Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has issued an Executive Order mandating the traditional councils in the Kano, Rano, Gaya, and Karaye emirates to continue organising annual Durbar festivals amid consistent prohibition from security agencies.

The Kano Police Command, on two consecutive occasions, banned the annual traditional horse-riding assembly, citing a security threat to government interests.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) officially recognised the Kano Durbar festival as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2024.

The prestigious inscription celebrates the festival’s historical and cultural significance, its elaborate horse parades, and its role in symbolising the unity and loyalty within the Kano emirates.

Governor Yusuf made the declaration on Saturday, inaugurating the inaugural edition of the Kano Festival of Arts and Culture (KanFest), popularly known in Hausa as Kalankuwa, and calling for the revival and preservation of the state’s centuries-old cultural heritage.

He said, “UNESCO’s recognition places Kano on the global stage and reaffirms the importance of our traditional institutions in promoting peace, unity, and cultural identity. The state government and all 44 local governments will continue to support the emirates to sustain this proud tradition.”

Governor Yusuf said beyond preserving history, the revitalisation of culture and tourism remains part of his administration’s strategy to create jobs and drive economic diversification.

“Culture is not a relic of the past; it is a living asset for future generations. We will continue to promote arts, culture, and tradition as vital instruments of social cohesion, youth engagement, and economic growth,” he said.

Yusuf said the festival marked “a milestone in the history of our beloved state,” describing Kano as a city “deeply rooted in history, arts, culture, and heritage” that has stood for centuries as a centre of learning, commerce, creativity and civilisation.

“The craftsmanship of our people, the richness of our traditions, and the resilience of our forefathers are what made Kano the pride of the Sudan region and a reference point on Africa’s cultural map,” the governor stated.

Yusuf recalled that even before his election, his administration had pledged in its blueprint to revive and reposition the state’s cultural and tourism sector as part of efforts to restore the dignity of the people, strengthen identity, and generate new economic opportunities.

He listed a series of ongoing projects aimed at preserving Kano’s historical and cultural heritage, among the rehabilitation of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism complex, the upgrading of the History and Culture Bureau into a world-class research and documentation centre, and the restoration of key historical monuments.

The governor also announced plans to restore the ancient city walls and gates of Kano, which he described as “a 700-year-old symbol of unity, strength and civilisation.”

“We have also commenced the reconstruction of the collapsed Gidan Makama monument, a critical part of Kano’s architectural and colonial history, and modernisation of the Magwan leather hub to empower local artisans and boost the competitiveness of our leather industry,” Yusuf said.

Earlier in his opening remarks, Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo described the festival as “a journey through our collective identity,” and a platform to rediscover, preserve, and promote the indigenous values that have distinguished Kano and its people for centuries.

He noted that KanFest would feature exhibitions, performances, art displays, storytelling, and music, aimed at showcasing both tradition and innovation while creating opportunities for artists, artisans, and creative youth to connect with investors and cultural influencers.

“Our administration recognises that culture is not just entertainment — it is a driver of economic growth, social harmony, and tourism development,” Gwarzo added.

Also speaking at the event, Rwandan Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Christophe Bazivamo, commended the Kano State Government for hosting the festival, describing it as “a historic initiative that reawakens Africa’s cultural pride and strengthens the continent’s shared identity.

“By returning to our roots and traditions, we are building a strong foundation for unity, dignity, and resilience,” he said, adding that Rwanda and Nigeria share deep cultural and economic ties.

The event was attended by top government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional rulers, business leaders, and cultural enthusiasts from within and outside Nigeria.