By Abubakar Rabilu, Gombe
Traditional rulers, scholars and other stakeholders have called for renewed and concerted efforts to preserve the Hausa language and cultural heritage amid growing challenges posed by changing social trends and the digital age.
They made the call at an event organised to commemorate World Hausa Day, which brought together traditional rulers, academics, scholars, community leaders and other stakeholders from Kano State and other parts of the country.
The participants urged parents, teachers and community leaders to encourage young people to speak, learn and use Hausa, particularly in education and the rapidly expanding digital space.
In his address, the Sarkin Hausawan Tukulma and Chairman of Arewarmu Duniyarmu African Chiefdom and Council, Ambassador Alhaji Ibrahim Haruna, represented by Ambassador Dr Usman Abubakar IPPS, CON, Dan Adalan Karaye, Ciroman Arewa and Wazirin Afrika, described Hausa as more than a means of communication.
He said the language was a major pillar of the history, culture, education and economic activities of the Hausa people, stressing that its preservation was a collective responsibility.
The traditional ruler called for increased investment in the teaching and promotion of Hausa, particularly among youths, while urging stakeholders to harness modern technology to preserve, develop and promote the language.
He further called on traditional rulers, scholars, academics, youths and women to work together to safeguard Hausa language and cultural values from being weakened or lost.
The monarch also urged Hausa people to participate actively in politics while upholding decorum, tolerance and respect for opposing views.
He cautioned politicians against abusive language, personal attacks and inflammatory rhetoric, saying political competition should focus on policies and programmes capable of improving the lives of citizens.
He also urged political actors and their supporters to accept electoral outcomes peacefully in the interest of unity, stability and development.
Also speaking, a participant, Danjuma Usman, described the celebration as an important platform for promoting Hausa and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of its people.
He said regular celebrations of the language would raise awareness among young people and encourage them to take pride in their linguistic and cultural identity.
Danjuma commended the organisers, noting that the initiative was timely, particularly as technological and social changes continue to influence how younger generations communicate.
The event attracted participants from Kano and other parts of the country who expressed commitment to promoting and preserving the Hausa language, history and culture.
The participants called for the sustainability and expansion of such initiatives to ensure that Hausa remains a strong instrument of communication, cultural preservation, unity and the promotion of the heritage of Hausa people across Africa.
