The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has presented the certificate on the inscription of Kano Durbar on the Representative List of Intangible  Cultural Heritage of Humanity to Nigeria.

Hajo Sani, permanent representative of Nigeria to UNESCO, presented the certificate to Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and  Creative Economy, on Tuesday in Abuja.

Ms Sani said the dossier on Kano Durbar was officially considered and approved at the 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, comprising 24 states, including Nigeria.

According to the permanent representative, the dossier on Kano Durbar met all five criteria that must be satisfied for an element to be inscribed on the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

“After its submission in 2023, following rigorous technical works, the dossier on the Kano Durbar satisfied all the criteria based on the evaluation of the Advisory Body of Experts.

“In the decision papers wherein the inscription was approved on December  5, 2024, in Paraguay, the intergovernmental committee specifically congratulated Nigeria for the outstanding nomination file,” she stated.

While congratulating Nigeria on the feat, Ms Sani said there was a need for all stakeholders to work assiduously so that the nation could secure more inscriptions from UNESCO.

She said Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage should earn more items from UNESCO if properly harnessed.

Kano Durbar is a yearly festival in Kano, Nigeria, celebrating the region’s culture and heritage through a grand horse parade.

It is acclaimed to be the largest procession of colourful horses in the world, and it has evolved with the history, culture, and tradition of the people of Kano over a period of time.

(NAN)