By our correspondent

The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I Jibrin, was in Accra, the capital of the Republic of Ghana, where he urged youth to key into the promotion and preservation of cultural heritage.

He made the remarks as a Guest of Honour at the World Hausa Day 2026 celebration organised by Hausa Youth Ghana at the Forecourt of the State House, Accra, at the weekend.

He commended Hausa Youth Ghana for promoting the Hausa language, culture and heritage, describing the initiative as a significant contribution to strengthening the relationship between Ghana and Nigeria.

He was accompanied by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Army and Chairman, Northern Senators Forum, Senator Abdulazeez Yar’Adua; Chairman, Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND, Senator Muntari Dandutse; and Chairman, Senate Committee on Basic and Secondary Education, Senator Lawal Adamu Usman.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, the Deputy President of the Senate described World Hausa Day as an important platform for celebrating the rich heritage, language, culture and identity of the Hausa people, while promoting friendship, unity and mutual understanding among communities.

He noted that Hausa is much more than a means of communication, stressing that the language has, for centuries, served as a bridge among people across West Africa and played significant roles in commerce, scholarship, diplomacy, literature, traditional institutions and social interaction.

According to him, the widespread use of Hausa across national borders reflects the deep historical, cultural and social connections that exist among Africans.

“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.

Senator Barau, who is the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, stressed that the continued survival of the Hausa language depends largely on its transmission from one generation to another, urging young people to take the lead in preserving, promoting and modernising the language.

He challenged Hausa youth in Ghana and across Africa to take pride in their heritage and channel it towards building a better future.

He urged them to pursue quality education, acquire modern skills, embrace innovation, establish businesses, create opportunities for others and contribute positively to the communities in which they live.

In a significant gesture towards supporting education and the preservation of the Hausa language, Senator Barau awarded scholarships to two members of the Hausa community in Ghana to study Hausa Language at the undergraduate or postgraduate level in Nigerian universities.

He also extended warm greetings to the Government and people of the Republic of Ghana, reaffirming the importance of the enduring friendship and strong relations between Ghana and Nigeria.

By Our Correspondent

Edo State Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo has congratulated Senator Francis Asekhame Alimikhena on his coronation as the Okumagbe of Uwanno Kingdom, urging him to use his vast personal experiences to promote peace, unity and development in the kingdom.

Speaking Saturday at the coronation ceremony of Alimikhena as the Okumagbe of Uwanno Kingdom, the governor said the event was a historic occasion.

The governor said Alimikhena came to the throne with decades of experience in public service, including two terms as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Your Highness, you come to this throne with a wealth of experience gained from decades of distinguished public service, including two terms as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“You have served at the highest levels of government, and your experience in leadership, governance, and community development will surely be valuable in your new role.”

Governor Okpebholo, however, reminded the new monarch that traditional leadership carried a unique and sacred responsibility, urging him to govern with wisdom, humility, and fairness.

“However, traditional leadership carries a unique and sacred responsibility. As the Okumagbe, you are now the father of all,” he said.

“I therefore urge Your Highness to govern with wisdom, humility, fairness, and an open heart. Please carry everyone along and ensure that no son or daughter of Uwanno feels left behind.”

The governor also called on the people of Uwanno Kingdom to support and cooperate with the new monarch, urging them to put aside their differences and work for the common good of the kingdom.

“I also call on every son and daughter of Uwanno to give His Highness their support, cooperation, and loyalty. Let us put aside our differences and unite around the common good of Uwanno Kingdom,” Governor Okpebholo said.

He said unity remained critical to the peace and development of the kingdom.

“The strength of any kingdom lies in the unity of its people. Where there is unity, there is peace, and where there is peace, there is progress,” he said.

Earlier, Senator representating Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Oshiomhole, while congratulating Alimikhena as the Okumagbe of Uwanno Kingdom, also commended him for all his development strides attracted by him to his people and state.

Oshiomhole prayed that may God continue to bless him and enrich him with wisdom to pilot his new responsibility as a traditional ruler.

Delivery his speech, the new traditional ruler, Alimikhena, said that today’s event marks a new beginning and a turning point for the people of Uwanno Kingdom.

“It is a new dawn, an era of peace, love, and development, I will establish a Uwanno Development Fund (UDF) for the purpose of mobilizing resources for the ultimate
development of Uwanno Land,” he said.

By David Owei

Member representing Ughelli North Constituency II in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Spencer Obokpare Ohwofa,Eqs, has congratulated Prof. Patrick Muoboghare on his appointment as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Dennis Osadebay University (DOU), Asaba, describing the appointment as meritorious, well-deserved and a fitting recognition of his exceptional leadership qualities, wealth of experience and commitment to education.

In a congratulatory message made available to the media today, Hon. Ohwofa described Prof. Muoboghare as a man of integrity, knowledge, experience and dedication to service. He said the appointment reflects the confidence reposed in the Uwheru-born academic’s capacity to provide purposeful, responsible and visionary leadership, noting that his wealth of experience would be invaluable in promoting good governance, academic excellence, research and innovation at the university.

According to Ohwofa, leading a university governing council requires wisdom, maturity, integrity and a clear vision for institutional growth. He expressed confidence that Prof. Muoboghare would provide effective leadership capable of strengthening Dennis Osadebay University and creating an enabling environment for students and staff to thrive.

“On behalf of my entire family and the great people of Ughelli North Constituency II, I heartily congratulate our leader and father, Prof. Patrick Muoboghare, on this meritorious and well-deserved appointment,” Ohwofa said. He urged the university community and other stakeholders to give the Governing Council the necessary cooperation and support to succeed.

Ohwofa also appreciated His Excellency, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, for the confidence reposed in Prof. Muoboghare, expressing optimism that his outstanding leadership qualities would contribute significantly to the advancement of the education sector in line with the administration’s M.O.R.E. Agenda. He prayed that God would grant Prof. Muoboghare greater wisdom, strength and good health to excel in his new responsibility.

“Congratulations once again, our leader, on this meritorious appointment. May God guide and strengthen you, grant you wisdom and enable you to lead with distinction as you take Dennis Osadebay University to greater heights,” Ohwofa stated.