The Katsina State Government says preparations are almost concluded to join the global celebration of the World Hausa Day, which is marked on August 26 every year.
The Executive Secretary of the state’s History and Culture Bureau, Dr Kabir Ali-Masanawa, announced this at a press briefing in Katsina on Tuesday.
He said that the event was set to draw participants from across the globe to honour the Hausa people’s history, culture, and heritage.
Ali-Masanawa described the forthcoming celebration as the first time the event would receive full state backing, with Governor Dikko Radda personally committed to ensuring its success.
He added that the day recognised the vast cultural footprints of the Hausa people, whose historical empires spanned multiple countries.
“This year, at least 24 countries will join in celebrating the day.
“We recently visited the Emir’s Palace in Daura to seek his blessings and reaffirmed our pride in Hausa history,” he said.
Ali-Masanawa explained that the celebration would showcase Hausa heritage through music, dance, traditional attire, and a rich culinary experience that reflects the hospitality for which the people were known.
“Visitors will witness how we prepare, serve, enjoy our dishes, and also get to know why our cuisine is worth traveling for,” Ali-Masanawa added.
The history and culture bureau boss also assured that the state was safe and steadily improving in security, making it both a cultural and Islamic tourism destination.
He invited the global Hausa community and culture enthusiasts worldwide to attend the main celebration at the Emir of Daura’s palace in Daura.
Malam Abdulbaki Jari, a member of the organising committee, provided background on the event’s origins, recalling that the day was first marked in 2015 to celebrate the Hausa language and culture.
According to him, Hausa is now the 11th most spoken language globally, with projections showing it could rise further by 2050.
“This is our opportunity to position Hausa culture alongside the world’s most celebrated traditions.
“Tourists travel to Paris or Rome for history, we want them to come to Katsina for Hausa heritage,” Jari said.
He revealed that dignitaries from around the world would attend, with participation from Hausa communities in countries such as the UK, USA, Saudi Arabia, Ghana, and, for the first time, the Netherlands.
Jari also revealed, “Photos and videos from celebrations across continents will also be shared to foster unity among the global Hausa community.
“The event will be addressed by the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Faruq Umar-Faruq, who has been a staunch supporter of the celebration and a promoter of Hausa identity.”
NAN
