By Muhammad Nur Tijani
The Kano State Government has reiterated its commitment to restoring and preserving the city’s rich historical and cultural heritage, much of which has been lost over the years due to urban expansion and neglect.
Speaking at a dinner organised for World Heritage Volunteers Initiative, Gov. Abba Yusuf described it as a laudable programme capable of “catapulting our history and heritage into the next stage.”
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Ibrahim, Yusuf commended the organisers for their efforts and assured them of the government’s full support.
“It is a very real and noble idea. You have our total support. Anytime you need us, the government is ready to respond,” he assured
The Governor lamented the loss of many of Kano’s priceless artefacts and historical landmarks, describing the situation as “a sad story” that must be addressed urgently.
“For the sake of commerce and development, we have lost several important cultural sites, including the old Kano city halls. It is an unfortunate tragedy,” Yusuf added.
He, however, stated that the state government had pledged to recover and restore what remains of these heritage assets, ensuring that future generations understand and appreciate Kano’s historical legacy.
“We will not only recover what has been lost but also ensure that everything left of our heritage is preserved.
“As a people with a deeply rooted cultural tradition, we must elevate our heritage to where it truly belongs,” Yusuf explained.
Earlier, the Director-General of the African International Documentary Festival Foundation (AFIDFF), Mrs Malame Mangdza, reaffirmed its commitment to the protection and promotion of cultural sites as well as monuments across Africa, as Kano State hosts the 2025 Heritage Campaign.
She described the campaign as a movement to document and celebrate the beauty of Kano’s heritage aimed at strengthening the state’s global recognition as a cultural and tourism destination.
According to her, Kano State was selected as one of the host states for the campaign in recognition of its remarkable history, rich cultural heritage, and enduring legacy as an ancient city of global significance.
“This campaign represents more than a project; it is a movement to document and celebrate the beauty of Kano’s heritage.
“Our collective effort aims to strengthen the state’s recognition as a cultural and tourism destination of global repute,” Mangdza said.
She added that the programme sought to engage local communities, traditional institutions, government agencies, and experts in documenting the cultural and historical narratives of Kano City and its associated monuments.
“Our ultimate goal is to support and complement ongoing efforts to elevate heritage preservation across the continent,” she explained.
In his remarks, Mr. Abdullah Muhammad of Nigeria Television Authority, Abuja (NTA), who spoke on behalf of the partners, commended the Kano State Government for its hospitality and visible commitment to preserving the state’s cultural identity.
He lauded the government for ongoing efforts to restore historic structures and sustain traditional practices that reflect the true essence of the ancient city.
“We have travelled across various parts of Africa documenting the heritage of different peoples, but what we have seen in Kano stands out,” Muhammad said.
