Kano Inaugurates Organizing Committee for UNESCO World Heritage Volunteers (WHV) Programme 2025
Kano Inaugurates Organizing Committee for UNESCO World Heritage Volunteers (WHV) Programme 2025
In a spirited drive to strengthen and enliven the rich cultural heritage that has defined Hausaland long before the advent of colonialism, the Kano State Government has inaugurated the Organizing Committee for the UNESCO World Heritage Volunteers (WHV) Programme 2025 — a landmark initiative that underscores the State’s renewed commitment to cultural preservation, youth engagement, and sustainable development.
The inauguration, which marks a significant milestone in preparations for the WHV 2025 Programme, was performed by the Secretary to the State Governme, Alhaji Umar Faruq Ibrahim, who represented His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf. The event signified Kano’s readiness to collaborate with UNESCO in fostering community participation and promoting cultural heritage conservation on the global stage.
In his address, Alhaji Umar Faruq Ibrahim commended UNESCO for its continuous collaboration with member states, noting that the programme aligns perfectly with the vision of the Kano State Government under Governor Yusuf to promote culture, heritage, and tourism as key drivers of sustainable development.
“The Kano State Government remains fully committed to driving growth in all sectors, particularly in the preservation and promotion of our cultural heritage,” he stated. “Through this initiative, we seek to further position Kano as a beacon of history, culture, and creativity—not only in Nigeria but across Africa.”
Delivering an acceptance speech on behalf of members of the newly inaugurated Organizing Committee, the Honourable Commissioner for Tourism and Culture, Hajiya Aisha Lawan Saji, expressed gratitude to the State Government for the confidence reposed in them.
“We accept this responsibility with deep appreciation and unwavering commitment,” she said. “Kano’s heritage is the foundation of our identity—a priceless legacy of traditions, customs, and historical landmarks that must be safeguarded for generations yet unborn. We shall work collectively to ensure that this initiative leaves a lasting impact.”
Speaking further, the Programme Director, UNESCO WHV Nigeria 2025, Malame N. Mangzha, commended Kano State for its leading role in safeguarding Africa’s cultural assets, particularly the preservation of Kurmi Market, Dala Hills, and other archaeological sites that represent the cradle of Hausa civilization.
“Kano holds a special place in the preservation of Africa’s cultural heritage,” she said. “Its vibrant traditions are living testaments of resilience and identity. This project will further strengthen Kano’s global cultural standing.”
Malame N. Mangzha added that several national and international organizations are expected to partner in the forthcoming programme, which will enhance Kano’s status as a cultural hub and attract investments to the North-West and Nigeria at large.
“Today’s flag-off forms part of a national campaign to engage communities, youth, traditional institutions, and stakeholders in heritage protection—aligning with UNESCO’s vision of promoting culture, environmental conservation, sustainable tourism, and youth empowerment,” she explained, while commending the Kano State Government for the warmth and hospitality that, according to her, “surpassed all other states visited so far for the same mission.”
The Organizing Committee, chaired by Hajiya Aisha Lawan Saji, comprises eminent personalities drawn from government institutions, academia, and the cultural sector. Among them are Professor Tijjani Muhammad Naniya, Special Adviser on Emirate Councils; Dr. Bashir Abdu Muzakkari, Director General of the Kano State Information Technology Development Agency; and Abdul Saadu Zakirai, Permanent Secretary, Protocol Directorate, Government House.
Others include Mal. Yusuf Abdallah, former Director General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments; Mal. Ibrahim Ado Kurawa, former Director General, Research and Documentation; Arch. Ahmad Yusuf, Executive Secretary, Kano State History and Culture Bureau; and Abba Al-Mustapha, Executive Secretary, Kano State Film Censorship Board.
Also serving on the committee are Umar Sale Anka, Director of Climate Change at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change; Halima Tukur from the Ministry of Education; Nura H. A. Yargaya and Opt. Bala Abdullahi from the Office of the Director General, Special Services; a Representative of the Kano Emirate Council; and Ahmad Ado Muhammad, representing the Gidan Makama Museum.
The secretariat of the committee is coordinated by Binta Mukhtar Abdullahi, Principal Assistant Secretary, REPA (Office of the SSG), who serves as Secretary, and Jamilu Usman, Assistant Secretary II, REPA (Office of the SSG).
The UNESCO WHV Kano Programme 2025 is expected to deepen awareness of cultural preservation, promote sustainable tourism, and strengthen community participation in heritage protection. The initiative underscores Kano’s enduring reputation as a cradle of history and civilization and its unwavering resolve to project that heritage onto the global stage.
Musa Tanko Muhammad
Press Secretary, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Kano
Date: October 17, 2025
