Hajja Kaltume Bulama Gana Honored for Outstanding Leadership in Arts, Culture, and Women’s Empowerment

The Yunus Emre Enstitüsü has conferred a prestigious award on Hajja Kaltume Bulama Gana, FSNA, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the arts, cultural preservation, and women’s empowerment. Presented in commemoration of International Women’s Day 2025, this honor celebrates her pioneering leadership, transformative impact on Nigeria’s creative industry, and unwavering advocacy for gender inclusion.

A distinguished cultural administrator and visionary leader, Hajja Kaltume Bulama Gana has played a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s artistic landscape. Her career, which began as a cultural administrator at the Kano State History and Culture Bureau, has been defined by a steadfast commitment to cultural preservation, artistic excellence, and community empowerment. Today, as the first female Artistic Director and CEO of the National Troupe of Nigeria, she has championed innovation, inclusivity, and global cultural exchange, revitalizing the troupe’s role as a platform for artistic expression and social change.

In his address, Musa Erbaş, Coordinator of Yunus Emre Enstitüsü, Abuja, commended her remarkable contributions, stating:
“Your courage, leadership, and dedication to advancing the arts and empowering women have set a new benchmark for cultural excellence in Africa.”

An internationally acclaimed artist, Hajja Kaltume Bulama Gana has exhibited her work in over 50 national and international exhibitions, showcasing her expertise in painting, murals, and mosaics. Her artistic vision has been commissioned for diplomatic missions, cultural institutions, and major global cultural centers, including the African Union.

Beyond her artistic achievements, Hajja Kaltume is a leading advocate for social impact through the arts. Through her Herwa Heart of Art Initiative, she has provided vocational training in creative arts for women and children affected by conflict, equipping them with the skills necessary to achieve economic independence and social reintegration. Her work in cultural diplomacy, gender advocacy, and artistic development has earned her widespread recognition as a key force in shaping a more inclusive and resilient creative industry.

Accepting the award, Hajiya Kaltume dedicated the honor to women breaking barriers in various fields, emphasizing the transformative power of the arts:
“This award is not just for me—it is for every woman who has dared to dream, create, and lead. It reaffirms the vital role of culture in shaping societies and underscores the urgency of investing in the voices and talents of African women.”

The Yunus Emre Enstitüsü, a globally renowned cultural institution, recognizes individuals whose work transcends artistic boundaries and fosters meaningful societal progress. By honoring Hajja Kaltume Bulama Gana, the institution reaffirms the indispensable role of arts and culture in driving social transformation, fostering unity, and empowering future generations.

This recognition cements Hajja Kaltume’s enduring legacy as a cultural icon, advocate, and leader whose work continues to inspire and elevate the creative landscape across Nigeria and beyond.