We’ll restore people’s dignity through KANFEST – Gov. Yusuf

By Jude Opara, Abuja

Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano state, has reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to restore the dignity, pride, and identity of the people through cultural revival and creative enterprise.

The governor spoke on Saturday while declaring open the maiden edition of the Kano Festival of Arts and Culture (KANFEST) at the Kano Trade Fair Complex.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s Spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa and made available to newsmen on Sunday.

He said that the administration has already embarked on several projects and programmes aimed at reviving Kano’s lost glory and safeguarding its enduring heritage.

“As we officially flag off the first edition of KANFEST, let it serve as a platform to celebrate who we are, a proud people of history, culture, and creativity,” he said.

Governor Yusuf in highlighting the significance of Kano’s traditional institutions also mandated the four Kano Emirates —Kano, Rano, Gaya, and Karaye to continue organizing the annual Durbar festivals in recognition of their historical and cultural importance.

“We are proud that the famous Kano Durbar has been inscribed by UNESCO among the World’s Intangible Cultural Heritages.

“This recognition places Kano on the global stage and reinforces the importance of our traditional institutions in promoting peace, unity, and cultural identity,” he added.

The governor further reiterated his administration’s plan to support traditional craftsmen and artisans across the state through modern empowerment and training initiatives.

“We believe that by combining traditional knowledge with modern techniques, our artisans can compete favourably with their peers anywhere in the world,” he said.

Governor Yusuf maintained that a people without culture are a people without identity, reaffirming that his administration is determined to make Kano once again the cultural heartbeat of Nigeria and the pride of Africa.

The Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, noted that the last KANFEST was held during the reign of Emir Muhammad Sanusi I, appreciating the foresight of Governor Yusuf in reviving such a historic celebration of culture and identity.