FORGOTTEN ROLE OF THE TOWN CRIER

There was a time when the heartbeat of every village echoed through the sound of a gong. Long before mobile phones, radio, television, and the internet connected the world, one man carried the responsibility of connecting an entire community. He was the town crier; a humble servant whose voice brought people together, warned them of danger, announced moments of joy, and delivered the words of the king and the elders. Sadly, as civilization advances, his sacrifices are slowly being forgotten. The phrase "Forgotten Role of the Town Crier" is more than just a title. It is a reminder of a noble duty that history is gradually allowing to fade. It speaks of a man whose service was once indispensable but whose contributions are rarely acknowledged today. It challenges us to pause for a moment and remember the silent hero whose footsteps echoed through every street so that no one would be left uninformed. To many people, the town crier was simply a messenger who walked around beating a gong and making announcements. But those who truly understand his duty know that he was far more than that. He carried the burden of every important message entrusted to him, knowing that a single missed house or forgotten street could leave lives at risk. Every announcement he made carried the weight of responsibility, and every journey he took was an act of dedication to his people. His greatest sacrifice was not the distance he walked or the strength of his voice. It was the danger he willingly faced. Imagine a night when fear suddenly grips the entire village. News of an approaching attack, a raging fire, or an unexpected disaster reaches the palace. Without hesitation, the town crier picks up his gong and begins his journey. As families hear his warning, they rush indoors, gather their children, bolt their doors, and pray for safety. Yet the very man whose voice has saved them cannot stop. He continues from one street to another, from one compound to the next, shouting until every household has heard the warning. While everyone else hides from danger, he walks towards uncertainty, risking his own life so that others may have a chance to protect theirs. Who remembers him when the danger is over? Who thanks the man whose courage gave others the opportunity to survive? Many will simply say, "He was only doing his job." But is that not what we say about many heroes whose sacrifices we later celebrate? Every profession deserves respect, but some duties demand extraordinary courage. The town crier accepted that burden without seeking applause, reward, or recognition. His greatest satisfaction was knowing that he had fulfilled his responsibility to his people. Beyond delivering messages, the town crier was the living voice of tradition. He announced festivals that united families, summoned villagers to communal labour, invited elders to settle disputes, and proclaimed the decisions of the king. His voice carried culture from one generation to another, ensuring that customs, values, and traditions remained alive. Wherever the sound of his gong was heard, people listened with respect because they knew it carried the voice of the community itself. Today, technology has transformed communication. News now travels across continents in seconds. A single message on a mobile phone can reach thousands of people instantly. While this progress has made life easier, it should never erase our appreciation for those who once served with nothing but their courage, commitment, and determination. Modern communication may be faster, but it cannot replace the humanity, loyalty, and selfless devotion that defined the town crier. We often celebrate the achievements of the modern world while forgetting the shoulders upon which today's society was built. In forgetting the town crier, we risk forgetting an important part of our identity. We risk losing the memory of a man who stood between danger and his people, who placed the welfare of others above his own safety, and who asked for nothing in return. Our culture lives not only in our language, music, and festivals but also in the stories of those who served our communities with honour. The town crier deserves more than a passing mention in history. He deserves our gratitude, our respect, and a lasting place in our memories. As we embrace civilization and celebrate technological advancement, let us not abandon our roots. Let us remember the sound of the gong that once united villages. Let us honour the fearless messenger who walked every path so that others could sleep in peace. Let us tell his story to future generations, not because he sought recognition, but because gratitude is the least we owe those whose sacrifices shaped our communities. The town crier may no longer walk our streets, but his legacy should continue to walk in our hearts. For a people who forget those who faithfully served them risk forgetting where they truly came from. Written by: Shuaib Abdulbasit Omeiza

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