Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has issued an Govt Order mandating the standard councils within the Kano, Rano, Gaya, and Karaye emirates to proceed organising annual Durbar festivals amid constant prohibition from safety companies.
The Kano Police Command, on two consecutive events, banned the annual conventional horse-riding meeting, citing a safety risk to authorities pursuits.
The United Nations Academic, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) formally recognised the Kano Durbar pageant as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2024.
The celebrated inscription celebrates the pageant’s historic and cultural significance, its elaborate horse parades, and its position in symbolising the unity and loyalty inside the Kano emirates.
Governor Yusuf made the declaration on Saturday, inaugurating the inaugural version of the Kano Pageant of Arts and Tradition (KanFest), popularly recognized in Hausa as Kalankuwa, and calling for the revival and preservation of the state’s centuries-old cultural heritage.
He mentioned, “UNESCO’s recognition locations Kano on the worldwide stage and reaffirms the significance of our conventional establishments in selling peace, unity, and cultural id. The state authorities and all 44 native governments will proceed to assist the emirates to maintain this proud custom.”
Governor Yusuf mentioned past preserving historical past, the revitalisation of tradition and tourism stays a part of his administration’s technique to create jobs and drive financial diversification.
“Tradition is just not a relic of the previous; it’s a dwelling asset for future generations. We’ll proceed to advertise arts, tradition, and custom as important devices of social cohesion, youth engagement, and financial progress,” he mentioned.
Yusuf mentioned the pageant marked “a milestone within the historical past of our beloved state,” describing Kano as a metropolis “deeply rooted in historical past, arts, tradition, and heritage” that has stood for hundreds of years as a centre of studying, commerce, creativity and civilisation.
“The craftsmanship of our individuals, the richness of our traditions, and the resilience of our forefathers are what made Kano the satisfaction of the Sudan area and a reference level on Africa’s cultural map,” the governor said.
Yusuf recalled that even earlier than his election, his administration had pledged in its blueprint to revive and reposition the state’s cultural and tourism sector as a part of efforts to revive the dignity of the individuals, strengthen id, and generate new financial alternatives.
He listed a collection of ongoing initiatives geared toward preserving Kano’s historic and cultural heritage, among the many rehabilitation of the Ministry of Tradition and Tourism advanced, the upgrading of the Historical past and Tradition Bureau right into a world-class analysis and documentation centre, and the restoration of key historic monuments.
The governor additionally introduced plans to revive the traditional metropolis partitions and gates of Kano, which he described as “a 700-year-old image of unity, power and civilisation.”
“Now we have additionally commenced the reconstruction of the collapsed Gidan Makama monument, a important a part of Kano’s architectural and colonial historical past, and modernisation of the Magwan leather-based hub to empower native artisans and increase the competitiveness of our leather-based business,” Yusuf mentioned.
Earlier in his opening remarks, Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo described the pageant as “a journey via our collective id,” and a platform to rediscover, protect, and promote the indigenous values which have distinguished Kano and its individuals for hundreds of years.
He famous that KanFest would function exhibitions, performances, artwork shows, storytelling, and music, geared toward showcasing each custom and innovation whereas creating alternatives for artists, artisans, and artistic youth to attach with buyers and cultural influencers.
“Our administration recognises that tradition is not only leisure — it’s a driver of financial progress, social concord, and tourism growth,” Gwarzo added.
Additionally talking on the occasion, Rwandan Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Christophe Bazivamo, recommended the Kano State Authorities for internet hosting the pageant, describing it as “a historic initiative that reawakens Africa’s cultural satisfaction and strengthens the continent’s shared id.
“By returning to our roots and traditions, we’re constructing a robust basis for unity, dignity, and resilience,” he mentioned, including that Rwanda and Nigeria share deep cultural and financial ties.
The occasion was attended by high authorities officers, members of the diplomatic corps, conventional rulers, enterprise leaders, and cultural fans from inside and outdoors Nigeria.
