The Honourable Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musawa, proudly accepted the UNESCO Certificate recognising the successful inscription of the Kano Durbar on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
This monumental achievement celebrates Nigeria’s rich cultural legacy, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s journey toward global recognition for its diverse and vibrant traditions.
The prestigious certificate was presented in Abuja by Her Excellency Dr. Hajo Sani, OON, the Permanent Representative of Nigeria to UNESCO, during a formal ceremony attended by distinguished figures.
Among them were Hajia Zainab Ali-Biu, Director of International Cultural Relations at the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, and other dignitaries who played integral roles in the successful nomination process.
In her acceptance speech, Musawa conveyed immense gratitude and pride on behalf of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Nigerian people. She highlighted the inscription as a powerful testament to the strength, vibrancy, and resilience of Nigeria’s cultural traditions.
The minister emphasised that the recognition was not only a celebration of Kano’s cultural wealth but also a tribute to the nation’s diverse heritage. She reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to preserving its cultural treasures for future generations, describing this milestone as a victory for every Nigerian who values the country’s traditions and identity.
Dr. Hajo Sani provided an overview of the rigorous process that culminated in the Kano Durbar’s inclusion on the UNESCO Representative List. She outlined the five critical criteria applied by UNESCO, including the cultural significance of the festival, its continuity through generations, deep community involvement, authenticity, and its impact on cultural identity.
The Kano Durbar’s rich traditions, from its equestrian displays to its unique processions and costumes, were celebrated as a living testament to Nigeria’s historical and cultural depth.
The Permanent Representative elaborated on the collaborative efforts of the 24-member UNESCO Committee that reviewed the nomination.
These states worked in tandem with Nigerian cultural experts and the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy to ensure the successful inscription of the Kano Durbar.
This achievement was hailed as a reflection of Nigeria’s proactive engagement in cultural diplomacy and a testament to the international community’s recognition of the festival’s global significance.
Musawa expressed heartfelt appreciation to all who contributed to this success, including the Nigerian government, the Ministry, and the people of Kano State.
She acknowledged the enduring efforts of the Kano State Government and local stakeholders in preserving the festival’s legacy.
She emphasized that the inscription was not merely a victory for her Ministry but a collective achievement for the people of Kano and all Nigerians who cherish their cultural heritage.
The Minister extended her gratitude to UNESCO for their pivotal role in advancing global cultural diplomacy. She described the recognition as a milestone in Nigeria’s cultural journey, opening new opportunities for the nation to showcase its unique traditions on the world stage.
She noted that the inscription was not just an endorsement of Nigeria’s cultural richness but also a call to action for greater cultural preservation and promotion.
In addition to its cultural prestige, the UNESCO recognition of the Kano Durbar carries significant economic implications.
The Honourable Minister underscored the potential of the festival to boost Nigeria’s tourism sector, attract international attention, and create economic opportunities for local communities.
The Kano Durbar, a major attraction for both domestic and international tourists, exemplifies the grandeur of northern Nigerian traditions.
The global recognition positions the festival as a key driver of sustainable tourism, contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth through increased revenues, cultural exchange, and enhanced international visibility.
Musawa called on all stakeholders, including state governments, local communities, and private sector players, to collaborate in preserving and promoting Nigeria’s cultural treasures.
She emphasized the need for collective action to ensure that the recognition of the Kano Durbar becomes a catalyst for economic empowerment and cultural exchange.
The Minister also highlighted the broader implications of the inscription for Nigeria’s cultural diplomacy. She stressed the importance of fostering international partnerships to promote Nigerian heritage and enhance the country’s global standing.
By preserving its cultural assets and leveraging them for global engagement, Nigeria can position itself as a leader in cultural diplomacy and sustainable tourism.
Under the leadership of Tinubu’s administration, the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy has been working tirelessly to align cultural preservation with national development priorities.
The minister referenced the ministry’s 8-point agenda, which focuses on enhancing cultural diplomacy, promoting sustainable tourism, empowering youth through creative industries, preserving cultural heritage, fostering international collaborations, advancing global visibility for Nigerian arts and culture, and integrating tourism with broader national development goals.
The inscription of the Kano Durbar, Barr. Musawa explained that, aligns with these objectives by showcasing Nigeria’s cultural richness while driving economic growth.
The festival’s recognition by UNESCO serves as a platform to attract investment, generate employment, and promote cultural pride.
It also highlights the role of cultural preservation in empowering youth and fostering inclusive economic growth.
The Honourable Minister concluded her remarks by urging all Nigerians to take pride in their cultural heritage and work together to preserve it for future generations.
She reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote Nigeria’s cultural assets, enhance its global visibility, and drive sustainable economic growth.
The recognition of the Kano Durbar, she affirmed, is a testament to what can be achieved when cultural preservation is prioritized and celebrated.
As Nigeria celebrates this historic achievement, the Kano Durbar stands as a symbol of the nation’s rich cultural legacy and its potential to inspire global admiration.
The UNESCO inscription not only honors the festival’s historical and cultural significance but also positions it as a beacon of Nigeria’s commitment to preserving and promoting its heritage.
This milestone marks the beginning of a new chapter in Nigeria’s cultural and economic empowerment, showcasing the transformative power of cultural heritage in driving national development and international engagement.
