Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has directed all Emirs in Kano State to ensure the continued celebration of the annual Durbar festival as part of efforts to preserve the state’s rich cultural heritage.

The governor made the declaration during the opening of Kanfest (Kalankuwa) 2025, a three-day cultural festival organized to celebrate Kano’s diversity, empower creatives, engage youth and women, and strengthen global cultural partnerships that position the state on the world’s cultural map.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Governor Yusuf reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fully support the emirates in sustaining the centuries-old tradition of horsemanship and cultural pageantry that define the Durbar festival.

Governor Yusuf emphasized that his administration will continue to invest in arts, culture, and tourism as key drivers of social unity, youth empowerment, and economic diversification in Kano State.

The Emir of Kano and Chairman of the State Council of Emirates, Dr Muhammadu Sanusi II, commended the state government for its foresight in restoring the dignity and cultural values of the Kano people. He described the Durbar as a symbol of unity, identity, and historical pride.

The three-day Kanfest 2025 features exhibitions of local cuisine, traditional performances, games, drama, crafts, fabrics, pottery, and academic paper presentations by cultural experts.

The event attracted traditional title holders, members of the diplomatic corps, artisans, investors, youth groups, cultural troupes, and other stakeholders in the culture and tourism sector.