The Borno Government has called for the revival and preservation of the state’s traditional culinary heritage through families and schools.
Dr Hassan Boguma, Special Adviser to the Gov. Babagana Zulum on Culture and Regional Integration, made the call at the opening of a two-day training programme on Saturday in Maiduguri.
The two-day training centred on ‘’Traditional Borno Culinary Heritage Revival’’ for students of selected schools.
Boguma said the initiative was not only about teaching students how to prepare traditional meals, but also about preserving Borno’s cultural identity and transmitting indigenous knowledge to younger generations.
He said Borno had a rich culinary heritage, with mothers and grandmothers possessing extensive knowledge of local ingredients, food preparation, preservation methods and the cultural significance of traditional dishes.
According to him, much of the knowledge is gradually disappearing due to changing lifestyles and eating habits.
He, therefore, urged parents and grandparents to teach children the names, ingredients, preparation methods and occasions associated with traditional Borno dishes.
“The first school of culture remains the home,” he said, urging families to complement efforts by government and educational institutions.
Boguma also advocated the strengthening of Home Economics in schools, describing it as an important avenue for teaching practical skills such as cooking, nutrition, hygiene, home management and entrepreneurship.
He stressed that such skills should be taught to both boys and girls, noting that traditional cuisine could provide opportunities in catering, restaurants, food processing, packaging, hospitality and tourism.
The special adviser linked cultural revival to the ongoing rebuilding of Borno.
He said, ‘’Reconstruction should go beyond roads and infrastructure to include identity, family values, confidence and a sense of belonging.’’
He commended the Kanem Women Association, particularly Hajja Nana Mali, Ya Magira of Borno, and Hajja Shaini Babakura, Ya Mogaram of Borno.
He commended the women for their efforts toward preserving culinary traditions and empowering women in cultural preservation.
Boguma urged the participating students to take the training seriously and share the knowledge gained with their families and communities.
He expressed confidence that the programme would initiate broader efforts to document, preserve, teach and promote Borno’s traditional cuisine.
“Let the home teach; let the school reinforce; let the community preserve, and let our young people carry our heritage forward.” the special adviser said.
In his remarks, a student, Musa Umar, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the training programme.
“I have learnt that our traditional foods are not just meals, but an important part of our culture, history and identity.
“The programme has taught me about the importance of preserving indigenous dishes, using local ingredients and learning the traditional methods of food preparation from our parents and grandparents,” he said.
