Borno state Governor Babagana Zulum has charged the state Ministry of Information and Culture with developing programs to promote the state’s culture.
On Sunday in Shani, Borno, Zulum gave the charge at the Menwara Annual Cultural Festival’s Second Day.
He described the resumption of the cultural festival after it had been suspended for years due to insecurity as historic, adding that proactive measures were required to preserve the state’s rich cultural heritage.
The governor, who praised the people of Shani for their unwavering efforts to promote their culture, stated that the state Ministry of Education would also launch programs to teach youths about the state’s diverse people’s rich culture.
The state government, he says, will continue to prioritize security, education, agriculture, health, and empowerment initiatives.
The Emir of Shani, Alhaji Nasiru Mailafiya, stated in his remarks that the festival was held to raise awareness, promote unity, and peaceful coexistence in the area.
While praising the federal and state governments for carrying out viable projects in the area, Mailafiya advocated for more agricultural and road development interventions.
He urged his subjects to enroll their children in schools and to fully participate in dry-season activities.
The royal father also warned people against bush burning, indiscriminate waste dumping, open defecation, drug abuse, and other social vices.
In his remarks, Alhaji Adamu Gasi, Chairman of the Shani Local Government Council, stated that the council had implemented viable projects aimed at improving the people’s social and economic well-being.
Among the projects listed by Gasi are the renovation of healthcare facilities, the construction of access roads and stalls, the provision of 100 canoes for riverine communities, and the payment of SSCE/NECO examination fees for 100 indigent students.
Menwara, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), is a three-day pre-harvest festival organized to promote unity and resolve disputes.