President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to the Hausa people, describing them as one of the strongest pillars of Nigeria’s development and national unity, while applauding their enduring contributions to the country’s social, cultural and economic progress.

The President made the remarks in a message marking the 2026 World Hausa Day celebration, an annual event dedicated to promoting the Hausa language, culture and heritage across Nigeria and beyond.

In his goodwill message, Tinubu highlighted the historical significance of the Hausa people and the growing influence of the Hausa language, which he said has evolved beyond regional boundaries to become a powerful medium of communication, trade and cultural exchange across Africa and other parts of the world.

“The Hausa language, without doubt, has flourished and has become a major language of unity and commerce across the world,” the President stated.

He congratulated the global Hausa community on the occasion and commended efforts aimed at preserving and promoting one of Africa’s most widely spoken languages.

“I congratulate the vast Hausa community on the occasion of Hausa Day, which is being celebrated at the historic Daura Palace today,” he added.

This year's celebration, held under the theme “Our Culture, Our Future,” took place at the palace of the Emir of Daura in Katsina State, attracting a diverse gathering of traditional rulers, academics, language experts, cultural enthusiasts and dignitaries from different parts of the country.

The event focused on the importance of safeguarding indigenous languages and cultural traditions in an era increasingly shaped by globalization, digital transformation and cultural exchange.

Beyond the physical gathering in Daura, World Hausa Day has continued to expand its reach internationally, gaining significant traction on digital platforms and among Hausa-speaking communities around the world.

Universities with Hausa language departments, media practitioners, researchers, cultural advocates and social media influencers have increasingly embraced the initiative, using it as a platform to promote Hausa language education, literature, history and cultural identity.

Advertisement

The movement has become particularly influential online, where participants engage in activities designed to encourage the use of Hausa language in modern communication and digital spaces.

World Hausa Day was first introduced on August 26, 2015, by Nigerian journalist and language advocate Abdulbaki Aliyu Jari. The initiative was conceived as a campaign to strengthen the presence of Hausa language on the internet and raise awareness about challenges facing indigenous African languages in the digital age.

At its inception, participants were encouraged to communicate in Hausa on social media, share traditional proverbs, create new Hausa vocabulary for emerging technologies and contemporary concepts, and showcase cultural practices through photographs and storytelling.

What began as a modest online campaign has since grown into a globally recognized annual celebration, attracting participation from Hausa speakers and cultural enthusiasts across continents.

Observers say the increasing popularity of the event reflects a broader movement to preserve indigenous languages and cultural identities at a time when many local languages face the threat of decline.

For many participants, World Hausa Day has become more than a cultural celebration; it is a call to preserve a language spoken by millions and to ensure that future generations remain connected to their heritage.

Tinubu’s message aligns with that objective, emphasizing the importance of cultural preservation while recognizing the role of the Hausa people in shaping Nigeria’s history, economy and national identity.

As celebrations continue across Nigeria and among Hausa communities worldwide, the occasion serves as a reminder of the enduring strength of one of Africa’s most influential languages and the rich cultural heritage it represents.