Abubakar Imam became prominent in the 1930s when his book, Ruwan Bagaja, was selected as one of the best three in a literary competition. He would go on to co-found Gaskiya Ta Fi Kwabo, the first Hausa-language newspaper, and was given charge as its editor in 1939. He held the position for 15 years, using the platform to promote literacy and social awareness across Northern Nigeria.

Within a short period, he wrote some of his most influential literary works, including Magana Jari Ce and the Karamin Sani Kukumi series, which became standard texts in schools throughout the North.