Newly elected National President of the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN), Prince Adetunji Oluwafemi Fadina has applauded the United Nations Educational Scientific Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) for inscribing the Kano Durbar on its Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, acknowledging that inscription would bring significant socio-economic and cultural tourism benefits to Nigeria as a destination.
Prince Fadina, in a congratulatory message to the Kano Emirate on UNESCO’s inscription of Kano Durbar as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, acknowledged role of the immediate past Executive Director of National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Alhaji Ado Yahuza with collaboration of the Kano Emirate for making it happen, describing the feat as a significant acknowledgement of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, informing that the Kano Durbar, a vibrant religious and cultural festival dating back to 1466, showcases the country’s diverse traditions and customs.
While commending the 19th Session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the recognition and inscription of Kano Durbar, the ATPN National President emphasized the importance of preserving our rich intangible cultural heritages in the various regions, pointing out that the inscription of Kano Durbar on the Representative List is a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to safeguarding its cultural traditions.
“This recognition and inscription would go a long way in fostering national pride and identity just as it will promote our sense of shared cultural heritage as proud Nigerians.
“It will equally facilitate the transmission of cultural knowledge and skills from one generation to the next, ensuring the continuity of the Kano Durbar traditions,” he said.
According to the ATPN National President, this latest UNESCO’s recognition and inscription of Kano Durbar, an ancient culture that has seemingly permeated the entire northern Nigeria will no doubt attract cultural tourists to the country, generate revenue and create jobs for the locals thereby boosting the national economy.
Prince Fadina noted that the Kano Durbar has adjudged as a notable cultural tradition that celebrates true leadership, grace, and elegance, demonstrating the power of cooperation among various tribes and communities
“On behalf of the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN), I extend our warmest congratulations to the Kano Emirate on the prestigious UNESCO recognition and inscription of Kano Durbar on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
“This remarkable achievement is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Kano Emirate and Nigeria as a whole.
*We celebrate this milestone achievement with the Kano Emirate and look forward to continued collaboration in promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
Once again, congratulations on this well-deserved recognition,” the congratulatory reads in part,” he added.
It will be recalled that the festival dated back to the 14th century in Kano, the largest city in Northern Nigeria.
The Kano durbar festival is a four-day extravaganza of opulence, horsemanship, and street parades which begins with prayers at dawn, followed by a colourful mounted parade of the Emir and his retinue of horsemen, musicians, and artillerymen. At the Durbar festivals, noblemen travel to pay homage to the Emir and reaffirm their loyalty to their various emirates.
UNESCO’s recognition and inscription would potentially showcase the creative content of Kano Durbar and its amazing equestrian skills to the world in terms of its display of custumes, and skills by tribal horse riders during the religious and cultural festival of colours unifying the people as the biggest horse parade in northern Nigeria, he said.
The inscription, according to him, will pave way for Nigeria’s socio-economic and cultural tourism growth, bringing international recognition to Nigeria’s diverse cultural traditions and equally showcasing the country’s unique heritage to the global community.
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