Maryam Bukar Hassan

Alhan Islam (Maryam Bukar Hassan) is a renowned Nigerian poet, storyteller, and communications strategist using the power of words to reimagine systems and spark social change. With over a million followers across digital platforms, she fuses spoken word with advocacy to amplify voices, challenge inequality, and inspire collective action. She has performed on global stages from the United Nations General Assembly to COP28, Alhan has led storytelling campaigns for organizations like UNDP, AU, FCDO, and Change.org. Her initiative True My Voice was shortlisted as a finalist at the UN SDG Action Awards 2024, and her acclaimed film on peace debuted at the UN Peace Forum. Her powerful spoken word series Escape the Neglect created in partnership with Devex and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation sheds light on neglected tropical diseases and the communities most affected. Named one of the 100 Most Reputable Africans 2025 by Reputation Poll. Alhan’s work lives at the intersection of art and systems change. She believes storytelling is more than expression it’s a tool for liberation, healing, and policy influence.

Amplifying voices

Poetry as a tool to influence global health

Knitting