Whenever a northerner is referred to as “Aboki”, it’s usually a derogatory term that means an illiterate,uncivilized person who often exhibits some comical characteristics. No wonder in Nollywood films,a northerner is always used as a gateman or in an uncivilized,unexposed role.

Whenever something comes up about the north, you’ll see them trooping to make comments like, “what do you expect from an Aboki?” To a Hausa person, Aboki is a derogatory term; but those who often use it always pretend as if they’re unaware of the denigrating meaning of the word.

The way some some northerners always rush to trend any great milestone attained by a northerner in various fields using words like “another Aboki has done it again” is a tacit way of telling others that “they think we’re illiterates and unwise, but we’re proving them wrong.”

They don’t call people like Dangote, Dantata, El-Rufai and other influential northern figures “Aboki.” However, those innocent okada riders, mai suya, shoe-shiners, mai shayi are always the ones they call “Aboki.” You don’t need anyone to tell you it’s derogatory & they know it.