Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, was presented with the UNESCO certificate of inscription for the Kano Durbar Festival in Abuja on Tuesday. The recognition, which officially designates the festival as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, was a proud moment for Nigeria, highlighting the country’s rich cultural legacy.
Dr. Hajo Sani, Nigeria’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, delivered a congratulatory message, acknowledging both the Nigerian government and its people for the successful nomination of the Kano Durbar Festival. The festival, known for its vibrant displays of tradition, beauty, and unity among the people of Kano, was approved by the Inter-governmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Sani emphasized that the recognition brings numerous benefits, including promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage globally. She called for greater responsibility from the government and stakeholders to ensure the sustainability of the festival and safeguard its future.
This achievement brings the total number of Nigerian elements on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list to eight. During the 18th Session in Botswana, the Sango Oyo and a multinational inscription on Midwifery Knowledge, Skills, and Practices were also approved.
Minister Musawa, upon receiving the certificate, emphasized the importance of promoting Nigeria’s diverse cultures, which represent a wide array of traditions from across the world. She expressed her commitment to securing additional inscriptions, recognizing their potential economic benefits and the job creation opportunities they bring.
Musawa further noted the need for more Nigerian cultural elements to be inscribed, reflecting the country’s multicultural heritage.
The minister concluded by pledging to intensify efforts to earn more UNESCO recognitions for Nigeria, with the aim of further showcasing the nation’s diverse and rich cultural heritage.
