Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to restoring the dignity, pride, and identity of the Kano people through cultural revival and creative enterprise.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s Spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Sunday.
The governor made this known while declaring open the maiden edition of the Kano Festival of Arts and Culture (KANFEST) on Saturday at the Kano Trade Fair Complex.
“In line with that commitment, our administration has embarked on several projects and programmes aimed at reviving Kano’s lost glory and safeguarding its enduring heritage,” the governor stated.
Governor Yusuf emphasized that KANFEST was conceived as a platform to celebrate the rich history, culture, and creativity of the Kano people.
“As we officially flag off the first edition of KANFEST, let it serve as a platform to celebrate who we are a proud people of history, culture, and creativity,” he said.
Highlighting the significance of Kano’s traditional institutions, Governor Yusuf announced an Executive Order mandating the Four Kano Emirates —Kano, Rano, Gaya, and Karaye — to continue organizing the Annual Durbar Festivals in recognition of their historical and cultural importance.
“We are proud that the famous Kano Durbar has been inscribed by UNESCO among the World’s Intangible Cultural Heritages.
“This recognition places Kano on the global stage and reinforces the importance of our traditional institutions in promoting peace, unity, and cultural identity,” he added.
The governor further reiterated his administration’s plan to support traditional craftsmen and artisans across the state through modern empowerment and training initiatives.
“We believe that by combining traditional knowledge with modern techniques, our artisans can compete favourably with their peers anywhere in the world,” he said.
Governor Yusuf maintained that a people without culture are a people without identity, reaffirming that his administration is determined to make Kano once again the cultural heartbeat of Nigeria and the pride of Africa.
He commended the organisers of KANFEST particularly the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Grand Committee chaired by the Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo for their outstanding effort in reviving the state’s cultural heritage.
Earlier in his remarks, the Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, described KANFEST as not just a cultural showcase but a platform for innovation, creativity, and global visibility for Kano’s talents.
The Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, noted that the last KANFEST was held during the reign of Emir Muhammad Sanusi I, appreciating the foresight of Governor Yusuf in reviving such a historic celebration of culture and identity.
Also speaking, the Ambassador of Rwanda, Mr. Christoph Bazivar, who represented the foreign delegates, expressed delight over the festival, describing it as a bridge for promoting cultural understanding and cooperation between Kano and other nations.
