Ado Ahmad Gidan Dabino is a prominent Nigerian figure known for his contributions to the Hausa language literature, film industry, and acting. With a career spanning over three decades, he has established himself as a prolific writer, publisher, journalist, film producer, director, and actor. His notable achievements and numerous published novels have earned him recognition and prestigious awards.
Early Life And Education
Ado Ahmad Gidan Dabino was born in 1964 in Danbagina, a village in the Dawakin Kudu local government area of Kano State, Gidan Dabino’s passion for learning and storytelling was nurtured from a young age. He received his early education from his father and later studied the Quran in Zangon Barebari. Gidan Dabino furthered his education by obtaining a professional diploma in Mass Communication from Bayero University Kano.
Career In Writing And Publishing
Gidan Dabino’s career in writing and publishing began in the early 1990s when he established Gidan Dabino Publishers Enterprises, based in Kano. As the CEO of the company, he has been instrumental in promoting Hausa literature and culture through his published works. He has written and published fifteen novels, covering a wide range of topics and themes. Some of his notable works include “In Da So Da Kauna,” “Hattara Dai Masoya,” “Masoyan Zamani,” and “Dakika Talatin.”
Gidan Dabino’s novels have garnered critical acclaim and have been well-received by readers. His writing style is known for its depth, cultural richness, and exploration of social issues. Through his novels, he has contributed significantly to the preservation and promotion of the Hausa language and literature.
Journalism And Editorial Roles
In addition to his writing and publishing endeavors, Gidan Dabino has held various editorial positions in Hausa magazines and newspapers. He served as the assistant editor and distribution manager of Zamani, a Hausa magazine, and later became the editor and publisher of Mumtaz magazine. In 2004, he took on the role of Editor-in-Chief of Hantsi Magazine, which aimed to promote reading and writing in indigenous languages. Currently, he serves as a Contributing Editor of Muryar Arewa, a monthly magazine of the Northern Communication and Media Service LTD.
Film-Making Activities And Acting Career
Gidan Dabino is recognized as one of the pioneers who played a significant role in establishing the Hausa film industry, known as Kannywood, in Northern Nigeria. His involvement in filmmaking includes writing scripts, producing, directing, and acting in several Hausa movies. One of his notable film adaptations is “In Da So Da Kauna,” based on his own novel of the same name. His recent film, “Juyin Sarauta,” received numerous accolades and awards, including Best Actor in Leading Role at the Amma Award Season 5 in 2018.
Awards And Recognitions
Gidan Dabino’s contributions to literature, film, and the promotion of the Hausa language have been acknowledged and honored through various awards. In 2014, he was awarded the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, recognizing his outstanding virtues and services to Nigeria. He has also received the Engineer Mohammed Bashir Karaye Prize in Hausa Literature in 2009 and the Award of Honour for his efforts in uplifting Hausa Literature in 2013.
