Deputy Senate President Senator Barau I Jibrin has called on young people across West Africa to take ownership of preserving and promoting the Hausa language and cultural heritage, as he joined the Hausa community in Ghana to celebrate World Hausa Day 2026.
Speaking as Guest of Honour at the event organised by Hausa Youth Ghana at the Forecourt of the State House in Accra over the weekend, Senator Jibrin described the initiative as a significant contribution to strengthening the bond between Nigeria and Ghana.
“World Hausa Day is an important platform for celebrating the rich heritage, language, culture and identity of the Hausa people, while promoting friendship, unity and mutual understanding among communities,” the Deputy President of the Senate said in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir.
Language as a bridge across West Africa
Senator Jibrin, who also serves as First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, emphasised that Hausa is far more than a means of communication.
“For centuries, the language has served as a bridge among people across West Africa and played significant roles in commerce, scholarship, diplomacy, literature, traditional institutions and social interaction,” he said.
He noted that the widespread use of Hausa across national borders reflects the deep historical, cultural and social connections that exist among Africans.
“Ghana and Nigeria share a long history of interaction in trade, education, migration, culture and diplomacy. The Hausa community in Ghana has also continued to make meaningful contributions to the social and economic development of the country while preserving its cultural heritage,” Senator Jibrin added.
Challenge to youth: preserve, modernise, build
The Deputy Senate President stressed that the continued survival of the Hausa language depends largely on its transmission from one generation to another, urging young people to take the lead in preserving, promoting and modernising the language.
He challenged Hausa youth in Ghana and across Africa to take pride in their heritage and channel it towards building a better future.
“I urge you to pursue quality education, acquire modern skills, embrace innovation, establish businesses, create opportunities for others and contribute positively to the communities in which you live,” he said.
Scholarships to study Hausa in Nigeria
In a significant gesture towards supporting education and language preservation, Senator Jibrin announced scholarships for two members of the Hausa community in Ghana to study Hausa Language at undergraduate or postgraduate level in Nigerian universities.
The Deputy Senate President extended warm greetings to the Government and people of the Republic of Ghana, reaffirming the importance of enduring friendship and strong relations between the two West African nations.
High-level Nigerian delegation
Senator Jibrin was accompanied by a delegation of Nigerian senators, including Senator Abdulazeez Yar’Adua, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army and Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum; Senator Muntari Dandutse, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND; and Senator Lawal Adamu Usman, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic and Secondary Education.
The World Hausa Day celebration, now in its 2026 edition, continues to serve as a rallying point for the Hausa-speaking community in Ghana and beyond, fostering cultural pride and cross-border solidarity.
EcowasNewsOnline.com
