- Kanuri people convene in Maiduguri to revitalize unity and kinship weakened by colonial division of Africa between 1880-1914
- The inaugural Kanem Borno Global Cultural Summit, sponsored by NEDC, aimed to reaffirm unity, preserve culture, and safeguard languages
Kanuri people from across Africa have gathered in Maiduguri to revitalize their unity and kinship, which the colonial division of Africa weakened between approximately 1880 and 1914.
Ambassador Zanna Hassan (Buguma of Borno), Chairman of the Borno Emirate Concern Citizens Forum, revealed this during the inaugural Kanem Borno Global Cultural Summit, sponsored by the Northeast Development Commission (NEDC) and held in Maiduguri on Saturday.
The summit aimed to reaffirm their commitment to unity, preserve their fading cultures, and safeguard their declining languages.
Hassan highlighted the significance of the three-day summit in facilitating a scholarly discussion on the diverse Kanem Borno heritage.
“This global gathering of scholars and academics from various nations is a matter of great pride for us,” he remarked.
He elaborated that the summit provided a platform for participants to exchange ideas on practical implementation measures and launch initiatives to effectively promote regional integration, peace, and security.
“It will also serve as an opportunity to identify and recommend strategic areas for enhanced collaboration among our diverse communities, focusing on advancing our shared ideals,” Hassan added.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno reiterated the state government’s commitment to collaborating with traditional leaders in preserving the ancient Kanem Borno cultural identity, which holds immense significance for all Kanuri people.
“Let us unite to preserve our rich cultural heritage; this event offers a vital platform to instil our culture in the younger generation, and the people of Borno stand united,” Governor Zulum affirmed.