The Kano State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to restoring and preserving the city’s rich historical and cultural heritage, much of which has faded over the years due to urban expansion and neglect.
Speaking at a dinner organized by the World Heritage Volunteers Initiative, Governor Abba Yusuf hailed the programme as a laudable effort capable of “catapulting our history and heritage into the next stage.”
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Ibrahim, the governor commended the organisers for their dedication and pledged the government’s full support for their initiatives.
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 said.
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 said.
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Earlier, the Director-General of the African International Documentary Festival Foundation (AFIDFF), Mrs Malame Mangdza reaffirmed its commitment to preserving Africa’s cultural sites and monuments as Kano hosts the 2025 Heritage Campaign.
She said the campaign celebrates Kano’s rich heritage and promotes its global recognition as a cultural and tourism hub.
Kano was chosen for its remarkable history and enduring legacy as an ancient city of global significance.
“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.
NAN/Oluchi