
0:25:20 > 0:25:22- Weh-heh-hey! Ha, ha.
0:25:22 > 0:25:25- Look at this, get down, get down.
0:25:34 > 0:25:36- Thank you.
0:25:36 > 0:25:39- It's good. Saheed, you're a genius.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42- What about the role of women?
0:25:42 > 0:25:46- It's fine for the clever ones - who want to progress with education.
0:25:47 > 0:25:50- They have to fight for it - and some do so.
0:25:50 > 0:25:54- Others are quite content - to sacrifice their education.
0:25:54 > 0:25:57- They want to get married - and raise a family well...
0:25:57 > 0:26:02- ..to ensure that the children - are educated, if it's their choice.
0:26:02 > 0:26:06- Ultimately, what's more important?
0:26:06 > 0:26:09- Education or a happy family?
0:26:21 > 0:26:23- There's just no peace at all here.
0:26:23 > 0:26:28- As I write in my new diary, - here come the little busybodies.
0:26:28 > 0:26:30- This is just as it used to be.
0:26:41 > 0:26:45- I suppose that our own society - was similar years ago.
0:26:46 > 0:26:49- Everyone eked out a living - and raised large families.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53- I often think that the wealth - of our modern society...
0:26:54 > 0:26:57- ..leaves us poorer in some respects.
0:26:57 > 0:27:01- I don't know if I sacrificed - the chance to have children.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04- There was a time...
0:27:04 > 0:27:07- ..well, I was courting - and madly in love...
0:27:07 > 0:27:10- ..at the time when I came here.
0:27:11 > 0:27:15- I decided to come here rather - than stay at home and settle down.
0:27:16 > 0:27:19- Would it have worked out - had I stayed?
0:27:19 > 0:27:22- Knowing me, - it wouldn't have lasted long!
0:27:22 > 0:27:24- Who can tell?
0:27:27 > 0:27:29- I probably did - yes.
0:27:35 > 0:27:38- I've always got on well - with children.
0:27:38 > 0:27:42- I think they like my face. - It has an elastic quality.
0:27:42 > 0:27:45- I make funny faces - and children like that.
0:27:45 > 0:27:48- Babies like my face, but not here.
0:27:48 > 0:27:51- They scream when I smile at them.
0:27:51 > 0:27:53- It happens to all white people.
0:27:54 > 0:27:56- I need only glance at the children.
0:27:59 > 0:28:01- They laugh.
0:28:01 > 0:28:03- Hello.
0:28:04 > 0:28:05- BABY CRIES
0:28:06 > 0:28:11- I wonder how I'll get on with - the children in the primary school?
0:28:11 > 0:28:16- I'd spend hours reading stories - to them beneath that tree.
0:28:16 > 0:28:20- Today's class watches my niece - and nephew, Meg and Robin, on film.
0:28:20 > 0:28:24- They're on this film here - and have a message for you.
0:28:24 > 0:28:29- They're agog, having never seen - little white children before.
0:28:30 > 0:28:35- Hello, how are you? - I'm Megan and this is Robin.
0:28:36 > 0:28:38- LAUGHTER
0:28:38 > 0:28:40- # I saw a jackdaw, - sitting on the roof
0:28:40 > 0:28:44- # A white hat on its head and - two wooden legs, ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho #
0:28:44 > 0:28:47- Hello, hello!
0:28:47 > 0:28:50- Ke we wanaw!
0:28:50 > 0:28:52- Ke we wanaw!
0:28:52 > 0:28:54- Ke we wanaw!
0:28:57 > 0:29:01- I wanted them to hear - and learn a Welsh song.
0:29:01 > 0:29:05- I knew one - that would fit the bill perfectly.
0:29:05 > 0:29:08- Repeat after me "Waio".
0:29:08 > 0:29:09- Repeat after me "Waio".- - Waio.
0:29:09 > 0:29:11- Waio.
0:29:12 > 0:29:13- Blaenau.
0:29:13 > 0:29:14- Ffestiniog.
0:29:14 > 0:29:16- Blaenau Ffestiniog.
0:29:16 > 0:29:17- Blaenau Ffestiniog.- - Blaenau Ffestiniog.
0:29:17 > 0:29:18- Mae hi'n braf o hyd.
0:29:18 > 0:29:20- Mae hi'n braf o hyd.- - Mae hi'n braf o hyd.
0:29:20 > 0:29:21- Mae hi'n braf o hyd.
0:29:21 > 0:29:22- Mae hi'n braf o hyd.- - Mae hi'n braf o hyd.
0:29:23 > 0:29:26- "Mae hi'n braf o hyd" - means it's always sunny.
0:29:26 > 0:29:29- # Waio, waio
0:29:30 > 0:29:34- # Everyone says it rains in
0:29:34 > 0:29:37- # Blaenau Ffestiniog! #
0:29:42 > 0:29:43- Blaenau!
0:29:44 > 0:29:45- Ffestiniog!
0:29:45 > 0:29:46- Ffestiniog!- - Ffestiniog!
0:29:46 > 0:29:49- # Waio, waio #
0:29:52 > 0:29:57- It's always sunny in Gbara too. - Very soon, we were all outside.
0:29:58 > 0:30:01- It's so wonderful - to see all these lovely faces...
0:30:01 > 0:30:04- ..all smiling at whatever you do.
0:30:04 > 0:30:08- Some images will stay with you.
0:30:08 > 0:30:11- # Waio, waio
0:30:11 > 0:30:15- # Waio, waio #
0:30:15 > 0:30:20- The face of one little boy - has stayed in my mind since 1986.
0:30:21 > 0:30:24- This is what I wrote about him - in the diary.
0:30:24 > 0:30:28- "One of the boys in the primary - school stood and stared at me...
0:30:28 > 0:30:30- "..stroking my hand.
0:30:30 > 0:30:32- "He's been - a regular visitor to the house.
0:30:32 > 0:30:34- "He's a little sweetie.
0:30:35 > 0:30:39- "If it were possible, I'd adopt him - and take him home with me."
0:30:40 > 0:30:43- I took these photos of him - on the day of a football match.
0:30:44 > 0:30:46- It was on my last day at Gbara.
0:30:46 > 0:30:48- He didn't want me to leave.
0:30:48 > 0:30:52- I'm ashamed to admit - that I don't remember his name.
0:31:00 > 0:31:02- They know him.
0:31:02 > 0:31:04- He's a doctor.
0:31:06 > 0:31:07- Is he a doctor?
0:31:09 > 0:31:11- Thank you.
0:31:11 > 0:31:15- They think that he still lives - in the village.
0:31:15 > 0:31:18- I've asked them to try to find him.
0:31:18 > 0:31:21- He may not remember me - but I'd like to say hello.
0:31:30 > 0:31:35- Here we are, the team has new shirts - and a special game's been organized.
0:31:35 > 0:31:39- I didn't like to make a fuss - about this!
0:31:43 > 0:31:46- As I am now a Jikadia, - and an important guest...
0:31:46 > 0:31:49- ..I have the honour of kicking off.
0:31:55 > 0:31:57- I don't like football much...
0:31:57 > 0:31:59- ..but this game's a humdinger.
0:32:00 > 0:32:05- Even though the tackles are hard, - there are no babies crying foul.
0:32:05 > 0:32:07- The ref doesn't seem to mind...
0:32:07 > 0:32:10- ..that some have boots - and some are barefoot.
0:32:11 > 0:32:15- And who needs a stand - when you have a tree?
0:32:17 > 0:32:20- Ysgol y Gader will be delighted.
0:32:23 > 0:32:28- I hope they win, with their shirts - providing a super power.
0:32:28 > 0:32:30- I'm keeping an eye on the crowd.
0:32:31 > 0:32:35- Even if that boy's here, - will I recognize him as an adult?
0:32:37 > 0:32:40- We were losing for most of the game.
0:32:41 > 0:32:45- But surely it would have been - discourteous to let us lose!
0:32:50 > 0:32:52- CHEERING
0:33:04 > 0:33:08- He went on in the second half, - saying, "I will make you happy."
0:33:10 > 0:33:13- I think it was a fix, a real fix.
0:33:13 > 0:33:15- The victory was ours as the sun set.
0:33:16 > 0:33:18- There was more excitement to come.
0:33:18 > 0:33:23- They think they've found - the little boy in the photograph.
0:33:23 > 0:33:27- He recognized himself. - He was very small at the time.
0:33:27 > 0:33:31- He came up to me. - You know, he's in the book.
0:33:31 > 0:33:33- He's in the book, so.
0:33:34 > 0:33:36- Let's check, let's check.
0:33:41 > 0:33:43- I think it is you.
0:33:43 > 0:33:45- It is you, a-ha!
0:33:46 > 0:33:48- I am so glad - what is your name?
0:33:49 > 0:33:51- Bala.
0:33:51 > 0:33:53- B-A-L-A?
0:33:55 > 0:33:57- Interesting.
0:33:58 > 0:34:00- Well, there we are, - his name was Bala.
0:34:00 > 0:34:03- Bala is the name of a town near me.
0:34:03 > 0:34:05- My mother comes from Bala.
0:34:06 > 0:34:08- Yes, ha, ha!
0:34:10 > 0:34:12- There we are, I'm happy now.
0:34:12 > 0:34:14- I've found that little boy.
0:34:20 > 0:34:21- .
0:34:22 > 0:34:22- 888
0:34:22 > 0:34:24- 888- - 888
0:34:25 > 0:34:29- As my time in Gbara draws to an end, - a favourite pupil arrives.
0:34:30 > 0:34:32- Umar Abdullahi visits me at school.
0:34:32 > 0:34:34- How are you?
0:34:35 > 0:34:39- Umar visited me very frequently - and helped me more than most.
0:34:39 > 0:34:42- He confided in me more than others.
0:34:42 > 0:34:46- He wrote to me regularly - for years after I'd left.
0:34:46 > 0:34:48- The letters are in my book.
0:34:48 > 0:34:51- I've brought some of them with me.
0:34:51 > 0:34:54- Umar, you wrote me many letters.
0:34:54 > 0:34:57- This is the final one, I think. - Do you remember this?
0:34:58 > 0:34:59- Let me take a look.
0:35:00 > 0:35:02- OK. Yes, this is my writing.
0:35:02 > 0:35:04- It's you, isn't it? 1990.
0:35:05 > 0:35:07- 1990 - 8 January 1990.
0:35:07 > 0:35:09- What are you saying here?
0:35:09 > 0:35:12- I think in the content, - inside the letter...
0:35:12 > 0:35:15- ..I made mention, Miss Bethan...
0:35:15 > 0:35:19- ..we're still expecting you - coming back to Nigeria soon.
0:35:19 > 0:35:22- Today, we now see you in Nigeria.
0:35:22 > 0:35:24- I was sad when you left Nigeria...
0:35:24 > 0:35:27- ..which is true, to Wales...
0:35:27 > 0:35:30- ..because I decided - to live together with you...
0:35:31 > 0:35:35- ..in order to go and further - my education in your country...
0:35:35 > 0:35:37- ..which is Wales.
0:35:37 > 0:35:42- It's strange hearing Umar, the man, - reading the words of Umar, the boy.
0:35:43 > 0:35:47- It reminds me that we were - indeed very close friends.
0:35:47 > 0:35:51- Please, Miss Bethan, - I am still expecting you to come...
0:35:51 > 0:35:54- ..and carry me to your country.
0:35:57 > 0:36:01- It will be too difficult - for me to come alone.
0:36:02 > 0:36:06- We spend an hour or two - chatting and reminiscing.
0:36:06 > 0:36:11- Suddenly, I'm placed - in a somewhat difficult position.
0:36:11 > 0:36:15- We, in Nigeria, - particularly myself...
0:36:15 > 0:36:18- ..and that of my parents - now agree...
0:36:19 > 0:36:21- ..that one of my children, - if possible...
0:36:21 > 0:36:26- ..will follow you to Europe - for his further education.
0:36:26 > 0:36:27- Thank you very much.
0:36:27 > 0:36:32- So you want me to take one - of your sons with me back to Wales.
0:36:34 > 0:36:37- It's a very nice thought, but... - Oh!
0:36:37 > 0:36:39- It's not easy.
0:36:45 > 0:36:50- I'll have to see what's possible. - I can't take him back with me.
0:36:52 > 0:36:54- Impossible. No.
0:36:54 > 0:36:56- It's... can't.
0:36:56 > 0:37:00- It's more difficult - than you think, you see.
0:37:00 > 0:37:02- Here, you've got extended families.
0:37:03 > 0:37:07- For example, - if you go away to work...
0:37:07 > 0:37:11- ..there's always somebody in - the house to look after the children.
0:37:11 > 0:37:13- It's not the same where we live.
0:37:13 > 0:37:16- If I leave my house, it's empty.
0:37:16 > 0:37:20- I can go off for days - for example. - I'm here now for three weeks.
0:37:21 > 0:37:24- But look, - because we're back in touch...
0:37:24 > 0:37:27- ..I can see what is possible.
0:37:27 > 0:37:29- I don't know - maybe a scholarship.
0:37:29 > 0:37:33- It would be for a university, - later, when he is older.
0:37:33 > 0:37:37- But now, I cannot take - a 14-year-old boy back with me.
0:37:37 > 0:37:40- My moral integrity - would be in question...
0:37:40 > 0:37:42- ..I am afraid.
0:37:43 > 0:37:45- Wouldn't it? Yes.
0:37:45 > 0:37:48- Your moral integrity - would be in question.
0:37:49 > 0:37:50- How? By who?
0:37:50 > 0:37:51- Oh, people.
0:37:52 > 0:37:56- When he asked me to take - one of his sons home with me...
0:37:56 > 0:37:59- ..my heart sank, my stomach turned - and I thought...
0:38:00 > 0:38:04- .."Goodness me! - How can I explain this to him?"
0:38:06 > 0:38:10- If I brought a 14-year-old lad - home with me to Ffrwd y Gwyllt...
0:38:16 > 0:38:17- I felt dreadful.
0:38:18 > 0:38:23- It wouldn't work. It'd be easier, - maybe, if I had a family already.
0:38:23 > 0:38:25- That's not the case though, is it?
0:38:27 > 0:38:29- I felt embarrassed.
0:38:31 > 0:38:34- After trying and failing - to explain properly to him...
0:38:35 > 0:38:37- ..why I could not assist...
0:38:37 > 0:38:42- ..I proceed to ask him about - his life here in Gbara after I left.
0:38:42 > 0:38:44- Nobody ever replaced me.
0:38:44 > 0:38:48- No English teacher came, - nor indeed anyone to help him.
0:38:48 > 0:38:50- Life was very hard for poor Umar.
0:38:51 > 0:38:54- My mother died August 3, 1980.
0:38:54 > 0:38:56- My father was not even close to me.
0:38:57 > 0:39:01- In Gbara, you lived in one of - the mud houses with the other boys.
0:39:01 > 0:39:03- How many of you in one house?
0:39:04 > 0:39:06- We were almost 13...
0:39:06 > 0:39:08- ..in one single room.
0:39:08 > 0:39:10- Thirteen in one single room.
0:39:11 > 0:39:13- And no mattresses.
0:39:13 > 0:39:15- I was sleeping on a mat.
0:39:15 > 0:39:18- When you were posted to Gbara...
0:39:18 > 0:39:20- ..God...
0:39:20 > 0:39:25- ..I think I was able to finish - the secondary school with your help.
0:39:25 > 0:39:29- Because you were the person - who was carrying me along that time.
0:39:30 > 0:39:33- You are giving me money, - you are giving me food.
0:39:33 > 0:39:38- Sometimes if need arise to buy book, - you call me aside to give something.
0:39:38 > 0:39:45- Sometimes on Saturdays, - I would wash your clothes.
0:39:45 > 0:39:48- Sometimes, I would wash your plates.
0:39:48 > 0:39:52- If the need arise, sometimes you - take me along as your own baby...
0:39:52 > 0:39:55- ..to be there, to help you.
0:39:55 > 0:39:59- I used to follow you, - as I'd lost my mother.
0:39:59 > 0:40:03- Of course. I'd lost my mother - so I saw you as my mother then.
0:40:03 > 0:40:07- You took care of me, but you left - Nigeria to go back to Wales.
0:40:08 > 0:40:11- Who did I have? - I had to go back to hard labour.
0:40:11 > 0:40:12- No, I didn't know this.
0:40:12 > 0:40:16- No, I didn't know this.- - Maybe I communicated in a letter?
0:40:16 > 0:40:19- I really didn't know this.
0:40:19 > 0:40:24- That time, if you remember, - you gave me lots of clothes to wear.
0:40:24 > 0:40:26- I did.
0:40:26 > 0:40:29- You gave me lots of sandals to wear.
0:40:29 > 0:40:32- You gave me a lot of... - you even bought me jeans.
0:40:32 > 0:40:34- Almost three jeans.
0:40:34 > 0:40:39- So when you were leaving, that day - you were crying, I was crying.
0:40:39 > 0:40:41- Whom do I have again?
0:40:41 > 0:40:44- No-one that you see come back - to Nigeria...
0:40:45 > 0:40:48- ..to see me, - check back on me as your son.
0:40:51 > 0:40:53- Umar was just a delightful boy.
0:40:57 > 0:41:01- He was amiable, pleasant - and always ready to help.
0:41:02 > 0:41:06- I now realize - that he was a lonely little boy.
0:41:06 > 0:41:10- He proceeds to tell me his story - since leaving school.
0:41:10 > 0:41:14- After years labouring, - he had a motorcycle accident.
0:41:14 > 0:41:16- He broke many bones.
0:41:16 > 0:41:21- After 18 months suffering, - he returned to labouring work.
0:41:21 > 0:41:23- Luckily, life got better.
0:41:24 > 0:41:25- I was sleeping in a hut.
0:41:26 > 0:41:28- In the morning, I woke up to labour.
0:41:28 > 0:41:32- Sometimes, I would sleep - in an uncompleted building.
0:41:33 > 0:41:36- In the morning, - I would go back to labour.
0:41:36 > 0:41:38- That is what I normally do...
0:41:38 > 0:41:42- ..until one day, one woman saw me, - we were casual labour.
0:41:42 > 0:41:46- Casual labourers. - She asked me to put my signature.
0:41:46 > 0:41:51- I put my signature, and she asked - if I was an educated person.
0:41:51 > 0:41:52- I said yes.
0:41:52 > 0:42:01- He said that she realized he was - educated, and his life changed.
0:42:01 > 0:42:05- I got an appointment - with Inter City Bank as a clerk...
0:42:05 > 0:42:08- ..in current account department.
0:42:08 > 0:42:12- So I worked in every bank - for eight years, five months.
0:42:14 > 0:42:17- Then from there, - I now strove by myself...
0:42:17 > 0:42:23- ..got admission back to Niger State - College of Further Education...
0:42:23 > 0:42:26- ..to pursue my Nigerian Certificate - in Education.
0:42:27 > 0:42:29- I'm now in politics.
0:42:29 > 0:42:31- This is just literally - about my life.
0:42:34 > 0:42:36- Umar, that is one story.
0:42:36 > 0:42:40- So now I am blessed with children, - eight children.
0:42:40 > 0:42:42- I have three wives.
0:42:42 > 0:42:46- God has also blessed me - with my own personal house...
0:42:46 > 0:42:50- ..in Minna, capital city - of Niger State, two houses!
0:42:50 > 0:42:54- Two houses. God also blessed me - with my own private car.
0:42:54 > 0:42:56- A Honda Accord.
0:43:01 > 0:43:04- Life is hard here...
0:43:04 > 0:43:06- ..for many people...
0:43:06 > 0:43:08- ..but as for dear Umar...
0:43:08 > 0:43:09- Goodness me!
0:43:10 > 0:43:13- I felt proud for him - that he'd come through it so well.
0:43:16 > 0:43:20- Also, I felt guilty that a lot - had happened without me knowing.
0:43:25 > 0:43:27- After 25 years...
0:43:27 > 0:43:30- ..you are now with us in Nigeria.
0:43:35 > 0:43:37- Now...
0:43:46 > 0:43:48- ..God will protect you.
0:43:53 > 0:43:55- Hey, come on. Goodbye.
0:43:55 > 0:43:57- Lovely to see you.
0:43:58 > 0:44:00- I'll see you again.
0:44:22 > 0:44:25- I knew that he'd been - a favourite, of course.
0:44:26 > 0:44:28- I hadn't realized until today...
0:44:28 > 0:44:30- ..how much I'd meant to him...
0:44:30 > 0:44:33- ..and what help I'd been to him.
0:44:35 > 0:44:37- I think that's what's hit me.
0:44:37 > 0:44:40- I was just a young girl - enjoying life's adventures.
0:44:41 > 0:44:43- I was so much more to him, wasn't I?
0:44:46 > 0:44:48- I feel guilty about that.
0:44:53 > 0:44:56- When we started to cry, I felt...
0:45:02 > 0:45:05- It's the guilt that's come over me, - I think.
0:45:09 > 0:45:13- He was one small part of my life, - to be honest...
0:45:13 > 0:45:16- ..but, maybe he was exaggerating...
0:45:16 > 0:45:19- ..I seem to have been - a large part of his.
0:45:20 > 0:45:22- I don't know.
0:45:53 > 0:45:57- It's time for me to leave Gbara - and I don't know if I'll return.
0:45:57 > 0:46:00- A quarter of a century ago, - I left in a canoe.
0:46:01 > 0:46:03- That's what I'm doing again.
0:46:16 > 0:46:20- Like the kite, - I've done my share of flying...
0:46:20 > 0:46:22- ..but my home is my anchor.
0:46:22 > 0:46:26- I doubt if people at home - will ever understand...
0:46:26 > 0:46:29- ..the effect - that my time here had on me.
0:46:29 > 0:46:34- I only hope that people will have - a better idea of this experience...
0:46:34 > 0:46:36- ..that's called Nigeria.
0:46:37 > 0:46:39- Am I glad that I came back here?
0:46:39 > 0:46:42- After 25 years of longing - to see these people...
0:46:42 > 0:46:44- ..yes, is the answer.
0:46:52 > 0:46:54- You should never go back, - so they say.
0:46:55 > 0:46:58- Doesn't that depend - on where you're going?
0:47:39 > 0:47:42- S4C Subtitles by Simian 04 Cyf.
0:47:42 > 0:47:43- .