By Abubakar Rabilu Gombe
Traditional rulers, scholars and other stakeholders have called for concerted efforts to preserve the Hausa language and cultural heritage, warning against the growing challenges confronting the language in the digital age.
They made the call at an event held to mark World Hausa Day, which brought together traditional rulers, scholars, academics and community leaders from Kano State and other parts of the country.
The participants urged parents, teachers and community leaders to encourage younger generations to speak, learn and use Hausa, particularly in education and the emerging 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 explained the language remained an important pillar of the history, culture, education and economic activities of the Hausa people.
The traditional ruler stressed the need for greater investment in the teaching and promotion of Hausa, particularly among youths, while urging stakeholders to explore modern technology as a tool for preserving and expanding the language.
He called on traditional rulers, scholars, academics, youths and women to work together to protect the language and cultural values of the Hausa people from extinction.
He cautioned politicians against using abusive language, personal attacks and inflammatory rhetoric, saying political competition should be based on presenting clear policies and programmes capable of improving the lives of the people.
He further urged political actors and their supporters to accept electoral outcomes peacefully in the interest of unity and development.
Also speaking, a participant, Danjuma Usman, described the celebration as an important platform for promoting the Hausa language and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Hausa people.
He said regular celebrations of the language would help raise awareness among young people and encourage them to take pride in their linguistic and cultural identity.
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