Hausa Day: Governor Yusuf Says Language, Culture Are Pillars of African Unity

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has described the Hausa language and culture as vital pillars of African identity, unity and development as Hausa communities across Nigeria, Africa and the world mark the 2026 International Hausa Day.

The governor, in a statement issued on Wednesday by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, congratulated Hausa people on the celebration, which is themed “Our Culture, Our Future.”

Governor Yusuf said the annual event provides an opportunity for Hausa people and other Africans to reflect on the importance of preserving their language, culture, history and traditions for future generations.

“Our culture and language are not only a reflection of our identity but also important instruments for promoting unity, understanding and development across Africa,” the governor said.

He noted that International Hausa Day, initiated in 2015 by journalist Abdulbaki Jari and his social media associates, had grown into a global platform for promoting the Hausa language and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Hausa people.

The governor commended the organisers for choosing Daura, the historic cradle of Hausa civilisation, as the centre of this year’s celebration.

According to him, the colourful Durbar planned for the occasion will provide an opportunity to showcase the history, traditions and cultural richness of the Hausa people to a global audience.

Governor Yusuf also welcomed the participation of Hausa communities in the diaspora, noting that celebrations are taking place in about 30 countries, including the United States, Türkiye, Indonesia, Egypt, Senegal, Ghana, Togo and South Sudan.

He described Hausa as an important lingua franca in West Africa, saying the language has played a significant role in promoting peace, governance, commerce, education and social interaction across communities and countries.

The governor urged Hausa people, particularly young people, to take pride in their language, culture and history while embracing education and modern technology to expand the global reach of Hausa.

“The preservation of our indigenous languages and cultures is essential to strengthening African identity, unity and cooperation,” he said.

Governor Yusuf also commended international media organisations that broadcast in Hausa, including the BBC Hausa Service, RFI International, DW Hausa, Radio Iran, the former Hausa Service of the Voice of America and TRT Hausa, for their contributions to promoting the language.

He called for stronger intra-African cooperation, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence, stressing that Africa’s cultural diversity should serve as a bridge for bringing people and communities closer together.

“Cultural diversity should not divide us; rather, it should be a bridge that brings Africans closer together and strengthens our shared identity and cooperation,” the governor said.

Governor Yusuf prayed for lasting peace and harmony in Northern Nigeria, Nigeria and Africa as a whole, while wishing participants at the International Hausa Day celebrations a successful and memorable event.