AFIDFF Presents 2025 UNESCO WHV Report to Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy

The African International Documentary Festival Foundation (AFIDFF) has officially presented the 2025 UNESCO World Heritage Volunteers (WHV) Action Camp Report to the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Dr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, at a meeting held on 28th January 2026 at the Ministry’s conference room.

The presentation was led by the Director General of AFIDFF, Mrs. Malame Mangzha, as part of ongoing engagement with the Federal Government to strengthen collaboration around heritage conservation, youth-led stewardship, and Nigeria’s pathway toward increased representation on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The meeting was also attended by Ms. Zainab Ali Biu, Director International  Cultural Relations, FMACTCE, alongside other Ministry officials.

During the meeting, the Permanent Secretary commended AFIDFF for its dedication, professionalism, and the successful implementation of the 2025 WHV Action Camps in Kano and Adamawa States. He described the outcomes as encouraging and impactful, noting that the reports reflect practical models of youth-driven heritage stewardship, documentation, and community engagement.

The Permanent Secretary further emphasized that while the achievements recorded are significant, more work still needs to be done to advance Nigeria’s heritage agenda. He expressed enthusiasm about AFIDFF’s continued efforts and reiterated his commitment to supporting initiatives that will ensure Nigeria’s important heritage places are inscribed as National Monuments and positioned for future UNESCO World Heritage nomination, with active involvement of the Federal Government.

Highlights of the meeting included the presentation of key findings and outcomes from the WHV 2025 Action Camps, screening of a short documentary review of the action camps, discussion on next steps toward UNESCO World Heritage nomination processes, and conversations around additional restoration works and heritage projects to be implemented in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

AFIDFF reaffirmed its commitment to complementing government efforts by integrating documentary practice, digital heritage tools, and community-based approaches into UNESCO-aligned programmes across Nigeria.