FG set to establish Kanem Museum in Borno

The Federal Government is set to establish Kanem Museum that will serve as a centre for research, documentation, and tourist site as well as preserve the ancient Borno cultural heritage arts, and artifacts.

The Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, disclosed this in Maiduguri on Saturday during the first Kanem Borno Cultural Summit Colloquium with the theme “Toward Achieving Sustainable Development”.

She noted that the Kanem museum will be stocked with Kanuri artifacts and antiques that reflect the historical and cultural identity of ancient Kanem Borno Empire and Civilization.

According to her, despite the security challenges faced by people in Borno, they remained steadfast in maintaining their cultural heritage.

“Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy would establish Kanem Borno Museum to preserve Kanuri’s cultural identity and heritage.

She also requested the Borno state government to support her ministry in establishing the museum, so that people from all over the world can come, see and appreciate the ancient culture of Kanem Borno empire.

Speaking, Borno Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum said the state government will continue collaborating with traditional leaders to preserve and protect the ancient Kanem Borno cultural identity which is a symbol of pride to all Kanuri people.

“Let us come together and preserve our rich cultural heritage, this event would provide necessary avenue to inculcate our culture to our young generations, and the people of Borno are united.

“This administration is committed in advancement of our cultural heritage, therefore, I urge you all to support us in Achieving that.

“This would help us in restoration of our lost glory as a result of insurgency, it would also help us toward restoring peace and security in Borno and Chad Basin area in general.

“We are going to hold another cultural summit by the year 2025, better than this one, this is just the beginning, I urged you to be patient with us and cooperate with us in preserving our culture,” said Zulum.

The Chief host of the summit, Shehu Abubakar Ibn Umar Garba Al-Amin Elkanemi, said Kanuri-speaking people from Chad, Niger, Cameroon, Central Africa, Libya, and other countries have all gathered to witness the first-ever Kanem Borno Cultural Summit in Maiduguri.

He called on the businessmen in Borno to avoid hoarding food items and critical goods, as a sign of respect for humanity which is a symbol of Kanem Borno Empire.

“Allah is not happy with those who intentionally want to inflict suffering and hardship to others, to this end, I urged you to stop hoarding food items in this critical economic situation because that is not in our culture,” said Shehu of Borno.

In his welcome address, the Borno state Secretary to the State Government, name, said the Lake Chad Basin has been troubled with security challenges but gradually peace is returning to the state.

“Kanem Borno with the return of peace to our dear state and the Lake Chad Basin, we are hoping to recover our lost glory.

Also speaking, former vice president, Babagana Kingibe said the summit has created a platform for Kanuris to promote their cultural identity to the world.

Kingibe also prayed for restoration of peace and security in Borno and Chad Basin area.

In his remark, the Chairman of Borno Emirate Concerned Citizens Forum, Zanna Bogma described the event as sign of unifying the old Kanem Borno family and its culture which has history of over 1,500 years.

“The purpose of this event is to brainstorm and find lasting solutions to our security challenges facing Borno and Lake Chad Basin in general and to remind people that we are Kanuris, we are people of culture, religious, and dignity,” said Bogma.

The dignitaries in attendance include the representative of Vice President, Kashim Shattima, Umar Usman Kadafur, President of Chad, Councilor General Biso Yusuf, Senator Malum Bura of Niger Republic, Emir of Fika, HRH. Dr. Muhammadu Idrissa, Emir of Lafian Barebari, HRH. Justice Sidi Badge, the emir of Damaturu, HRH. Dr. Shehu Hashimi El-Kanemi II, Prof. Sani Lugga, and other emir’s representatives from West African countries.