Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has declared open the 2025 Kano Annual Festival (KANFEST) themed “Celebrating Kano’s Cultural Heritage and Promoting Economic Development,” aimed at showcasing the state’s rich cultural heritage, creativity, and identity.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s Spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, in Kano on Saturday.
Declaring the event open at the Kano Trade Fair Complex, Governor Yusuf said organizing KANFEST is part of his administration’s commitment to reviving Kano’s lost glory and safeguarding its enduring heritage.
He added that the initiative aligns with the government’s broader vision to make culture not only a legacy to preserve but also a viable industry for development and economic empowerment.
Governor Yusuf expressed delight over UNESCO’s inclusion of the famous Kano Durbar among the World’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, saying:
“This recognition places Kano on the global stage and reinforces the importance of our traditional institutions in promoting peace, unity, and cultural identity.”
In a keynote address, the Deputy Governor and Chairman of the KANFEST Organising Committee, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, emphasized that culture serves as a driver of economic growth, social development, and peacebuilding creating jobs, attracting investment, and showcasing the state’s heritage to the world.
The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, on behalf of other Emirs, commended the state government for reviving the festival and urged sustained efforts to maintain Kano’s position as the centre of religion, history, and culture in Nigeria.
The Rwandan Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Christopher Bazivamo, highlighted his country’s long-standing relationship with Nigeria and Kano State in particular, expressing readiness for deeper collaboration in tourism, business, and cultural exchange.
Similarly, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has conferred an Award of Honour on Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his outstanding commitment to promoting cultural heritage.
Presenting the award at the opening ceremony, the Leader of Heritage Volunteers, Abba Gadzama, said the honour was in recognition of the governor’s dedication to protecting culture, a testament to his vision for the development of Kano State and the preservation of its heritage for future generations.
