By Zainab Olufunmi
Governor Abba Kabir of Kano State has pledged to upgrade cultural festivals, especially the Kano Festival of Arts and Culture (KanFest), to enhance economic growth and global visibility.
The governor, gave the pledge on Saturday while declaring open the maiden edition of KanFest, also known as Kalanguwa in Hausa.
He assured that KanFest would be promoted into a significant tourist attraction for both national and international audiences.
He said the event marked another milestone in the history of the state, which for centuries had served as a centre of learning, commerce, creativity, and civilisation.
The governor assured that KanFest would serve as a platform to celebrate the people’s creativity, resilience, and identity while positioning the state as the cultural heartbeat of Nigeria and pride of Africa.
Kabir made a clear commitment to revive and reposition the state’s cultural and information sectors,as well as a driver of economic growth.
He said that his administration had revitalise long-abandoned Ministry of Culture and Tourism complex, which would be remodel into a world-class centre for research, documentation, and preservation.
The governor said that they had rehabilitated Gidan Dan Hausa Monument, first western school in Northern Nigeria, and commence reconstruction of Gidan Makama Monument, which he described as vital part of Kano’s architectural and colonial history.
He also said that Kofar mata dyeing pits, one of the oldest traditional dyeing centres in the world will be renovated.
“Beyond monuments and buildings, we are working to reclaim and restore ancient walls of Kano City, built over 700 years ago by our forefathers to defend the city., which remain a powerful symbol of unity, strength, and civilisation.
“In recognition of UNESCO inscription, he announce an executive order authorising the four emirates Kano, Rano, Gaya, and Karaye to continue organising annual Durbar festivals in their respective domains.
“All the 44 local government chairmen will continue to support these emirates to ensure our traditions are preserved and showcased to the world,”he said.
On his part, Rwanda Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. Christopher Kaziban, congratulated the people of Kano on the historic moment, saying that Africa has a very strong history that play a big role in history.
