Tahir Yusuf
Nigeria has received international recognition for its rich cultural heritage as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) formally inscribed the Kano Durbar on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The official presentation of the inscription certificate was made in Abuja by Ambassador Hajo Sani, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO, to the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa. The recognition followed the approval of the Kano Durbar dossier at the 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, which convened in Paraguay in December 2024.
Ambassador Sani emphasized that the Kano Durbar met all five criteria required for inscription, following a rigorous evaluation by UNESCO’s Advisory Body of Experts. She noted that this achievement positions Nigeria’s cultural heritage on the global stage and calls for greater responsibility in preserving and sustaining the festival’s significance.
The minister expressed immense pride in the milestone, attributing the success to the collective efforts of stakeholders. She also acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s enthusiasm for the recognition and reiterated the cultural and historical importance of the Durbar to Nigeria’s national identity. According to Musawa, the festival represents Nigeria’s multicultural diversity and enhances its global cultural footprint.
The Kano Durbar, an annual festival showcasing a grand horse parade, is widely regarded as the world’s largest procession of decorated horses. Rooted in centuries-old traditions, the festival highlights the history and cultural heritage of Kano and Northern Nigeria. With this UNESCO inscription, stakeholders are now tasked with preserving its authenticity while leveraging its global recognition to boost cultural tourism and national pride.
