Shani, Borno State (Nigeria): Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Sunday commended the Shani Emirate for sustaining the Menwara cultural festival, describing it as a vital tradition that strengthens unity and preserves the rich heritage of the people.
The governor made the commendation during this year’s festival, marking the completion of the farming season at Shani Local Government Area.
However, Zulum, who, as his Deputy, Alhaji Usman Kadafur, represented, described the festival as a reflection of the unity, resilience, and rich cultural heritage of Southern Borno.
According to him, the festival transcends entertainment, as it showcases shared traditions across the Northeast and embodies the values of mutual respect and community cooperation that have been passed down through generations.
The governor further commended the Emir of Shani and the Emirate Council for their foresight in preserving cultural identity.
Zulum said his administration was committed to recognising traditional institutions as partners in governance.
He, therefore, called on the state Ministry of Culture and Tourism, as well as international bodies such as UNESCO, to take note of the rich cultural festivals in Borno and harness their potential.
The governor also assured the people of Shani and Southern Borno that his administration would continue to provide critical social amenities, improve infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic opportunities in both urban and remote communities.
He said that the request for a central Mosque in Shani would receive due consideration by his administration alongside other development appeals.
Earlier, the Emir of Shani, Alhaji Muhammad Mailafiya, expressed gratitude to Allah for the successful completion of the farming season.
The emir also described the festival as an important annual gathering that brings together people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds to celebrate peace, unity, and shared identity.
He said that the platform provided the indigenes of Shani Emirate, both at home and in the diaspora, with the opportunity to reconnect and exchange ideas that could contribute to the progress of the people throughout the entire state.
Mailafiya, however, commended Zulum for the developmental projects executed in Shani by his administration, saying the governor’s interventions and commitment have significantly improved the lives of his subjects.
The traditional ruler further appealed to the Borno government to consider constructing a befitting Central Mosque in Shani to accommodate worshippers from the emirate and neighbouring communities.
The Kanakuru, Bura-Pabur, and Fulani communities share a long history of cordial relations and cultural exchange, strengthened over centuries despite the influence of the Fulani Jihad, which introduced Islamic and Fulani elements while allowing each group to retain its distinct identity.
Against this backdrop, the annual Menwara Cultural Festival continues to serve not only as a display of dance and entertainment but also as a vital platform for promoting unity and harmony among communities across the Shani Emirate and the wider North-east.
The event was attended by the Chairman of the Bauchi State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu; the Emir of Gombe, Dr Abubakar Shehu Abubakar; the Shehu of Bama, Alhaji Dr Umar Kyari Umar El-Kanemi; and the Emir of Biu, Alhaji Dr Umar Mustapha II.
Others included Amna Shelleng, Alhaji Abdullahi Isa Dasong, the Kwandi Dishon of Guyuk, Murum Mbula Bentley Biyapo of Demsa, and the Hamma Bata of Hummon, Alhamdu Teneke.
