Ham people
The Ham people (exonyms: A̱daa) are an ethnic group found in the southern part of Kaduna State in the northwestern region of Nigeria, 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. Some estimates place the Ham as numbering 400,000. The Ham people are believed to have created the Nok culture after archaeological discoveries in the Ham village of Nok. 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. 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. Hyam language The Ham speak Hyam language. 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. Notable people of Ham origin include: Martin Luther Agwai Andrew Jonathan Nok Adamu Maikori, first lawyer in Southern Kaduna Audu Maikori, co-founder and group CEO of Chocolate City Entertainment record label Yahaya Maikori, co-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 Justice Danlami Sambo, Former Justice Sokoto High Court Late Dr Chris Abashiya, Author, Politician and Activist Late AVM Usman Ma'azu, Former Military Administrator of Kaduna State Col T.K Zabairu, Former Military Administrator of Imo State Yohanna Yarima Kure Yohanna Yarima Kure, Armed Forces Ruling Council (1985-1987) Ambassador Bulus Lolo, RTD Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Senato