AFIDFF Presents 2024 UNESCO WHV Report as Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy Flags Off 2025 Campaign

On 1st September 2025, the African International Documentary Festival Foundation (AFIDFF), in collaboration with the National Park Service, the Taraba State Government through the Ministry of Heritage and Eco-Tourism, and 17 partner organizations, presented the 2024 UNESCO World Heritage Volunteers (WHV) Report to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Dr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad.

The presentation marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to conserve and promote its unique cultural and natural heritage.

The report showcases the remarkable work carried out at the Sukur Cultural Landscape (Adamawa) and Gashaka-Gumti National Park (Taraba), presenting key recommendations and celebrating achievements in heritage preservation, biodiversity, and community engagement. It also highlights the preliminary steps taken towards the elevation of Gashaka-Gumti National Park to UNESCO World Heritage status, in alignment with Nigeria’s broader cultural and natural heritage preservation goals, and outlines the next steps required for the park’s formal recognition as a World Heritage Site, and includes the Terms of Reference submitted, detailing the roles of the participating organizations, Taraba State Government and the Ministry.

Speaking on behalf of the Implementing Committee, the Director General of AFIDFF, Ms. Malame Mangzha, highlighted the collaborative efforts behind the program, she stated: “Today marks a significant milestone in our shared commitment to safeguarding and celebrating Nigeria’s rich cultural and natural heritage. This report is a testament to the commitments and dedication of our partners and volunteers, whose tireless efforts have not only advanced heritage protection but also strengthened cultural pride and heightened conservation awareness.”

She further highlighted AFIDFF’s longstanding collaboration with the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) and the Nigerian National Commission for UNESCO (NATCOM), noting that these partnerships have been instrumental in advancing heritage preservation initiatives. She also noted AFIDFF’s recent international recognition with the Global Award for World Heritage Innovative Cases, presented at the UNESCO 47th Session in Paris in July for its work at the Sukur Cultural Landscape.

In his response, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, commended AFIDFF and its partners for their commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s heritage. He further praised the growing involvement of the private sector in supporting cultural and natural heritage initiatives, emphasizing its vital role in complementing government efforts. Dr. Muhammad assured stakeholders of the Ministry’s full support, formally flagged off the 2025 campaign, and received the 2024 Report on Gashaka-Gumti National Park and the Sukur Cultural Landscape, highlighting government’s dedication to advancing conservation and tourism development.

He also announced that the 2025 projects will focus on three priority heritage sites: the Ancient City of Kano and its Associated Sites (19th–26th September), Gashaka-Gumti National Park, Taraba State (25th September–1st October), and the Sukur Cultural Landscape, Adamawa State (2nd–9th November).