By Inusa Ndahi, Maiduguri
THE Federal Government said it will soon establish Kanem museum to serve as a center for research, documentation and tourist site as well as to preserve the ancient Borno cultural heritage and artifacts.
The Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, disclosed this in Maiduguri on Saturday during the first Kanem Borno Cultural Summit and Colloquium with the theme ‘Toward Achieving Sustainable Development’.
The occasion was sponsored by the North East Development Commission, NEDC under the leadership of the Managing Director, Alhaji Goni Alkali who is also the son of the soil.
Musawa informed that the Kanem museum will be stocked with Kanuri artifacts and antiques that reflect the historical and cultural identity of ancient Kanem Borno Empire and Civilization.
According to her, despite the security challenges faced by people in Borno, they remained steadfast in maintaining their cultural heritage.
“Ministry of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy would establish Kanem Borno museum to preserve Kanuri cultural identity and heritage.” She assured.
She also requested the Borno state government to support her ministry in establishing the museum, so that people from all over the world can come, see and appreciate the ancient culture of Kanem Borno empire.
In his address, Governor Babagana Zulum said the state government will continue collaborating with traditional leaders to preserve and protect the ancient Kanem Borno cultural identity which is a symbol of pride to all Kanuri people.
“Let us come together and reserve our rich cultural heritage, this event would provide necessary avenue to inculcate our culture to our young generations as the people of Borno are united.
“This administration is committed in advancement of our cultural heritage, therefore, I urged you all to support us in Achieving that.
“This would help us in restoration of our lost glory as a result of insurgency, it would also help us towards restoring peace and security in Borno and the Lake Chad Basin area in general.
“We are going to hold another cultural summit by the year 2025, better than this one, this is just the beginning, I urge you to be patience with us and cooperate with us in preserving our culture”. Said Zulum.
The Chief host of the summit, Shehu of Borno, Dr Abubakar Ibn Umar Garba Al-amin Elkanemi, said Kanuri speaking people from Chad, Niger, Cameroon, Central Africa, Libya and other countries have all gathered to witness the first ever Kanem Borno Cultural Summit in Maiduguri.
He called on the businessmen in Borno to avoid hoarding food items and critical goods, as a sign of respect for humanity which is a symbol of Kanem Borno Empire.
“Allah (God) is not happy with those who intentionally want to inflict suffering or hardship to others, to this end, I urge you to stop hoarding food items in this critical economic situation, because that is not in our culture”. The Monarch said.
Also speaking, former vice president, Babagana Kingibe said the summit has created a platform for Kanuris to promote their cultural identity to the world.
Kingibe also prayed for restoration of peace and security in Borno and Chad Basin area.
In his remark, the Chairman of Borno Emirate Concerned Citizens Forum, Zanna Bogma described the event as sign of unifying the old Kanem Borno family and it’s culture which has history for over 1,500 years.
“The purpose of this event is to brainstorm and find lasting solutions to our security challenges facing Borno and Lake Chad Basin in general, and to remind people that we are Kanuris, we are people of culture, religious and dignified”. Said Bogma.
The dignitaries in attendance include the representative of Vice President, Kashim Shettima, Dr. Umar Usman Kadafur who is the Deputy Governor of the state, President of Chad, Councilor General Biso Yusuf, Senator Malum Bura of Niger Republic, Emir of Fika, HRH. Dr. Muhammadu Idrissa, Emir of Lafiyan Barebari, HRH. Justice Sidi Badge, the emir of Damaturu, HRH. Dr. Shehu Hashimi El-Kanemi II, Prof. Sani Lugga, and other dignitaries from Nigeria and west African countries.
About The Author
