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By Zainab Abdullahi<br />
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The Hausa culture is one of Africa’s richest and most respected traditions, known for its deep sense of identity, modesty, respect for elders, and communal living. From the way we dress to the way we speak, our way of life has always reflected dignity and discipline.<br />
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But in this modern era of global exposure and social media influence, a quiet question lingers in the minds of many: Are we, the Hausa youth, losing our values to Western culture?<br />
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Growing up in Hausa households, many of us were taught to greet elders with folded hands, avoid prolonged eye contact, and never interrupt when they spoke. Modesty wasn’t just about clothing—it was a way of life, especially in public. Family was sacred, religion was central, and our language was a source of pride.<br />
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The Rise of Western Influence<br />
With the spread of smartphones, TikTok, Netflix, and Instagram, a new wave of influence has entered our lives. Western culture—from fashion and music to liberal ideas about freedom—now dominates what many young Hausa people consider &#8220;normal.&#8221;<br />
- Sagging trousers and crop tops are replacing traditional kaftan and abaya.<br />
- English and Pidgin are becoming &#8220;cooler&#8221; than Hausa.<br />
- Open dating and even live-in relationships are discussed casually.<br />
- Elders are questioned more, traditions are doubted, and religion is often sidelined in the name of &#8220;enjoying life.&#8221;<br />
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Change isn’t inherently bad—but when it erases identity, that’s where the danger lies.<br />
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<br />
 Yahaya, 23, Business Administration Student, Abuja<br />
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&#8221;Look, I&#8217;m 100% Hausa and 100% modern. I don&#8217;t see a conflict. I blast Afrobeat and Hausa rap (Ganiyu Mohammed is my guy!), I wear traditional kaftans on Fridays and smart casuals to class. My Instagram has me at the mosque and me at a coding workshop. The culture I value is the one that allows me to be successful and happy. Some old traditions, like not questioning elders at all, can be harmful. Respectful questioning can lead to progress.<br />
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We shouldn&#8217;t cling to every single tradition just because it&#8217;s old. We should take the beautiful parts of our culture—the respect, the community, the language—and fuse it with the opportunities of the modern world. That’s how we build a stronger future, not by living in the past.&#8221;<br />
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Fatima Aliyu, 21, Sociology Student, Zaria<br />
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Viewpoint: The Critical Balancer<br />
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&#8221;This issue is more complex than just &#8216;good&#8217; vs. &#8216;bad&#8217; influence. As a sociology student, I see it as a clash between globalization and local identity. The pressure on youth is real. For example, the idea of dating: traditionally, it wasn&#8217;t done, but now young people are exposed to it everywhere. Some embrace it fully, others reject it completely, and many are stuck in the middle, trying to navigate what feels right to them without disappointing their families.<br />
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I think the real loss isn&#8217;t in changing our style of dress; it&#8217;s in the why. Are we changing because we thoughtfully choose to, or because we are pressured by global media to see our own ways as inferior? We need more critical thinking, not less culture.&#8221;<br />
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Why This Matters<br />
When we abandon our values, we risk more than just culture—we risk losing our sense of self. Many youths now live in an in-between world: not fully Hausa, not fully Western. This breeds identity crises, generational disrespect, and a silent erosion of the morals that once held us together.<br />
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You might hear statements like:<br />
- “Why should I cover up if I’m not married?”<br />
- “Why should I cook for my husband? It’s not my duty!”<br />
- “These traditions are outdated. Let me live my life!”<br />
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But in chasing a lifestyle that isn’t ours, we risk becoming strangers in our own land.<br />
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Aisha Mohammed, 22, Medical Student, Kano<br />
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Viewpoint: The Traditionalist<br />
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&#8221;To be honest, I think the article is right. We are losing something very important. When I see how some of my peers dress and behave on social media, it worries me. Our culture teaches us modesty and respect for a reason—it protects us and gives us a strong community. Now, everyone is just copying what they see on TikTok. They think being &#8216;Hausa&#8217; is something you only do at home or during weddings. But it should be who you are all the time. I speak Hausa with my friends, I wear my hijab and abaya with pride, and I see my future in building a family here, not in imitating a lifestyle from abroad that doesn&#8217;t respect our values.&#8221;<br />
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Not All Western Influence is Bad<br />
Let’s be fair—Western culture has brought positives too. Education, digital innovation, and global exposure have grown. More Hausa youth study abroad, embrace technology, and use platforms to amplify their voices.<br />
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The key is balance.<br />
- You can be modern and modest.<br />
- You can speak English and respect your elders.<br />
- You can be active online and value your culture.<br />
- You can be educated and take pride in serving your family.<br />
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So, What Can We Do?<br />
We must redefine what it means to be a Hausa youth today—rooted in faith, proud of our identity, and open-minded without losing ourselves.<br />
- Use technology to promote our language.<br />
- Dress with pride, not pressure.<br />
- Remember: Western culture isn’t the enemy losing ourselves in it is.<br />
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We must recognize the worth of our culture before it slips away. Hausa culture isn’t a costume we wear on Sallah day it’s who we are, deep in our bones.<br />
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