Governor Yusuf Signs Executive Order To Preserve Kano’s Iconic Durbar Festival

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has signed an Executive Order mandating the continued observance of the state’s annual Durbar Festival by all traditional councils, in a move aimed at preserving Kano’s rich cultural heritage and historical traditions.

According to Ireporter Online, the governor made this declaration on Saturday, October 25, 2025, during the official opening ceremony of the maiden Kano Festival of Arts and Culture (KanFest), known locally as Kalankuwa, held at the Kano Trade Fair Complex.

Governor Yusuf said the directive reflects his administration’s broader agenda to promote and safeguard the state’s cultural legacy while strengthening the role of traditional institutions in fostering peace and unity. He highlighted the craftsmanship, traditions, and resilience of Kano’s ancestors as the foundation of the state’s enduring pride across Africa.

The governor noted that the recent UNESCO recognition of the Kano Durbar Festival as one of the world’s intangible cultural heritages had further motivated the government to issue the order to the four emirates — Kano, Rano, Gaya, and Karaye — to continue organizing the annual festival. He emphasized that the recognition placed Kano on the global stage and reaffirmed the significance of traditional institutions in promoting peace, unity, and cultural identity.

Yusuf reaffirmed that both the state and the 44 local government councils would continue to provide financial and logistical support to sustain the age-long celebration. He described KanFest as “a milestone in the history of our beloved state,” noting that Kano’s long-standing reputation as a hub of learning, trade, and creativity underscores the need to preserve its cultural identity.

The governor also listed several ongoing projects aimed at revitalizing Kano’s cultural and historical landmarks, including the rehabilitation of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism complex, upgrading the History and Culture Bureau into a modern research centre, restoring Gidan Dan Hausa and Gidan Rumfa, reconstructing the Gidan Makama monument, and modernizing the Magwan leather hub to boost local artisans.

He further revealed plans to restore the 700-year-old ancient city walls and gates of Kano, describing them as enduring symbols of strength, unity, and civilisation. According to him, culture is not merely a relic of the past but a “living asset for the future,” adding that his administration views arts, culture, and tourism as key pillars for economic diversification, youth empowerment, and job creation.

Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, in his remarks, described KanFest as a “journey through collective identity,” underscoring culture as a driver of economic growth, social harmony, and tourism development. He explained that the event would feature art exhibitions, music, storytelling, and performances to promote creative expression and collaboration among artists and investors.

The Rwandan Ambassador to Nigeria, Christophe Bazivamo, commended the Kano government’s initiative, describing it as a bold step toward restoring Africa’s cultural dignity. He emphasized that embracing traditional roots remains essential for unity and resilience, noting the strong cultural and economic ties between Rwanda and Nigeria.

The maiden KanFest attracted government officials, diplomats, traditional rulers, business leaders, and cultural enthusiasts from across Nigeria and beyond, reaffirming Kano’s status as a leading center of culture and creativity in Africa.