By Peter Omopo
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has urged Nigerians and Africans to safeguard the Hausa language and cultural heritage as the world marked Hausa Day on Tuesday.
In a statement posted on his official X account, Atiku described the Hausa people as one of Africa’s most influential cultures, with communities spread across about 25 countries and a legacy of contributions in commerce, scholarship, governance, and the arts.
“Today, as we mark Hausa Day at the historic Emir of Daura’s Palace, we pay tribute to one of Africa’s most influential cultures. The Hausa people, through their language, traditions, and enterprise, have left an indelible mark on West Africa and beyond,” Atiku said.
He emphasised that Hausa Day is “more than a cultural festival,” describing it as a platform to honour linguistic treasures, celebrate resilience, and inspire future generations to uphold unity in diversity.
“From commerce to scholarship, governance to the arts, Hausa-speaking communities across 25 countries continue to drive economic growth, foster cultural diplomacy, and preserve a heritage that has stood the test of centuries,” he added.
Atiku also called on leaders and citizens to ensure that Hausa heritage thrives alongside modern development.
“May this Hausa Day renew our collective commitment to building a Nigeria, and indeed an Africa, where heritage and modernity thrive side by side,” he said.
The Hausa are among the largest ethnic groups in West Africa, with a rich history of trade, Islamic scholarship, and cultural exchange across the Sahel and coastal regions.