By Anayo Akwitti
Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, has urged Hausa youths in Ghana and across Africa to take an active role in preserving, promoting and modernising the Hausa language and cultural heritage.
Barau made the call in Accra, Ghana, where he attended the 2026 World Hausa Day celebration organised by Hausa Youth Ghana at the Forecourt of the State House.
The Deputy Senate President, who was the Guest of Honour at the event, commended the organisers for promoting the Hausa language, culture and heritage, describing the initiative as a significant contribution to strengthening the relationship between Ghana and Nigeria.
According to him, Hausa is more than a means of communication, having served for centuries as a bridge among communities across West Africa in commerce, education, diplomacy, literature and social interaction.
“Ghana and Nigeria share a long history of interaction in trade, education, migration, culture and diplomacy. The Hausa community in Ghana has also continued to make meaningful contributions to the social and economic development of the country while preserving its cultural heritage,” he said.
Barau, who is also the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, stressed that the survival of the Hausa language depends largely on its transmission from one generation to another.
He therefore urged young people to take pride in their heritage while acquiring quality education, modern skills and embracing innovation.
He also encouraged the youth to establish businesses, create opportunities for others and contribute positively to the development of their communities.
As part of efforts to support education and Hausa language preservation, Barau awarded scholarships to two members of the Hausa community in Ghana to study Hausa Language at undergraduate or postgraduate level in Nigerian universities.
The Deputy Senate President was accompanied by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army and Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum, Senator Abdulazeez Yar’Adua; Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND, Senator Muntari Dandutse; and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic and Secondary Education, Senator Lawal Usman.
Barau also conveyed his greetings to the government and people of Ghana, reaffirming the importance of the enduring friendship and strong bilateral relations between Ghana and Nigeria.
