Kano State Government has announced plans to host the maiden edition of the Kano Festival of Arts and Culture (KANFEST), a global celebration of heritage, creativity and cultural identity scheduled to take place from 25 to 27 October 2025.
The announcement was made in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, who said the festival will hold at the Kano Trade Fair Complex.
It is being organised through the Kano State Ministry of Culture and Tourism under the coordination of the Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam.
According to the statement, KANFEST 2025, also known as Kalankuwa, is themed “Preserving the Past, Inspiring the Future.”
The event is designed to promote Kano’s cultural identity, foster unity, and attract local and international investment through tourism and creative enterprise.
“This historic festival will bring together artists, cultural groups, investors and visitors from across Nigeria and around the world,” Waiya said.
“KANFEST is more than entertainment; it is a cultural rebirth and a bridge between our glorious past and the promise of our future.”
The Commissioner noted that Kano remains a proud custodian of Hausa history and tradition, and the festival will offer guests an opportunity to “see, taste and feel Kano’s cultural soul.”
Highlights of the festival will include traditional wrestling displays reflecting ancient Kano sporting heritage, majema leather tanning exhibitions showcasing Kano’s global leather craft reputation.
Others are the Dukawa leather craftsmanship displays blending indigenous skills with modern creativity, and cultural performances from across Nigeria under the feature: All Tribes, One Stage.
Waiya added that KANFEST will serve as a platform to grow Kano’s cultural industries, enhance tourism and stimulate economic opportunities.
“From festival to foreign direct investment, culture is now a tool for development in Kano,” he said.
The statement invited Nigerians and the international community to participate in the event, describing Kano as “the cradle of Hausa civilisation, a land of proud people and heritage, where culture connects communities and inspires tomorrow.”
“The world is coming to Kano through culture,” Waiya declared.
