Kanuri tribe from different parts of Africa are attending a three-day meeting in Maiduguri to unite and reawake kinship caused by the partition of Africa by colonial masters between roughly 1880 and 1914.
Chairman of Borno Emirate Concern Citizens Forum, Amb. Zanna Hassan (Buguma of Borno) revealed this at the first maiden Kanem Borno Global Cultural summit, sponsored by Northeast Development Commission (NEDC).
He said the occasion held on Saturday was to restate their commitment to unity and preserve and protect their cultures and languages which they said were receding.
Hassan said the three-day summit was to achieve the objective of holding a colloquium for a scholarly discussion of the diverse Kanem Borno heritage.
“This global convergence of scholars and academics from various countries is indeed a source of pride to us,” he said.
He said the participants would explore a unique chance to exchange ideas on practical implementation measures and launch a new initiative to foster effective delivery of regional integration, peace and security.
“It will also be an occasion to identify and recommend strategic areas for enhanced collaboration among our diverse communities focusing on the advancement of our ideals as a people,” he said.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno said the state government will liaise with traditional leaders to preserve the ancient Kanem Borno cultural identity, which is a symbol of pride to all its people.
“Let us come together and preserve our rich cultural heritage; this event would provide a necessary avenue to inculcate our culture to our young generations, and the people of Borno are united”, he said.