Growing up in Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria, life as a child was full of adventures, excitement, and occasional recklessness.
My name is Simon Zaku, founder of IbiFoundry, and this is the untold story of how a childhood escapade almost turned into tragedy and how my brother, Jerry, became my hero.
Let me take you back to my early days in Donga Road, Jalingo, Taraba State.
Life as a Kid in Donga Road, Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria.
I was born and raised in Jalingo, the heart of Taraba State.
We lived on Donga Road, specifically Damper Street, though back then, it wasn’t much of a street - no paved roads, no streetlights, just wide-open spaces perfect for a kid’s imagination to run wild.
We were a close-knit community of families, and the children spent most of our days outdoors, exploring and playing.
One of the greatest joys of my childhood was cycling.
My parents, like many others in the area, had been kind enough to buy bicycles for my siblings and me.
That little bike became our ticket to endless adventures.
The Donga River, Jalingo: A Playground for the Brave
On many afternoons, my friends and I would sneak out with our bicycles and head toward the Donga River, located at Mile 6 Bypass.
This river, which flows through several areas of Jalingo, is vast and mesmerizing.
For the children of Jalingo, it was more than just a river - it was a playground, a hangout spot, and a source of countless stories.
But there was one problem: I didn’t know how to swim.
Most of my friends had mastered the art of swimming, effortlessly diving into the water and playing games.
I was content to watch from the shore, cheering them on and soaking in the fun vicariously.
Until one fateful day, I decided to take the plunge - literally.
The Day I Almost Died - My Near Death Experience as a Kid in Nigeria
It started as any other day of fun and adventure.
My friends, my brother Jerry, and I arrived at the river, eager to unwind.
As usual, I stood by the riverbank, watching them splash around and daring each other to dive deeper.
But something inside me stirred that day. I didn’t want to be left out anymore. I wanted to join in the fun.
So, without thinking twice, I took a deep breath, ran to the edge, and dove into the river.
What happened next was a blur. I sank like a rock.
The river was deeper than I had imagined, and the current was stronger than I could have anticipated.
Panic set in as I struggled to stay afloat, but it was futile.
The world went dark.
Saved by Jerry: A Brother’s Heroic Act
What felt like an eternity underwater was probably just a few seconds.
But those seconds could have been my last, if not for my brother Jerry and my best friend at the time, Ali.
Jerry noticed I hadn’t resurfaced and instinctively jumped in after me.
Risking his own safety, he dived deep into the water, grabbed hold of me, and pulled me out.
Ali joined him in the rescue effort, helping to drag me back to shore.
I had passed out by the time they got me out of the water, but their quick action saved my life.
When I came to, I saw their anxious faces and the realization hit me - I had come so close to never seeing my family again.
Reflections on That Near-Death Experience
Looking back, that experience taught me more than just the importance of caution.
It was a wake-up call about the fragility of life and the value of the people around us.
Jerry wasn’t just my older brother; he was my protector, my guardian angel.
That day at the Donga River became a defining moment in my childhood.
It taught me gratitude, humility, and a deep respect for nature.
It also reinforced the bonds of friendship and family that continue to shape who I am today.
Lessons from My Story - Simon Taki Zaku
1. The Importance of Caution and Awareness
As children, we often act impulsively without considering the consequences.
My story serves as a reminder to think before acting, especially when it comes to activities that involve risks.
2. The Power of Family and Friendship
Jerry’s bravery and Ali’s quick thinking were acts of love that I’ll forever be grateful for.
In times of crisis, the people who truly care about you will always step up.
3. Gratitude for Life
Near-death experiences have a way of shifting perspectives.
That day, I realized how precious life is and how quickly it can be taken away.
A Glimpse of the Donga River, Jalingo Today
The Donga River still flows majestically through Jalingo, holding memories for countless families like mine.
I plan to revisit the river soon and post a video of it, updating this story with visuals that capture its beauty and significance.
Stay tuned for that!
Do Not Wait to Share Your Stories
Our lives are filled with untold stories that hold lessons, humor, and heart.
If you’ve had experiences that shaped who you are, don’t keep them to yourself. Share them, learn from them, and inspire others.
Your story might not involve a near-death experience like mine, but it could be the key to helping someone else navigate their journey.
Simon Taki Zaku,
Founder, CEO, IbiFoundry.com.ng,
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