THE Kano State Government has marked its first-ever International Cultural Day, a colorful celebration aimed at showcasing the state’s rich cultural heritage and reaffirming its role as a historic center for commerce, Islamic scholarship, traditional arts, and craftsmanship.
Declaring the event open at the Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf said the occasion was not only a celebration of the state’s glorious past, but also a strategic step toward positioning culture and tourism as key drivers of economic prosperity and collective pride.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad, in Kano on Sunday.
Governor Yusuf reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to revitalizing the culture and tourism sector to preserve Kano’s globally recognized traditions.
”We are re-strategizing and re-prioritizing our investments in tourism to attract both national and international partnerships,” the governor stated.
He further revealed that the government is investing in youth development by training and empowering young people in tourism-related areas such as traditional arts and crafts, tour guiding, and the promotion of local cuisine.
These young people, he said, would become the new cultural entrepreneurs and tourism champions of Kano State.
Governor Yusuf also disclosed ongoing partnerships with local investors and international cultural organizations to establish festivals, facilitate cultural exchange programs, and promote Kano’s unique story on the global tourism stage.
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hajiya Aisha Lawan Saji, commended the governor’s unwavering commitment to revitalizing the culture and tourism sector, noting its critical role in both economic development and cultural preservation.
Representing the Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II, the Bauran Kano, Alhaji Abbas Dalhatu, described the celebration as timely.
He advised the state government to establish a State Council for Arts and Culture to help preserve and promote Kano’s renowned cultural legacy.
The maiden celebration featured an array of vibrant activities, including traditional music and dance performances, culinary exhibitions, cultural attire displays, and creative competitions — all aimed at promoting unity, peaceful coexistence, and cultural exchange.
As part of the celebration, the state government also provided financial support to cultural and artisan unions across all 44 local government areas of the state.
