Hausa Language, Culture Pillars of African Unity, Development – Gov Abba Yusuf

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has described the Hausa language and culture as important pillars of African identity, unity and development as he congratulated Hausa people in Nigeria, Africa and across the world on the 2026 International Hausa Day.

The governor’s spokesman, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday, saying this year’s celebration, themed “Our Culture, Our Future,” provides an opportunity to reflect on the preservation of Hausa language, culture, history and traditions for future generations.

Yusuf said International Hausa Day, initiated in 2015 by journalist Abdulbaki Jari alongside his social media associates, had grown into a global platform for promoting the Hausa language and celebrating the 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, noting that the colourful Durbar would showcase the history and traditions of Hausa culture.

The governor also welcomed the participation of Hausa communities in the diaspora, who are expected to mark the celebration in about 30 countries, including the United States, Türkiye, Indonesia, Egypt, Senegal, Ghana, Togo and South Sudan.

Read Also: Governor Abba Yusuf Storms Eagle Square with Thousands of Supporters

Yusuf said Hausa had remained an important lingua franca in West Africa, with significant roles in promoting peace, governance, commerce, education and social interaction across communities and countries.

“Hausa has remained an important lingua franca in West Africa, playing significant roles in promoting peace, governance, commerce, education and social interaction across communities and countries,” he said.

The governor 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.

He stressed that preserving indigenous languages and cultures was essential to strengthening African identity, unity and cooperation.

Yusuf also commended international media organisations 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.

He called for greater intra-African cooperation, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence, saying cultural diversity should serve as a bridge for bringing Africans closer together.

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