Nigeria’s Voice on the World Stage: Maryam Bukar Hassan Makes Olympic History as Flag Bearer for Peace

Maryam Bukar Hassan has made history as the first Nigerian ever chosen to carry the Olympic flag at an opening ceremony. The milestone moment took place on February 6, 2026, during the opening of the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy.

The Olympic flag is carried by individuals whose lives reflect the ideals of peace, unity, and service to humanity. Maryam Hassan was selected by the International Olympic Committee in recognition of her global influence as an advocate, artist, and cultural leader.

The ceremony, held at the iconic San Siro Stadium, featured a select group known as the Flag Bearers of Peace. Hassan’s presence among them placed Nigeria at the centre of a powerful global symbol watched by millions around the world.

Widely known by her creative name, Alhanislam, Hassan is an acclaimed performance poet, storyteller, and social advocate. In 2025, she was appointed the United Nations’ first-ever Global Advocate for Peace after years of using spoken word and storytelling to promote justice, inclusion, and human connection. That same year, she was also recognised among the 100 Most Reputable Africans.

In 2025, she opened the United Nations General Assembly, highlighting the role of art in shaping global dialogue. She has also performed at major gatherings such as the Summit of the Future and COP28, where she brought African perspectives into conversations on humanity and global responsibility.

Beyond global stages, Hassan is committed to empowering others. She founded True My Voice, a digital advocacy and storytelling platform that supports poets and creatives in amplifying African narratives. The initiative was named a United Nations SDG Award Finalist in 2024 for its impact in promoting advocacy through creative expression.

She also hosts the podcast What Makes You Human, where she explores shared human experiences through conversations that connect art, identity, and social change.

Although she did not compete as an athlete at the Winter Olympics, her role during the opening ceremony carried strong symbolic meaning showing that influence at the Games extends beyond sport to include voices that shape values and inspire unity.

For Nigeria, Hassan’s historic appearance was more than ceremonial as it was a clear reminder that Nigerian voices continue to shape global conversations on peace, culture, and humanity at the highest levels.