The Kano Durbar Festival has officially been inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, a significant achievement for Nigeria’s cultural landscape.
This prestigious recognition was celebrated during a ceremony in Abuja, where the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, received the certificate of inscription from Dr. Hajo Sani, Nigeria’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO.
Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Nneka Ikem Anibeze in a state indicated that the UNESCO inscription highlighted the cultural importance of the Durbar festival, which celebrates the historical and cultural significance of Kano, uniting the people through music, dance, and rich traditional practices.
“The event is one of Nigeria’s most iconic celebrations, drawing thousands of participants and tourists to the region every year.”

Dr. Sani praised the effort of the Nigerian government in securing the recognition, noting that it brings numerous benefits to both the country and local communities.
She stressed that this achievement adds to Nigeria’s growing collection of intangible cultural heritages, bringing the total to eight such inscribed elements.

“Having the Kano Durbar on the UNESCO list is a huge milestone for Nigeria,” Dr. Sani said. “It not only celebrates the beauty and unity of the festival but also creates opportunities for the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage.”

Minister Musawa expressed her commitment to promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage on the global stage, emphasizing that the inscription provides an opportunity to attract international tourists and foster economic growth through cultural tourism.
She highlighted the need for more Nigerian cultural elements to be recognized by UNESCO, stressing that such recognitions bring both international prestige and tangible benefits to the local economy.

“We are proud that the Kano Durbar is now recognized globally,” Musawa remarked. “This is just the beginning. We aim to expand Nigeria’s presence on the UNESCO list and use our cultural resources to strengthen our economy and create job opportunities through tourism and creative industries.”

The inscription of the Kano Durbar Festival is a testament to Nigeria’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, showcasing the nation’s potential to use its cultural assets to create positive social and economic change.
The festival, known for its majestic processions, colorful costumes, and traditional horsemanship, will now enjoy greater international recognition, further cementing its place as a cultural treasure of humanity.

Africa’s participation in the G20 Ministers of Culture meeting, led by Barrister Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, is a major step forward in the continent’s cultural diplomacy.
The event, which held at the Salvador Convention Centre in Brazil, saw Musawa represent the African Union, where she advocated for the role of Africa’s cultural heritage in advancing economic growth, social cohesion, and global understanding.
Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Nneka Ikem Anibeze in a statement indicated that, Musawa also served as the 1st Vice-Chairperson of the Bureau of the Specialized Technical Committee on Youth, Culture, and Sports within the African Union.

She quoted Musawa to have expressed gratitude for Africa’s inclusion in the discussions and highlighted the continent’s cultural diversity as a source of strength.
The minister reiterated the urgent need for Africa to capitalize on its cultural resources to drive sustainable development and unity within the continent and globally.

“Africa’s cultural diversity is one of our greatest assets. We must use it as a tool to propel development, foster unity, and create shared growth opportunities,” said Musawa.
“Our inclusion in the G20 dialogues ensures that the priorities of our people are heard, and the global conversation better reflects the needs of Africa.”

The Minister praised the historic nature of the African Union’s involvement in the meeting, which provided a platform for critical conversations around culture’s role in shaping Africa’s future.
Musawa underscored the importance of the G20’s Ministerial Declaration, which calls for increased cooperation, greater support for African culture, and more opportunities for Africa to achieve its goals outlined in Agenda 2063.

Musawa also highlighted the importance of cultural rights, diversity, and dialogue as essential for building resilient, inclusive, and innovative societies.
She emphasized that culture should be viewed as a driver of development and social cohesion, a theme that resonated throughout the discussions.

She extended her thanks to Brazil for its exceptional leadership as G20 President and expressed confidence in South Africa’s upcoming presidency. “We appreciate Brazil’s leadership and efforts to elevate culture within the global agenda. As we look to South Africa’s presidency, we are eager to ensure that Africa’s cultural priorities remain at the forefront,” Musawa said.

Throughout the meeting, Musawa engaged with counterparts from several countries, including Saudi Arabia, Angola, South Africa, Korea, China, and France, focusing on key issues within her ministry’s strategic framework.
One notable outcome the statement said was her bilateral meeting with Brazil’s Minister of Culture, where discussions centered around the rehabilitation of Nigeria’s Cultural House in Salvador as part of the Nigeria Destination 2030 initiative, aimed at preserving cultural heritage and enhancing the country’s cultural diplomacy.

The meeting also highlighted the need for increased investment in Africa’s cultural and creative industries.
The African Union emphasized its strategic vision for inclusive and sustainable development and highlighted the importance of cultural diplomacy in strengthening Africa’s global position.

In closing, Musawa reaffirmed the African Union’s commitment to continued collaboration with the G20 and a stronger emphasis on cultural priorities, ensuring that Africa’s voice is heard and its interests are advanced on the global stage.

The Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, has emphasized the power of creative therapy in addressing pressing social and health challenges during the Global South Arts and Health Week at the Nigeria Pavilion in Abuja.
Addressing policymakers, healthcare professionals, artists, and advocates, Musawa underscored the vital role of the arts in promoting healing and resilience within communities.
The special Adviser to the Minister on Media and Publicity Dr. Nneka Ikem Anibeze in a statement quoted Musawa to have highlighted how creativity supports mental health, combats displacement, and assists in recovery from pandemics.
“Art has always been a part of our collective human experience, reflecting our identities, providing comfort, and serving as vehicles for hope and healing.
“As we address challenges in health, displacement, aging, and everyday life, the arts offer us a path forward, transforming pain into healing and inspiring the resilience needed to overcome adversity.”

Musawa advocated for arts-based programs that promote maternal health, mental wellness, and social inclusion.
The Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, she noted, is committed to initiatives that unlock the potential of the creative sector, expand access to the arts, and support cultural expression and creative practitioners.

The event set the stage for ongoing collaboration between art and health sectors, aiming to foster social cohesion, enhance mental well-being, and create inclusive spaces through the transformative power of the arts.