About the Summit
The summit under the absolute guidance of His Excellency Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, mni, FNSE, CON, His Eminence the Shehu of Borno Alhaji (Dr) Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi CFR, sought to mobilize and bring together the Kanem Borno tribes from home and across the globe including sister countries for socialization, knowledge sharing, networking, and peace building.
It is designed to contribute to the ambitious, yet scalable visionary development aspiration of Borno State (the Borno State Development Plan and 10-year Strategic Transformation Plan, the 10-Pact Agenda of Governor Zulum, the NEDC Northeast Development Master Plan, and the Lake Chad Basin Commission’s Regional Stabilisation Plan) in the next 25 years and beyond, whose ideas were conceived by the Government of Borno State, Federal Government of Nigeria, and Lake Chad Basin Regional Governments.
A robust approach has been put in place with expertise drawn from across various fields of endeavour.
Our Story →Cultural Highlights
- Islamic scholarship and manuscript tradition
- Distinctive cuisine including millet-based dishes
- Traditional textiles and weaving techniques
- Unique musical traditions and instruments
- Rich oral histories and storytelling traditions
Summit Program
Day 1: Historical Foundations
9:00 AM - Opening Ceremony
Traditional welcome and keynote address
11:00 AM - Panel: The Rise of Kanem
Scholars discuss the early formation of the empire
2:00 PM - Workshop: Ancient Trade Routes
Exploring trans-Saharan trade networks
Day 2: Cultural Expressions
9:30 AM - Traditional Music & Dance
Performances and demonstrations
1:00 PM - Artisan Demonstrations
Craftsmanship in leather, metal, and textiles
4:00 PM - Oral Traditions
Storytelling and griot performances
Day 3: Contemporary Relevance
10:00 AM - Youth Engagement
Strategies for cultural preservation among youth
1:30 PM - Cultural Tourism
Sustainable tourism development in the region
4:00 PM - Closing Ceremony
Summary of findings and cultural performances
Featured Kanem-Borno Heritage
Kanem Borno Cultural Attire
Borno State - Kanem Borno Cultural Attire
A proud display of Kanem–Borno cultural identity, showcasing traditional Kanuri attire worn with dignity and elegance. The men appear in embroidered gowns and the iconic red caps, symbols of heritage and status, while the women shine in vibrant wraps and beautifully styled headscarves. This scene reflects the enduring beauty, pride, and unity of Kanuri traditions passed down through generations.
Durbar Festival
Maiduguri, Northern Nigeria - Kanem Cultural Summit 2024
is annual forum to create a conducive environment for the Kanem communities to reconnect, collaborate, and progress in terms promotion of culture, languages, and business tourism. It is expected to have a positive impact on the Kanem people, enhancing their social, cultural, and economic development.
Kanembu Musical Traditions
Lake Chad Region - Musical Heritage
This image highlights a traditional performance in the Kanem–Borno region, where musicians play a central role in cultural ceremonies. It reflects the community’s enduring respect for heritage, craftsmanship, and social cohesion.
Register for the Summit
Contact the Summit Organizers
Get Involved
The Kanem Borno Cultural Summit welcomes scholars, cultural practitioners, and community members to participate in preserving and promoting this rich heritage.
Headquarters
Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
info@kanembornosummit.org
Phone
+234 123 456 7890