Nigeria witnessed a history-making moment at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics when Maryam Bukar Hassan stepped into the spotlight as the first Nigerian to carry the Olympic flag.
At the iconic opening ceremony, where the Olympic flag is reserved for individuals who embody global impact and shared humanity, Maryam stood alongside world-renowned athletes. Her presence was as a voice for peace. Dressed elegantly and walking into the San Siro stadium before thousands, she carried the African identity.
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‘It Was a Dream’ for Maryam Bukar Hassan
“It was a dream,” she later said, describing the goosebumps and emotion of hearing her name called before the roaring crowd. For her, carrying the flag symbolised something deeper: “Peace is not an event, it is practice.”
Maryam Bukar Hassan, popularly known as Alhanislam, is not new to global stages. Born in northern Nigeria, she built her reputation as a spoken word artist whose poetry bridges art and activism. Her performances (delivered from Rome to Kampala and at UN Headquarters in New York) spotlight women’s rights, youth empowerment, and communities affected by conflict.
She Also Became United Nations Global Advocate for Peace
In July 2025, she became the first-ever Global Advocate for Peace under the United Nations Peace and Security Pillar. Maryam was formally received by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and her appointment marked a historic shift in recognising art and storytelling as tools for peacebuilding. Through her initiative, True My Voice, she has trained over 5,000 young Africans in storytelling and civic expression.
As UN Global Advocate, she champions the Women, Peace and Security and Youth, Peace and Security agendas. Her works with the Departments of Peace Operations and Political and Peacebuilding Affairs helps to amplify inclusive peace efforts worldwide.
Now, with the Olympic flag moment added to her journey, Maryam’s influence stretches beyond poetry. She described sport as a “rehearsal space for coexistence,” where shared humanity outweighs division.
In Closing
For Nigeria and Africa, her walk in Milan was more than ceremonial. It was symbolic. In a world where global platforms are often dominated by political or athletic powerhouses, a Nigerian poet is the focus. That’s proof that influence is not measured only in medals, but in message.
From Kaduna to Milan, Maryam Bukar Hassan is carrying flags and carrying a continent’s voice.
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