The Federal Government has announced plans to establish the Kanem Borno Museum, aimed at preserving Kanuri cultural artifacts.
The Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa announced this at the just concluded Kanem Borno Cultural Summit and Colloquium in Maiduguri themed ‘Toward Achieving Sustainable Development’
Kanem, hub for research and tourism
Minister Musawa said that the Kanem Museum when established, will serve as a hub for research, documentation, and tourism, while also safeguarding the ancient Borno cultural heritage and artifacts.
“One of the things the Ministry of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy will want to do is to see how we can establish a museum in Kanem Borno, to see how we can have the tradition and values of Kanem Borno have a presence in international museums and also in the national museum that we are going to construct in Abuja”.
Musawa stated that the Kanem Museum will feature a collection of Kanuri artifacts and antiques, showcasing the historical and cultural identity of the ancient Kanem-Borno Empire and Civilization.
“This museum is going to play a huge part in this cultural expansion, whereby we want to make Nigeria the cultural capital, not only of Africa but of the world”.
Despite the security challenges in Borno, Minister Musawa emphasized the unwavering commitment of its people to preserving their cultural heritage.
Preserving Kanem Borno Cultural Identity
In his address, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno state said that the government will continue to collaborate with traditional leaders to preserve and protect the ancient Kanem Borno cultural identity which is a symbol of pride to all Kanuri people.
“The traditional institution and religion are the binding forces for our cultural unity. We have a solemn duty to jealously safeguard and promote our demographic unity and stability.
“Let this Summit blow a new lease of life to our cultural harmony.
The State Government is ever determined to bring back our lost glory. This can be achieved with the needed support and cooperation of our traditional rulers and ulamas who are the custodians of our religion, culture and values. The Government is also willing to give the traditional institutions their rightful place in our governance architecture to perform their functions effectively; we shall commence the process of restoring the respect, dignity and roles of our traditional rulers.
“The present Administration is very much committed to the preservation and the promotion of our Culture as demonstrated with the various supports given to the Borno State Council for Arts and Culture to participate at national cultural events where many laurels were won by the State,” the governor said.
The colloquium was attended by members of the national assembly, heads of Federal government agencies, traditional rulers from within and outside the country, academics and delegations from many African countries.
