AFIDFF Strengthens Partnership with MAAUN-AISD Ahead of UNESCO World Heritage Volunteers Programme in Kano State

As part of its continued efforts to promote cultural preservation and youth engagement, the African International Documentary Festival Foundation (AFIDFF) has reaffirmed its partnership with Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN), Kano, and the African Institute for Solutions and Development (AISD) in preparation for the 2025 UNESCO World Heritage Volunteers (WHV) Initiative.

On June 24, 2025, the Director General of AFIDFF, Malame N. Mangzha, alongside the Foundation’s Director of Special Initiatives, Mr. Abba Gadzama, paid a strategic courtesy visit to MAAUN and AISD. The visit was part of ongoing preparatory engagements for the WHV 2025 action camp, which will be hosted in Kano State and focus on the Ancient Kano City Walls and Associated Sites, one of Africa’s most remarkable and historic cultural landscapes.

During the visit, the AFIDFF team met with university leadership to explore areas of collaboration, strengthen institutional support, and align strategic plans for hosting the international volunteer program. Discussions focused on the joint development of heritage education activities, youth training, and community engagement, all in line with UNESCO’s global vision of "Working on the Future."

The AFIDFF delegation was warmly received by the President of MAAUN, Prof. (Dr.) Mohammed Israr, whose commitment to youth empowerment and academic excellence aligns strongly with the objectives of the WHV initiative. The Foundation also acknowledged the pivotal roles played by Dr. Salisu Mohammed, Executive Director of AISD, and Dr. Audu Liman in driving the collaboration forward.

“We are grateful for the unwavering support from MAAUN and AISD. Their expertise and enthusiasm will be instrumental in delivering a successful WHV action camp that educates, empowers, and preserves heritage,” said Malame Mangzha.

The 2025 WHV action camp in Kano is expected to draw international and national volunteers to engage in heritage conservation, cultural education, and community service—all aimed at raising global awareness of Kano’s Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) and supporting Nigeria’s heritage advancement agenda.

Together, AFIDFF and its academic and community partners are committed to safeguarding cultural history, promoting volunteerism, and empowering the next generation of heritage champions.

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