Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has described the Hausa language and culture as important pillars of African identity, unity and development.
The Governor stated this in a message congratulating Hausa people in Nigeria, Africa and across the world on the 2026 International Hausa Day.
The message, contained in a statement issued by his spokesman, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Wednesday, said this year’s celebration, themed “Our Culture, Our Future,” provides an opportunity for Hausa people and other Africans to reflect on the need to preserve their language, history, culture and traditions for future generations.
Governor Yusuf 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 celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the Hausa people.
He commended the organisers for choosing Daura, regarded as the cradle of Hausa civilisation, as the centre of this year’s celebration, saying the colourful Durbar planned for the occasion would showcase the history, richness and traditions of Hausa culture.
The Governor also welcomed the participation of Hausa communities in the diaspora, who are expected to mark the occasion in about 30 countries, including the United States, Türkiye, Indonesia, Egypt, Senegal, Ghana, Togo and South Sudan.
According to him, Hausa has remained an important lingua franca in West Africa and continues to play significant roles in promoting peace, governance, commerce, education and social interaction across communities and countries.
He urged Hausa people, particularly young people, to take pride in their language, culture and history while embracing modern technology and education to promote Hausa globally.
Governor Yusuf stressed that the preservation of indigenous languages and cultures was essential to strengthening African identity, unity and cooperation.
He also commended international media platforms that broadcast in Hausa, including BBC Hausa Service, RFI International, DW Hausa, Radio Iran, the defunct Hausa Service of Voice of America and TRT Hausa, for their contributions to promoting the language.
The Governor called for greater intra-African cooperation, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence, stressing that cultural diversity should serve as a bridge for bringing Africans closer together.
He prayed for lasting peace and harmony in Northern Nigeria, Nigeria and Africa as a whole, while wishing participants in the International Hausa Day celebrations a successful and memorable event.