The African International Documentary Festival Foundation (AFIDFF) has successfully concluded the UNESCO World Heritage Volunteers (WHV) 2025 Action Camp at the Ancient Kano City Walls and Associated Sites, marking a major milestone in heritage conservation, youth engagement, digital documentation, and cultural diplomacy in Nigeria.
Held from October 19th to 25th, the Kano WHV 2025 Campaign brought together both international and national volunteers from across Africa and beyond, alongside conservation experts, cultural custodians, creative professionals, and government institutions. Together, they supported awareness, preservation, and documentation efforts across historic sites, including Dala Hill, Kurmi Market, Kofar Mata Dye Pits, Gidan Makama Museum, Minjibir Textile Village, and the Ancient Kano City Walls.
A key focus of the WHV 2025 programme in Kano was the digital documentation of heritage attributes at the Ancient Kano City Walls, Dala Hill, Kurmi Market, and the Emir’s Palace, in line with global objectives for preservation, conservation, and restoration. Through these efforts, the initiative raised awareness of Kano’s centuries-old traditions, architectural ingenuity, and cultural significance, while supporting advocacy for the sites’ recognition for their Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) in preparation for a future UNESCO World Heritage nomination dossier. The campaign also deepened intercultural understanding and strengthened youth participation, empowering volunteers to engage directly in heritage protection, community development, and cultural storytelling.
The successful implementation of the Kano Action Camp was made possible through the support and collaboration of His Excellency Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, The Executive Governor of Kano state; Kano State Ministry of Tourism and Culture; Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy; National Commission for Museums and Monuments; National Council for Arts and Culture; Nigerian Tourism Development Authority; Nigerian Red Cross Society; Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board; Maryam Abacha American University Kano; National Troupe of Nigeria; Herwa Heart of Arts Initiative; Kano State Traditional and Emirate Council; Kano State Local Government Council; artisans and traders from Kurmi Market; youth and women’s associations; Nigerian Television Authority; News Agency of Nigeria; and various local media organisations.
Through their guidance and support, volunteers participated in restoration activities, environmental conservation exercises, documentation workshops, cultural immersion, and community engagement programmes that significantly strengthened the visibility of the Ancient Kano City Walls, currently on the UNESCO Tentative List.
Closing the action camp in Kano, volunteers participated in the opening ceremony of KANFEST 2025, a vibrant cultural celebration hosted by the Kano State Government. During the event, His Excellency Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf emphasized the importance of heritage as a living resource that must be preserved for future generations and reiterated the government’s commitment to revitalizing traditional cultural institutions across the state. Volunteers also experienced a rare and memorable moment at the Emir’s Palace, where a mini-Durbar showcasing an iconic royal procession, one that had not been held in nearly two years, was performed in honour of the visit. These cultural moments offered volunteers a profound understanding of Kano’s enduring heritage and the significance of its leadership in safeguarding historical identity.
In recognition of exemplary contributions to cultural preservation, AFIDFF presented Awards of Excellence to His Royal Highness Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, the 14th Emir of Kano, and to His Excellency Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. Both leaders were honoured for championing heritage promotion, supporting youth-focused initiatives, and advancing the cultural identity of Kano as one of West Africa’s most historically influential city-states.
The WHV 2025 Initiative, currently being implemented across 41 countries with 89 action camps globally, reinforces the importance of youth engagement, sustainable tourism, cultural education, and community-driven heritage protection. AFIDFF extends its appreciation to UNESCO and the Executive Governor of Kano State, His Excellency Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Secretary to the State Government Mal. Umar Farouk Ibrahim, the Kano Emirate Council, all the good people of Kano State, National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Ministry of Art and Culture Kano State, Ministry of History and Culture Bureau Kano State, Maryam Abacha American University Nigeria Kano, National Troupe of Nigeria, Herwa Heart Initiative, National Council for art and culture and all institutional partners whose partnership ensured the success of the Kano World Heritage Volunteer programme.
