Culture
Lamido Sanusi restored officially as Kano emir
Barely four years after he was deposed by the immediate past Governor of Kano state,Abdullahi Ganduje, Governor Abba Yusuf at the Government House in Kano on Friday issued the letter of appointment to Sanusi Lamido which restored him as Kano Emir.
Governor Yusuf said,
“By the powers conferred on me by the Kano Emirate Council Law of 1984 and 2024, and supported by the recommendation of the kingmakers, I have the singular pleasure to confirm the reappointment of Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano and the head of the Kano Emirate Council,” the governor said.
The governor urged the emir to lead according to Islamic tenets, as he read out his role.
“As the Emir is being appointed for the second time, it is based on his competence, credibility, and popularity,” he said.
“I urge him to be guided by the principles of Islamic teachings and to use his position to unite the emirate, fostering harmony among the Islamic sects in the state.”
Traditional rulers, kingmakers, and other top dignitaries were in attendance at the event which came barely one day after Governor Yusuf signed the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Bill 2024 into law.
The Emir is expected to lead the Juma’at prayer at the Government House.
The new law replaces the Kano State Emirates Council Law, 2019, and dissolves the emirate councils created by Ganduje.
Ganduje had splited⁵ the Kano Emirate into five in December 2019 and deposed Sanusi II, on March 9, 2020. The emirates created by the Ganduje administration were Karaye, Bichi, Rano, and Gaya, in addition to Kano.
Governor Yusuf at the reinstatement event clarified that the 2019 move was a case of victimisation and narrated events leading to his return as emir
“We had a series of meetings with the Kingmakers yesterday, extensive discussions with the Speaker, and we also sat with all the heads of security. At the end of the day, we all gathered in the chamber where I received the bill that repealed the former law,” the governor said.
He continued, “We did that out of our convictions and belief that this gentleman was victimized in 2019. We all feel that we must restore what is due to the good people of the state.”
Governor Yusuf also thanked the legislative body for the accelerated passage of the bill
“Let me use this opportunity to humbly thank the Speaker and all members of the House for your determination and respect for the rule of law. It shows your interest in the welfare of the people of the state,” he said.
Emir Sanusi II, a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), was known as Lamido Sanusi before becoming king.
His deposition generated controversy in the state and beyond. But in reversing it, Governor Yusuf said it was the repeal of the old law that “balkanised the over 1,000-year- Kano Emirate.”
“From the very moment I signed the bill into law, it means that all appointments made in accordance with that 2019 law are voided, and the balkanised Kano Emirate has been restored to its original pre-2019 status,” the governor said.
“The repeal of the 2019 law means that there is no emir in Kano as of now except the reinstated emir.”
Following the new law, he gave the emirs who were in charge of the dissolved emirates 48 hours to leave their palaces.
Before signing the bill, Governor Yusuf and the speaker of the Kano State Assembly Aminu Abdussalam had met with traditional rulers and kingmakers behind closed doors.
Sanusi II started his reign on June 8, 2014, when Rabiu Kwankwaso was the governor of Kano State. His appointment came about four months after Goodluck Jonathan – the then-president – removed him as the governor of the CBN.
In a bid to reposition Nigeria as the epicenter of African culture, tourism, and economic growth, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, has partnered with Discover Motherland Africa to launch the Motherland 2025 initiative. 
The project, unveiled at the Abuja Continental Hotel on Monday, is aimed at transforming Nigeria into a global cultural hub, drawing in diaspora communities, investors, and tourists alike.
Speaking at the event, Minister Musawa described Motherland 2025 as “more than a festival”—a transformative movement that aligns with the Federal Ministry’s Destination 2030: Nigeria Everywhere strategy.
She highlighted how the initiative leverages Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and tourism potential to foster global engagement and drive economic growth.
“Motherland 2025 is more than a festival—it’s a homecoming. A movement inviting our global brothers and sisters to reconnect with their heritage while contributing to Nigeria’s economic and cultural renaissance,” Musawa said. “This is a call to the Diaspora and beyond. From investors and policymakers to cultural leaders and travelers, this initiative invites global stakeholders to experience and invest in Nigeria’s resurgence as a cultural and economic powerhouse.”
A statement be the media adviser to the Minister, Nneka Ikem Anibeze in a statement explained that the initiative includes a wide range of programs designed to engage both Nigerians and the global community in a week-long celebration featuring State Pavilions, Business Exhibitions, and cultural showcases from Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT.
According to the statement it will also feature A photo and video contest encouraging participants to depict Nigeria’s landscapes, traditions, and communities through visual storytelling.
Explaining further the statement said it will feature a centralized platform simplifying travel logistics for both domestic and international visitors.
A groundbreaking scheme allowing diaspora members and foreign investors to gain citizenship through national development contributions will also be unveiled according to the statement.
The media adviser also pointed out that a dedicated initiative to streamline the integration of diaspora communities into Nigeria’s social and economic landscape.
She said there will be an event recognizing outstanding diaspora leaders who have made significant contributions in their respective fields.
“The festival will conclude with a high-energy concert featuring top Nigerian and international artists, celebrating the nation’s vibrant music scene.
She quoted the minister, Musawa to have also emphasized the need for collaboration between government agencies, ministries, and the private sector to ensure the success of the initiative.
“The success of Motherland 2025 relies on strong partnerships. We invite policymakers, cultural institutions, investors, and development organizations to join forces in shaping Nigeria’s tourism and creative economy,” she said.
In her remarks, Chidimma Nwankwo, Managing Director of Discover Motherland Africa, underscored the initiative’s role in reconnecting the Nigerian diaspora to their roots while unlocking opportunities for investment and cultural pride.
“Motherland is a homecoming. It is a journey. It is a commitment. This December, we invite the global diaspora to experience Nigeria like never before—not as visitors, but as participants in a redefined vision of tourism,” Nwankwo said. “Whether you are part of the diaspora, a first-generation Nigerian, or someone who has never set foot in Nigeria, this is your invitation. Not just to visit, but to engage, to contribute, and to become part of something bigger.”
Motherland 2025 is expected to attract thousands of participants from across the globe, solidifying Nigeria’s role as a leader in Africa’s cultural, economic, and tourism sectors.
***Public-Private Partnership to Transform Cultural, Tourism, Creative Sectors
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the establishment of the Creative and Tourism Infrastructure Corporation (CTIC), a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) designed to bridge the infrastructure gap in Nigeria’s tourism and creative industries.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, was presented at Monday’s FEC meeting and is positioned to drive economic diversification, job creation, and cultural preservation.
Special Adviser on Media & Publicity to the minister, Dr. Nneka Ikem Anibeze in a statement indicated that the
CTIC will operate under a public-private partnership model, attracting local and international investors to fund and develop world-class infrastructure that supports the creative sector.
The goal is to generate $100 billion for the Nigerian economy and create 2 million jobs, aligning with Presidential Priority 7 on economic diversification.
Key Features of CTIC according to the statement included Strategic Partnerships by Engaging AFREXIM, IFC, World Bank, AfDB, AFD, EU, Ford & Rockefeller Foundations, and UNESCO for funding and expertise.
The other feature according to the statement is Governance Structure whereby the Nigerian Government will hold a 25-49% minority stake through the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), ensuring private-sector efficiency and leadership.
The statement listed Flagship Projects to include the rehabilitation of Obudu Resort and Yankari Game Reserve, development of Abuja Creative City and Creation of 5,000 cinema screens nationwide
Others are the Wole Soyinka Creative City in Lagos, Launch of a Centre for African Arts and a New Era for Nigeria’s Creative Economy
Minister Hannatu Musawa emphasized the importance of modern infrastructure in unlocking Nigeria’s full creative potential.
“Everyone recognizes Nigeria’s creativity—our films, music, and fashion dominate globally. But without the right infrastructure, we can’t maximize this potential. Imagine if ‘Detty December’ in Lagos had world-class venues—the economic impact would be exponential.”
The CTIC approval is signal a major shift towards making Nigeria a global hub for tourism, film, music, and cultural heritage, positioning the country as a leading player in the global creative economy.
With FEC’s approval, the government is set to mobilize investors, develop priority projects, and implement innovative financing models to bring this vision to life.
The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, in collaboration with MADhouse by Tikera Africa, has launched a call for applications for the ‘Re-imagining Hope Residency’, a 6-week immersive program designed to empower Nigerian creatives.
Special adviser on media and publicity to the minister Dr. Nneka Ikem Anibeze in a statement indicated that the residency will select 20 exceptional visual artists from across Nigeria and provide them with a structured mentorship experience, collaborative workshops, and open studio events aimed at addressing societal challenges through artistic expression.
The statement quoted the Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, to indicated that the initiative is a strategic step towards harnessing the power of creativity for national development.
“This program underscores the critical role of the creative industry in shaping national identity and addressing societal challenges. By empowering our creatives, we are investing in Nigeria’s future as a cultural and artistic powerhouse,” Musawa stated.
Osarume Akenzua, the Director of Innovation and Enterprise at Tikera Africa, highlighted the program’s broader impact, noting that:
“This residency is more than an artistic journey; it is a mission to re-imagine how art can build bridges, inspire unity, and catalyze change in the creative economy.”
The residency will run in two streams during the first and second quarters of 2025, providing participants with access to state-of-the-art facilities, shared studio spaces, and cultural excursions designed to deepen their connection to Nigeria’s heritage.
Application Details
Deadline: February 15, 2025
Apply via: https://clapnigeria.taplink.ws/
About MADhouse
MADhouse is a creative enterprise incubator dedicated to fostering creativity, innovation, and cultural preservation in Nigeria.
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