The Daura Emirate in Katsina State has concluded a three-day celebration to mark the 2026 International Day of Hausa with cultural displays and a traditional durbar at the Emir’s Palace.
The celebration began on Aug. 24 with Jajibirin Sallar Gani, the eve of the traditional festivities, followed by Sallar Gani Day, which featured prayers and community gatherings.
The grand finale, held on Wednesday as Ranar Hausa da Hawan Magajiya, featured various Hausa traditions, including Dambe, Kokowa, Shadi, Kade-kade dance and a spectacular horse-riding durbar by district heads representing the Hausa Bakwai and Banza Bakwai.
The event attracted traditional rulers and title holders from across the country, as people from emirates connected to Daura’s history gathered to celebrate their shared Hausa heritage.
The Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Faruq Umar, said the event was aimed at preserving Hausa heritage for future generations.
“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, dressing in our traditional attire and 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,” he said.
The Minister of Arts, Culture and Tourism, Hajiya Hannatu Musawa, described Hausa culture as a national and global asset.
She said Hausa culture was not only for Hausa people but also a Nigerian treasure and part of the world’s heritage.
Musawa said events such as the celebration in Daura showcased the beauty and richness of Hausa 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,” she said.
She added that the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism was committed to supporting initiatives that preserve Nigerian languages and traditional institutions.
“Daura has set the standard today, and we will take this message across the nation,” she said.
Other dignitaries at the event included Alhaji Usman Jaye, representative of the Governor of Katsina State; the Dan Malikin Katsina; and the Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Hon. Nasir Yahaya.
