Minister Vows To Seek UNESCO Recognition For More Nigerian Festivals
By GBENGA ADEOLA
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has
promised to push for recognition for more cultural festivals in Kebbi
and other states to complement the inscription of Argungu festival as
an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO.
The Minister made the promise in Kebbi on Sunday, after he was
turbaned as the ‘Kakakin Kabi’ (Cultural Ambassador and Emirate
Spokesman) by the Argungu Emirate Council in Kebbi State.
He described Kebbi State as a frontline cultural and tourism state in
the country, thanks to its many unique cultural festivals which, he
said, are also veritable tourism products.
“Kebbi State today is one of the frontline cultural and tourism states
in the whole country. I say this not because I am being turbaned as
‘Kakakin Kabi’ but because of the reality. Each of the four Emirates
that constitute the Kebbi Kingdom actually has unique and sellable
tourism products.
“I start with Argungu. The Argungu International Fishing and Cultural
Festival is known not just in Nigeria but all over the world and I am
proud to say that it’s one of the few that have been inscribed on the
list of intangible heritage of UNESCO,” Alhaji Mohammed said.
He said while the Gwandu Emirate showcases the annual Hotungu cultural
festival of thanksgiving by the Fulani for the safe return of their
cattle after the farming season, the Yauri Emirate boasts of the Boat
Regatta while the Zuru Emirate owns the Uhola Festival to celebrate
bumper harvest and showcase different farming tools and implements.
“As the Cultural Ambassador of Kebbi, I would endeavour to ensure that
we develop all these festivals in a manner that many more will be
listed on the UNESCO list of intangible heritage. We will also work
assiduously to ensure that these festivals become a magnet to unite
Nigeria,” he said.
Speaking at the colourful ceremony held at the palace of the Emir of
Argungu, Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammad Mera, the Minister thanked the
Emirate for turbaning him as their Cultural Ambassador and described
Kebbi State as the citadel of culture and tourism.
He thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for providing all the necessary
support towards the development of the Creative Industry in Nigeria,
and called on philanthropists to invest in promoting cultural
festivals and
In his remarks, the Emir of Argungu said the Emirate conferred the
title of ‘Kakakin Kabi’ on the Minister in appreciation of his efforts
in promoting the Argungu Fishing Festival to a World Heritage status
as well as his unflinching loyalty, courage and strength of character
in the discharge of his duties to the Federal Republic of Nigeria,
both locally and on the international stage.
“We are grateful to witness this day and have the opportunity to
perform this final traditional rites of conferring the traditional
title of ‘Kakakin Kabi’ on one of the most deserving Nigerians, Alhaji
Lai Mohammed, the Honourable Minister of Information and Culture of
the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
Dignitaries at the occasion include the Chief of Staff to Kebbi State
Governor, Alhaji Suleiman Mohammed, who represented the Governor; Wife
of the Minister, Mrs. Kudirat Lai Mohammed; management staff of the
Federal Ministry of Information and Culture; Director-General of the
National Broadcasting Commission Balarabe Shehu Illelah; DG of
National Commission for Museums and Monuments Abba Isa Tijani; DG of
Nigerian Institute for Cultural Orientation Mohammed Ado Yahuza and DG
of National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism Nura Kangiwa;
Executive Director, National Film and Video Censors Board Adebayo
Thomas, and District Heads of the Emirate.
