By Aminu Abubakar Ma’aruf
The Daura Emirate in Katsina State concluded a three-day grand celebration to mark the 2026 International Day of Hausa with cultural displays and traditional durbar at the Emir’s Palace.
The celebration started on Aug. 24 with Jajibirin Sallar Gani – the eve of the traditional festivities, followed by Sallar Gani Day, marked by prayers and community gatherings.
The grand finale, held on Wednesday as Ranar Hausa da Hawan Magajiya, showcased different types of Hausa traditions including Dambe, Kokowa, Shadi, Kade-kade dance, and a spectacular horse riding durbar by district heads representing the Hausa Bakwai and the Banza Bakwai.
The event also witnessed massive gathering of traditional rulers and title holders from across the country, as people from all the emirates related to Daura history attended, making it a true reunion of Hausa heritage.
The Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Faruq Umar, said the event was aimed at preserving Hausa heritage for future generations.
He added that “Daura is the cradle of the Hausa people. Today, we gather not just to celebrate, but to remind ourselves and the world that our language, our traditions and values must be preserved for generations to come.
“I call on our young people to take pride in speaking Hausa, in dressing in our attire and in learning our history. A people without culture is a people without identity.
“This International Day of Hausa shows us that from Hausa Bakwai to Banza Bakwai, we are one people. Let us use this culture to promote peace, unity and development in Nigeria and beyond.”
The Minister of Arts, Culture and Tourism, Hajiya Hannatu Musawa, described Hausa culture as a national and global asset.
She said that the Hausa culture is not just for Hausa people, it is a Nigerian treasure and a global heritage.
The minister noted that “events like this in Daura show the world the beauty, depth, and richness of our traditions.
“When we promote our festivals, our Dambe, our Durbar, and our language, we are not only preserving identity, we are also creating jobs, attracting tourists and building the economy. Culture is business.
“The Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism is fully committed to supporting initiatives that preserve our languages and traditional institutions. Daura has set the standard today, and we will take this message across the nation.”
Other dignitaries at the event were Alhaji Usman Jaye, the representative of the Governor of Katsina State, the Dan Malikin Katsina, and the Speaker, Katsina State House of Assembly, Hon. Nasir Yahaya.
