By Lekan Shuaibu
The National Legal Adviser (NLA) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Barrister Murtala Aliyu Kankia, has congratulated the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, on her conferment with the traditional title “Mairamar Kasar Hausa I”, meaning First Daughter of Hausa Land, by the Emir of Daura, Dr Umar Faruk Umar.
Kankia said the traditional honour was a recognition that reflected Musawa’s growing profile and her role in promoting the cultural heritage of Hausa land.
The APC Legal Adviser said he had always believed that Musawa would eventually attain a position that would enable her to represent Hausa land and its heritage at a significant level.
“I know one day she will earn a position representing Hausa land and its heritage,” Kankia said in his congratulatory message.
He described the conferment as a significant recognition for the minister, particularly given her current role at the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy.
Kankia also recalled that Musawa had at one time been described by some people as “Queen Amina of our time”, a reference to the legendary Hausa warrior queen, Amina of Zazzau.
The APC Chieftain said the description underscored the expectations surrounding Musawa’s public role and her capacity to project the cultural identity and heritage of the Hausa people.
The title was bestowed on Musawa by the Emir of Daura, one of the foremost traditional institutions in northern Nigeria.
The recognition comes as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to position Nigeria’s cultural, tourism and creative sectors as drivers of economic growth, job creation and national identity.
As Minister, Musawa oversees a portfolio covering Nigeria’s arts, cultural heritage, tourism assets and creative industries, sectors increasingly viewed by the government as important components of the country’s diversification strategy.
Kankia urged Musawa to see the traditional honour not merely as a personal achievement but as a responsibility to the people and heritage she has been called to represent.
He expressed confidence that the minister would continue to deploy her office towards advancing Nigeria’s cultural heritage and strengthening the contribution of the creative and tourism economy to national development.