Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has revealed that his administration had signed an Executive Order mandating all four emirates, Kano, Rano, Gaya, and Karaye to annually organise their traditional durbar as a move to positioning the state as a model for cultural preservation and tourism-driven development.
The announcement was made on Saturday during the official flag-off of the first Kano Festival of Arts and Culture (KanFest), known locally as Kalankuwa, held at the state’s trade fair complex. The governor said the directive followed the recent UNESCO recognition of the Kano Durbar festival as one of the world’s intangible cultural heritages. He described the development as a milestone in a global validation of Kano’s centuries-old tradition of unity, strength, and civilisation.
“This Executive Order is not just about celebrations, it is about continuity, identity, and the formal recognition of Durbar as a state-backed cultural institution. Our emirates will continue to showcase the splendour of our heritage while strengthening peace and social cohesion.”
HE also explained that the order is part of a broader state cultural policy designed to revive, preserve, and economically leverage Kano’s historical assets adding that his administration’s cultural agenda goes beyond festivities, stressing that his government is already restoring ancient monuments, rehabilitating cultural institutions, and upgrading historical sites to boost tourism and creative enterprise.
Similarly, the Kano state Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, in his remarks, described the Kalankuwa as “a journey through our collective identity,” explaining that the festival will feature art exhibitions, performances, storytelling, and music, creating a bridge between tradition and innovation.
The Kalankuwa Festival, is said to have attracted diplomats, traditional rulers, business leaders, and cultural enthusiasts from across Africa and other states within the country,
Ibrahim Musa Giginyu
