KANO State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has signed an Executive Order directing all traditional councils in the Kano, Rano, Gaya, and Karaye emirates to continue organising the annual Durbar festival, despite recent repeated prohibitions by security agencies.
News Point Nigeria reports that for two consecutive years, the Kano State Police Command halted the event, citing what it described as security threats and potential disruption to government interests.
However, Governor Yusuf said the festival deeply rooted in the state’s heritage must not be allowed to disappear under any circumstances.
The announcement was made on Saturday during the launch of the maiden edition of the Kano Festival of Arts and Culture (KanFest), also known in Hausa as Kalankuwa, an initiative aimed at reviving and promoting the state’s cultural identity.
The governor noted that the widely celebrated Durbar festival, featuring regal horse processions, elaborate pageantry, and displays of traditional authority, had gained global recognition when UNESCO inscribed it in 2024 as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The UNESCO listing was based on its historical significance, artistic expression, and role in promoting unity and loyalty within the emirate system.
“UNESCO’s recognition places Kano on the global cultural stage and reaffirms the importance of our traditional institutions in promoting peace, unity, and identity,” Governor Yusuf said.
He assured that both the state government and all 44 local government councils will continue to support the emirates in sustaining what he described as “a proud inheritance of our ancestors.”
Governor Yusuf emphasized that the preservation of culture was not merely sentimental but a strategic component of his administration’s economic agenda.
“Culture is not a relic of the past; it is a living asset for future generations,” he said. “The revitalisation of culture and tourism is central to our plan to create jobs, expand economic activity, and strengthen social cohesion.”
Yusuf described Kano as a city historically known for scholarship, commerce, industry, creativity, and civilisation, noting that cultural pride played a key role in shaping the state’s resilience.
The governor highlighted several initiatives aimed at preserving Kano’s cultural inheritance, including:
Rehabilitation of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism complex
Upgrading the History and Culture Bureau into a world-class research and documentation centre
Restoration of historic monuments across the city
Reconstruction of the collapsed Gidan Makama heritage structure
Modernisation of the Magwan leather hub to empower artisans
Plans to restore Kano’s 700-year-old ancient city walls and gates, described as “a symbol of unity, strength, and civilisation.”
Earlier, Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo said KanFest was designed to showcase Kano’s artistic talent through exhibitions, storytelling, music, traditional performances, and creative business exchanges.
“Culture is not just entertainment, it is a driver of economic development and social harmony,” he said.
Rwandan Ambassador to Nigeria, Christophe Bazivamo, praised Kano for the initiative, saying it strengthens Africa’s cultural identity.
“By returning to our roots, we are building unity and dignity for our people,” he said.
The festival drew attendance from royal figures, diplomats, government officials, business stakeholders, and cultural enthusiasts from across Nigeria and beyond.