Kanuri converge on Maiduguri to revive receding culture, language

Kanuri people across Africa have converged on Maiduguri to revive their unity and kinship weakened 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) disclosed this at the first maiden Kanem Borno Global Cultural summit, sponsored by Northeast Development Commission (NEDC) and held in Maiduguri on Saturday.

He said the occasion was to reaffirm their commitment to unity and the preservation of their dying cultures and the protection of their receding languages..

Hassan noted that the 3-day summit was to accomplish the onerous task 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 explained that the occasion would give the participants a unique opportunity 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.

Speaking, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno said the state government will continue to collaborate with traditional leaders to preserve the ancient Kanem Borno cultural identity, which is a symbol of pride to all Kanuri 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.