Nigeria TV Info – Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf Orders Emirs to Sustain Annual Durbar Festival to Preserve Kano’s Cultural Heritage

Kano, Nigeria (October 26, 2025) – Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has directed all Emirs across the state to uphold and sustain the annual Durbar (traditional horse riding) festival as part of ongoing efforts to preserve Kano’s rich cultural heritage and traditions.

The governor gave the directive during the opening ceremony of the Kanfest (Kalankuwa) 2025, held in Kano on Saturday. He emphasized that his administration remains committed to investing in arts, culture, and tourism as vital tools for promoting social unity, engaging youth, and diversifying the state’s economy.

Governor Yusuf reaffirmed the state government’s unwavering support to the Emirates in ensuring that the centuries-old horsemanship tradition is not only preserved but also strengthened and showcased to the world.

In his remarks, the Emir of Kano and Chairman of the State Council of Emirates, Dr. Muhammadu Sanusi II, commended the government’s foresight in restoring the diminished yet invaluable cultural practices of the Kano people.

According to the Governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature, the three-day Kanfest event features a variety of cultural displays, including traditional and local cuisine exhibitions, performances, games, drama, crafts, fabric and pottery exhibitions, as well as paper presentations from resource persons.

Bature noted that the event has attracted a wide range of participants, including traditional title holders, members of the diplomatic corps, artisans, cultural groups, investors, youths, and artists—reflecting Kano’s enduring reputation as a center of culture and creativity in Nigeria.