On the 28th day of October 2023, it was a day of celebration, reflection, and appreciation as the Dagbani Wikimedians User Group marked a significant milestone in digital knowledge-sharing. With hearts full of enthusiasm and a shared passion for preserving their linguistic heritage, the group celebrated the 11th birthday of Wikidata, a platform that has played a pivotal role in documenting and merging languages, bringing people from different corners of the world together.

The event began with a comprehensive overview presented by Mohammed Kamaldeen Fuseini, who shed light on the current state of Wikidata and Lexemes with respect to the Dagbani Wikimedia community. His insights emphasized the power of Wikidata in preserving and sharing linguistic knowledge that might otherwise be lost to the sands of time. Through his presentation, attendees gained a deeper understanding of the profound impact Wikidata has had on their mission.

One of the celebration's highlights was the presentation of prizes for the Wikidata Lexicographical Data Contest held the previous month, in September. This contest not only encouraged active participation but also demonstrated the dedication of the Dagbani Wikimedia community to enriching the Wikidata platform. The winners were celebrated for their outstanding contributions, reinforcing the importance of community engagement in the preservation of the Dagbani language.

The event provided a platform for participants to share their thoughts about what they appreciate most about Wikidata. The insights were both heartening and illuminating. Many participants spoke about how Wikidata serves as an invaluable resource that summarizes vast amounts of information in an easily accessible format. Others highlighted its unique ability to merge diverse languages into one, creating a bridge for understanding and collaboration among communities that speak different tongues.

The appreciation for Wikidata went beyond its technical features; it encompassed the profound impact it had on the preservation of cultural and linguistic heritage. Participants recognized Wikidata as a guardian of their collective memory, ensuring that the Dagbani language and culture remained a vibrant part of the global knowledge repository.

Amidst the discussions and laughter, it was time to cut the birthday cake. Sadik Shahadu, the executive director for the Dagbani Wikimedians User Group, led this delightful moment. As the cake was cut, it symbolized not only the birthday of Wikidata but also the continuous growth of the Dagbani Wikimedians User Group and the nurturing of their linguistic and cultural heritage.

The celebration drew to a close with poignant remarks from Sadik Shahadu. His words summarized the essence of the event. He thanked all the participants for their active engagement and reminded everyone that the journey of knowledge preservation is ongoing.