Borno to partner FG, NEDC in establishing Kanemi Museum – Zulum

By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum has pledged his government commitment to collaborate with the Federal Government and North East Development Commission (NEDC) among others to ensure the establishment of Kanemi Museum in Maiduguri, the state capital

Governor Zulum also assured the traditional institution in the state that his government will continue to promote cultural heritage of all the diverse ethnic groups in the state.

He stated this on Saturday at the paper presentation marking the 2024 Kanuri Global Summit held at the Mohammed Idimi’s International hall of the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID).

NATIONAL ACCORD reports that the first Kanem Borno Cultural Summit and Colloquium is with the theme: “Toward Achieving Sustainable Development”.

The governor added that his administration will sustain and preserve as well as protect the historic ancient Kanem Borno dynasty and cultural identity which is a symbol of pride to all the Kanuri people globally that is being celebrated today for the first time in history.

He said: “Let us come together and preserve 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”.

Speaking at the occasion, the Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hajiya Hannatu Musa Musawa, said he Federal Government will soon establish Kanem Museum to serve as a centre for research, documentation and tourism site as well as to preserve the ancient Borno cultural heritage and artifacts of the Borno empire.

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.

The Minister, however, appealed to the Borno State Government to support the federal ministry in its quest to establish the museum, “so that people from all over the world can come, see and appreciate the ancient culture of Kanem Borno empire.”

The Shehu of Borno, His Eminence, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garba Al-Amin El Kanemi, 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.

The royal father urged traders, especially, the middlemen, who are wealthy businessmen in Borno state to desist from hoarding foodstuff and other essential commodities to alleviate poverty, suffering of the ordinary citizens.

“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”. He said.

The Shehu of Borno, led traditional rulers in attendance from Borno and Yobe States as well as far and near , within and outside the country including Shehu of Bama, Shehu of Dikwa, Emirs of Bama, Askira/Uba, Biu, Shani,Gwoza, Gunio, Kukawa, Monguno, Kaga, and others.

Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, in his remark said the summit has created a platform for Kanuris to promote their cultural identity to the world and rayed for restoration of peace and security in Borno and Chad Basin area.

While 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 Chairman of the Borno Forum, also appreciated all and sundry for honouring the invitation and witnessing the first of its kind a Kanuri gathering that has never been organized except now while wishing the happy and harmonious stay to enjoy the rich culture if the kan.borno people.

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.

Others include The TC, OPHK, Maj. Gen. Waheed Shaibu, represented the CDS, Gen Chris G. Musa , representatives of security agencies.

Share on Facebook

Tweet