The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has officially inscribed Kano Durbar on its Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The decision was adopted at the ongoing 19th Session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Asunción, Republic of Paraguay. This makes Kano Durbar the eighth element from Nigeria to receive this recognition.
The announcement was made in a statement on Thursday by Caleb Nor, Media Assistant to the Executive Secretary/CEO of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO).
READ ALSO: Insecurity: Katsina Emirate Council cancels Eid royal exhibition festival
Breaking the news, the Executive Secretary/CEO of NICO, Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, expressed gratitude to UNESCO’s Evaluation Body for the recognition. He said, “On behalf of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu; the Honourable Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy and the entire people of Nigeria, I say thank you for this immense recognition of a culture that serves not only the people of Kano but the entire northern Nigeria.”
Ajiboye emphasized the significance of the Durbar, describing it as a “social contract that binds the individual community to each other in a way that fosters social cohesion.” He added, “It is driven by collective purpose, creative ingenuity, and a sense of communal dedication to centuries-old cultural patrimony. This element is at the very core of our sustainable development as a people.”
The Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of Nigeria to UNESCO, Dr. Hajo Sani, also commended the Committee’s unanimous decision. She noted that the recognition affirms the role of culture and tradition in human development. “Kano Durbar celebrates leadership, elegance, and the power of cooperation between communities and ethnicities. Its inscription will contribute to the visibility of the intangible cultural heritage of the people and raise awareness of its importance at the local level,” she said.
Held since 1466, the Kano Durbar features a grand procession of 10,000 horsemen alongside men and women performing traditional displays passed down through generations. The festival occurs annually during the Muslim celebrations of Eid-el-Fitr and Eid-el-Kabir, as well as on other special occasions.
The Durbar is a vibrant showcase of culture and unity, bringing together various ethnic groups such as the Hausa, Fulani, Arabs, Nupe, Yoruba, and Tuaregs. Over time, it has integrated diverse cultural elements and created economic opportunities, empowering local communities through craftsmanship and cultural tourism.
The festival’s growing popularity has seen it replicated in other states across northern Nigeria and featured in national events like the Abuja Carnival. According to Dr. Sani, “The Durbar’s creative content, including equestrian skills, apparel, and artistry, highlights one of the best equestrian heritages in the world.”
Ajiboye concluded by reiterating Nigeria’s commitment to preserving the heritage. “We are happy and grateful, once again, for this inscription. It brings us pride, and we are determined to take solid safeguarding measures to preserve this great intangible heritage of humanity for future generations.”
Members of the Nigerian delegation to the UNESCO session included Mr. Augustus Babajide Ajibola, a consultant to NICO, and Dr. Remi Olajide, Adviser to the Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of Nigeria to UNESCO.
