Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring the dignity, pride, and cultural identity of the Kano people through initiatives promoting arts, heritage, and creative enterprise.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the maiden Kano Festival of Arts and Culture (KANFEST) held at the Kano Trade Fair Complex on Saturday, the governor said his government was implementing projects aimed at reviving the state’s lost glory and safeguarding its cultural heritage.
“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,” Governor Yusuf said.
The governor described KANFEST as a platform to celebrate the history, culture, and creativity of the Kano people, noting that cultural identity remains central to the state’s development vision.
He also announced the signing of an Executive Order directing the four Kano Emirates — Kano, Rano, Gaya, and Karaye — to continue hosting annual Durbar Festivals in recognition of their historical and cultural significance.
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Governor Yusuf highlighted the global recognition of Kano’s Durbar by UNESCO as part of the World’s Intangible Cultural Heritage, saying the recognition places Kano on the global stage and reinforces the importance of traditional institutions in promoting peace, unity, and identity.
The governor further pledged to support local craftsmen and artisans through empowerment and training programmes designed to blend traditional skills with modern techniques.
“We believe that by combining traditional knowledge with modern techniques, our artisans can compete favourably with their peers anywhere in the world,” he said.
He commended the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Grand Committee chaired by the Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, for their efforts in organizing the festival and reviving the state’s cultural pride.
In his remarks, Deputy Governor Gwarzo described KANFEST as more than a cultural celebration, but a platform for innovation, creativity, and global visibility for Kano’s creative sector.
The Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, recalled that the last KANFEST was held during the reign of Emir Muhammad Sanusi I, and commended Governor Yusuf for reviving what he called a “historic celebration of culture and identity.”
The Ambassador of Rwanda, Mr. Christoph Bazivar, who represented foreign delegates, described KANFEST as a bridge for promoting cultural understanding and cooperation between Kano and other nations.
