Kanem Borno holds 2nd cultural summit

From Timothy Olanrewaju, Borno

Kanem Borno, a pre-colonial empire covering current Borno and Yobe states and Kanuri communities in parts of the north and the Lake Chad region, has announced its second cultural summit in Maiduguri, capital of Borno State, with over 1,000 attendees expected.

Chairman of the Kanem Borno Annual General Conference Cultural Summit, Zannah Hassan Boguma, announced this at a press conference in Maiduguri on Wednesday.

Boguma said the cultural summit is scheduled to be held from 1 to 2 January 2026 in Maiduguri.

According to him, participants, including scholars from Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Sahel nations, will present papers on the sustenance of Kanuri culture, security and the economy of the Lake Chad region, and the recharging of the lake.

“We are expecting over 1000 participants from different parts of the world, mostly from the academics, traditional institutions, cultural experts, groups and associations, senior government officials in the country, political leaders, and cultural ambassadors and administrators,” he told journalists.

He said there will also be strong voices on the insecurity in the region and the role of traditional rulers and religious leaders.

He commended Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum for his support for organising the cultural summit. He said the conference is also collaborating with some cultural institutes in Europe and other nations for the teaching and learning of Kanuri language and culture.

The Kanem Borno Empire was an influential and powerful kingdom before colonial rule. It was known for its strong military, economic, and cultural greatness, extending to neighbouring Chad and Niger republics.