Dr. Bukar Usman, Emir of Daura, and the 2025 World Hausa Day Celebration
By Bashir Yahuza Malumfashi
___________
The Hausa language, one of Africa’s most widely spoken tongues, continues to flourish with a rich history and a growing global influence. Its reach and cultural impact have earned it a dedicated day of celebration observed around the world.
This year’s World Hausa Day was marked with grandeur at the palace of His Highness, the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Faruk Umar, on Tuesday, August 26, 2025. Unlike previous editions, the 10th anniversary carried special significance, drawing influential voices, cultural advocates, and international delegations.
Themed “Using the Hausa Language to Promote Peace,” the event highlighted the urgent need for unity in the face of rising insecurity across Northern Nigeria, where armed groups have continued to disrupt lives through killings, kidnappings, and destruction of property.
Organized by the Katsina State History and Culture Bureau in collaboration with the Daura Emirate, the celebration was coordinated by veteran journalist and Hausa language advocate Abdulbaƙi Aliyu Jari, who pioneered the World Hausa Day initiative in 2015.
One of the event’s most remarkable moments came from renowned author and cultural preservationist, Dr. Bukar Usman. A former Federal Government Permanent Secretary and President of the Nigerian Folklore Society, Dr. Usman made a major literary donation to the Emir of Daura’s palace, presenting over 20 books covering history, folklore, and Hausa traditions.
Speaking on his behalf, cultural commentator Malam Bashir Yahuza Malumfashi explained that the collection included the celebrated Taskar Tatsuniyoyi (Treasury of Folktales), a 14-volume compilation of Hausa folktales authored and published by Dr. Usman himself.
Another highlight was Zaɓaɓɓun Tatsuniyoyin Hausa (Selected Hausa Folktales), published in Ajami script to revive traditional writing and support Qur’anic schools in rural communities. Dr. Usman also presented his historical work, A History of Biu, underscoring the ancient ties between Daura and Biu through legendary figures Bayajidda and Yamtarawala.
The collection further featured According to the President, authored by journalist Garba Shehu, which chronicles his experiences with the late President Muhammadu Buhari, a son of Daura. Malumfashi himself contributed Galadima, a poetry collection that includes a praise poem for the Emir of Daura, titled Sadauki, which he recited during the event to the delight of the Emir and his council.
In his response, the emir appreciated the gesture by Dr. Usman. “Biu and Daura had in the past shared historical acquaintance. Yamtarawala had once visited Daura, married a spouse before he proceeded to Biu. I find the books donated to my emirate useful. Thank you very much Dr. Usman, may Allah reward you abubdantly,” said Emir of Daura.
With an estimated 200 million Hausa speakers worldwide, the language continues to expand its relevance. Neighboring Niger Republic has gone a step further by adopting Hausa as an official language of governance. The government of Niger was represented at the Daura celebration by Zinder State Governor Muhammad Sani Masallaci, standing in for President General Muhammad Tchani.
Delegates also arrived from the historic Hausa Bakwai (the Seven Hausa City-States) and their affiliated states. Representing the Emir of Katsina, Senator Ibrahim Ida called on governments to strengthen the teaching and promotion of Hausa, noting with concern the declining number of university and college students pursuing Hausa studies in Nigeria.
The day’s festivities showcased the vibrancy of Hausa culture, with traditional dances, horse riding, wrestling, drumming, and other performances. The celebration ended on a hopeful note, with participants looking forward to an even more colorful edition in 2026.
__________
