A Poet’s Resonance: AlhanIslam’s Voice Contributes to Advocacy to Empower Thousands

Tosin Clegg

Before gracing the stage in bold shades of onyx and gold, Maryam Bukar Hassan, popularly known as Alhanislam, was already a star, with over a decade of trailblazing efforts in various advocacy spheres. Taking center stage at the ‘Reaching the Last Mile Forum’ under the patronage of HRH Sheikh Mohammed Zayed Al- Nahyan as a host country guest during COP28 in Dubai, her commanding voice wasn’t just heard throughout the African literary scene. She was heard by global leaders and philanthropists such as Bill gates, President of COP28, Dr. Sultan Jabir, Senator John Kerry, President Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the UAE Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Prince Ziyabbin Mohammed bin Zayed to mention a few, gathered to address critical issues like climate change and disease eradication.

Speaking about the creative process when crafting a poem, she noted that they weren’t born on sterile sheets of paper, saying they were created from the pulse of the streets, injustices, and the quiet whispers of resilience in the face of it all.

“The process often starts with a spark – a news snippet, a conversation overheard, a tear glistening in a stranger’s eye. It ignites a fire within me, a burning need to give voice to the voiceless, to weave words that illuminate the hidden corners of our world.

“Then comes the gathering. I don’t just write; I collect. Snippets of those overheard conversations, snatches of melodies, the scent of rain on concrete – it all becomes fodder for the poem’s soul. I interview activists, immerse myself in research, and listen with every fiber of my being to the stories that beg to be told.

“I wrestle with metaphors, dance with rhythm and chisel away at syllables until each line culminates with the truth at its core. It’s a messy, exhilarating process, fueled by caffeine, sugar and late-night whispers to the Muse.

“But the true magic lies in the intention. My poems aren’t mere ornaments; they’re sonic screwdrivers, aiming to dismantle the constructs of inequality, prejudice, and apathy. I want my lines to pierce complacency, to ignite conversations that crackle with the desire for change. I want my verses to become mirrors reflecting the injustices we often conveniently ignore, and my rhymes, a call to action, urging us to step out of the shadows and into the light,” she added.

Beyond the stage, Alhanislam’s impact extends far and wide. Hailing from northern Nigeria, she’s not just an artist, but a national treasure and a crucial voice for her generation. Her passion for grassroots mobilisation and deep empathy have fueled her endeavors, from elevating primary healthcare in Nigeria to collaborating with the UN Peacekeeping mission. An active Gates Foundation goalkeeper and UN peacekeeping advocate herself, she brings her experience to international forums like the African Union, Global Citizen, TED, and SDGs conferences, demonstrating the transformative power of words to relate, nourish, embolden, and transform.

Speaking about her vision for Nigeria’s future, especially concerning issues like youth engagement, social empowerment and gender-based concerns, Maryam said, “Nigeria is but a land, the people make it a country and it is time we the people hold ourselves accountable, Nigeria is a gift that keeps giving, may we grow to be worthy of her, hoping somehow someday we understand the difference between patriotism and politicking. I dream of a Nigeria where every individual, regardless of tribe, religion, or gender, dances to the beat of equality.

“From the bustling streets of Lagos to the quiet villages in the north, justice shouldn’t be a luxury, it should be the air we breathe. Imagine a society where a woman’s ambition isn’t stifled by discrimination, where her education isn’t a privilege, but a birthright. This future isn’t a pipe dream, it’s a clarion call to action. It’s in the hands of every Nigerian, every leader, every artist to pick up their instrument and join the orchestra. I, for one, will keep amplifying voices, and using my art as a bridge between dreams and reality. Together, we can do this!”

With her ‘True My Voice’ platform, she intends to provide young Nigerians with the tools and resources they need to amplify their voices and hold their leaders accountable.

Adding to this she said, “Imagine civic education workshops buzzing with passionate discussions, debate clubs echoing with bold ideas, and social media campaigns erupting with demands for change. True My Voice ignites this digital campfire, providing the fuel and the forum for their ideas to spread like wildfire. We don’t spoon-feed solutions; we equip them with the tools to find their own.

“Media literacy workshops dissect political rhetoric, exposing misinformation and empowering critical thinking. Leadership training programs nurture young changemakers, honing their skills in advocacy, policy analysis, and community mobilization. True My Voice doesn’t just hand them the microphone; it teaches them how to use it effectively, ensuring their voices reach the ears that matter.”