Maryam Bukar Hassan, also known as Alhanislam, is a celebrated Nigerian poet, spoken word artist, storyteller, social entrepreneur, digital content creator, and peace advocate on a global scale.
She became the first-ever United Nations Global Advocate for Peace (appointed in July 2025) and has since used her compelling poetry and performances to advocate for women’s rights, youth empowerment, peacebuilding, and social justice, especially in communities affected by conflict.
Maryam Bukar Hassan Biography
| Real Name | Maryam Bukar Hassan |
| Education | University College, Ghana |
| Parents | Hauwa Maina and Mr. Bukar Hassan |
| Spouse | Uqumar Zuru |
| Children | One |
Early Life and Education
Maryam Bukar Hassan (born on December 25, 1996, 29 years old) is from Biu, Borno State.
She was brought up in Kaduna State. Maryam’s mother is the legendary Hausa actress Hauwa Maina, and her father is Mr. Bukar Hassan. Her formative years were steeped in conflict, including the trauma of home invasion while she was a child.
She completed her secondary education at Uncle Bado Memorial College, Kaduna. She then earned a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology in Ghana. Thus, she has been able to combine her technical skills with her artistic and activist endeavors.
Career
Maryam Hassan Bukar fell in love with poetry quite early. At 16, she performed her first piece, “Violence Has No Religion,” on YouTube, which was viewed over 3 million times.
The piece focused on domestic violence, which at the time was a subject she was familiar with.
Since then, she has become a world-famous spoken-word artist who has graced stages at TEDxBauchi, COP28 (where she opened World Health Day), UNGA events, the Global Women’s Forum in Paris, and the UN Headquarters in New York.
In July 2025, she was named the United Nations’ first-ever Global Advocate for Peace under the Peace and Security Pillar, with a focus on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) and Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) agendas.
Alhanislam, founder of True My Voice, a youth empowerment initiative through creative advocacy (UN SDG Awards finalist), has so far empowered more than 1,000 young poets (60% girls) through digital advocacy.
She is also a storytelling consultant, a former campaign coordinator at Change.org in Nigeria, a Gates Foundation Goalkeeper, and a curator of programs focused on reducing maternal mortality and advancing gender equality.
At the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, she took the lead as the first Nigerian to carry the Olympic flag during the Opening Ceremony as a flag bearer of peace.
Social Media
- Instagram Handle: @alhanislam
- YouTube: @alhanislam
- TikTok: @alhanislam
Personal Life
Maryam married Uqumar Zuru in 2023. She has a son. Her mother’s illustrious career in the acting profession, coupled with her own exposure to violence, has made her resolve to use her art and activism as a vehicle for healing.
Net Worth
Maryam Bukar Hassan’s net worth is estimated to be $500,000. This has been made possible through her guest speaking at various international forums, poetry recitals, advocacy work at the United Nations, brand endorsements, content creation, and social entrepreneurship ventures such as True My Voice.
Her increasing popularity and worldwide accolades indicate her growing influence and financial position.
