By Abdul Kareem
Despite organizational hiccups and unimpressive media attention, the historic ‘maiden Kanem Borno Cultural Summit’ left the city of Maiduguri ablaze with the most colorful cultural splendor over the past weekend.
The maiden event, which summoned a mammoth crowd from across Nigeria and neighboring West and Central African nations, injected a long-missed vibrancy into the once embattled city — the likes of which hadn’t been seen in two decades.
Children, including those in their late teens, who were joyfully dancing and hopping after beautifully resplendent horses during the grand durbar, may have experienced the true essence of their cultural heritage and grandeur for the first time. This is due to the nearly two-decade-long insurgency, which either uprooted them from their communities or led to their birth in IDP camps.
The Shehu of Borno, His Eminence, Abubakar Umar Garbai Allamin El-Kanemi, alongside over 40 District Heads, culminated the three-day cultural extravaganza with a grand durbar, a stunning celebration of peace, unity, and the enduring spirit of the Kanem Bornu dynasty.
The Summit, attended by the Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, and a host of dignitaries from Chad, Niger, Cameroon, Ghana, and the Central African Republic, has become a beacon of restored tranquility and togetherness in the region.
The theme of the Summit, “Towards achieving sustainable peace, fostering unity and development,” echoed throughout the gathering and into the hearts of the attendees.
Zanna Hassan-Boguma, the Chairman of the Organizing Committee, described the event as a golden opportunity, especially for the youth, to connect with the rich tapestry of their ancestry, which spans over a millennium.
The Federal government, as voiced by Vice President Kashim Shettima during the Summit, reaffirmed its commitment to honoring and preserving the diverse cultural heritages of Nigeria’s ethnic groups as a pathway to enduring peace and unity.
Shettima, represented by the Borno state Governor, Babagana Zulum, acknowledged the cultural losses suffered due to insurgency but emphasized the resurgence of cultural identity as the state reclaims its peaceful standing.
The Summit not only celebrated the past but also opened avenues for the future. Promises of partnerships between the Federal government and Borno state for subsequent events, and the creation of a museum to safeguard cultural artifacts, underlined the commitment to cultural preservation.
Governor Zulum, in his usual display of candour acknowledged the organization lapses and gaps which he said must be improved upon in the subsequent edition of the fiesta.
The Shehu of Borno himself underscored the importance of unity and appealed to the business community to aid in alleviating economic hardships.
The colloquium, a core part of the Summit, welcomed national assembly members, heads of Federal agencies, traditional rulers from various regions, academics, and delegates from numerous African countries at the mega hall within the University of Maiduguri.
The discussions there were enriched by Professor Sani Lugga’s presentation on the grandeur of the Kanem Borno Empire, calling for a comprehensive documentation of its history.
The closing Special Durbar, held at Ramat Square, saw an incredible turnout of Kanuri-speaking people from Nigeria and beyond, celebrating with horse parades, traditional music, and displays of Kanuri finery.
The event was not just a cultural showcase but a testament to the enduring Kanuri identity, resonating with attendees, including high-profile politicians and traditional rulers from across the continent.
This Summit, without a doubt, has set a precedent for cultural renaissance in the region, offering a glimmer of hope and a promise of resurgence for the Kanem Borno Empire’s descendants, and for Maiduguri, a city reclaiming its place as a hub of cultural magnificence.
The three-day event, which is a testament to the passion of the Shehu of Borno, His Royal Eminence, Alhaji Abubakar Garbai Allamin Ibn Elkanemi, for preserving and promoting the revered Kanuri culture and tradition, has indeed transformed the ancient city of Maiduguri into a vibrant display ground of cultural splendor that will continued to be remembered until the next summit in two years.
The Humanitarian Times 