Emirs, scholars honour Hausa poet ALA at FUDMA conference

The Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, has hosted a three-day international conference to examine the literary contributions of renowned Hausa poet, Aminu Ladan Abubakar, popularly known as ALA.

The conference attracted prominent traditional rulers, academics, researchers, students and literary enthusiasts from Nigeria and beyond, with discussions focusing on the poet’s contributions to Hausa literature and cultural preservation.

The event, organised by the university’s Centre for Hausa Language, History, Monuments and Digital Documentation in collaboration with the Department of Hausa, was held under the theme, “Poetic Theory and Principles of Literary Competition in the Works of Aminu Ladan Abubakar (ALA)”.

Among the traditional rulers at the opening ceremony were the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir Usman; the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero; the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Faruk Umar; the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Muhammad Bage; and the Emir of Katsinan Maradi in Niger Republic, Alhaji Ahmed Ali Zaki.

Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, the Emir of Kano described the conference as a significant development for ALA and the preservation of Hausa language and literary heritage.

He commended the university for providing an academic platform to examine the poet’s works, noting that his literary contributions had educated and entertained audiences while stimulating intellectual discussions.

The monarch described ALA as an accomplished poet whose achievements deserved recognition and sustained scholarly attention.

In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of FUDMA, Professor Mohammed Khalid Othman, said ALA had made significant contributions to educating, entertaining and sensitising society through his literary works.

He noted that Hausa, spoken by more than 150 million people globally, remained an important medium of cultural expression, knowledge and communication.

Othman said the conference was particularly important because it offered scholars an opportunity to critically examine the works of a living poet who could also engage directly with researchers and respond to their interpretations.

He said the university was proud to associate with ALA and would continue to support initiatives aimed at promoting his literary contributions.

The vice-chancellor identified the critical examination of ALA’s works, the promotion of scholarly engagement on Hausa literature and culture, and the celebration of Hausa literary heritage as key objectives of the conference.

Also speaking, the chairman of the occasion, Ambassador Ahmad Rufai Abubakar, described ALA as a custodian of knowledge whose poetic presentations preserved important messages and historical experiences for present and future generations.

He said the poet had established a distinctive place in the literary world, adding that his works deserved continuous academic examination because of their contributions to Hausa literature and historical documentation through songs and poetry.

Abubakar commended the university for organising the conference, saying it would help younger generations understand history and avoid repeating past mistakes.

Similarly, the Wazirin Katsina, Alhaji Ibrahim Ida, praised FUDMA for creating a platform to advance discussions on Hausa literature, culture and traditions.

He described ALA as a poet who gave voice to the voiceless through his works, particularly by raising awareness about leadership, development and other societal issues.

The chairman of the FUDMA Governing Council, Alhaji Ali Abubakar Jatau, assured participants that the university would sustain its commitment to promoting academic activities and initiatives that strengthen language, culture and intellectual development.

The three-day conference also featured the presentation of prizes and awards in recognition of contributions to literary scholarship and the preservation of Hausa cultural heritage.