By Atoyebi Nike
Katsina State will, for the first time, give full official backing to the global celebration of World Hausa Day, set for August 26.
Executive Secretary of the State History and Culture Bureau, Dr. Kabir Ali-Masanawa, said at a Tuesday press briefing that the event will gather participants from 24 countries to honor Hausa history, culture, and heritage. Governor Dikko Radda has pledged personal support to ensure its success.
Celebrations will take place at the Emir of Daura’s palace, featuring Hausa music, dance, traditional attire, and culinary displays. “Visitors will see how we prepare and enjoy our dishes and why our cuisine is worth travelling for,” Ali-Masanawa said, adding that Katsina remains safe and is positioning itself as a cultural and Islamic tourism hub.
Committee member Malam Abdulbaki Jari noted that World Hausa Day began in 2015 to promote the language and culture, with Hausa now ranked as the world’s 11th most spoken language. Global Hausa communities from the UK, USA, Saudi Arabia, Ghana, and the Netherlands will participate, sharing images and videos to connect celebrations worldwide.
The Emir of Daura, Alhaji Faruq Umar-Faruq, a strong supporter of Hausa identity, will deliver the keynote address.
