We’re Determined To Promote, Preserve Yobe’s Rich Cultural Heritage – Gov Buni

The Yobe State Governor, Hon Mai Mala Buni, has reaffirmed his administration’s determination to promote and preserve the state’s rich cultural heritage as a means of strengthening unity, peace and socio-economic development.

The governor stated this at the 2026 Daniski–Gudi Hills Festival, an annual cultural event that attracted thousands of participants, including traditional rulers and other prominent personalities from within and outside the state.

Buni, who was represented at the occasion by his deputy, Hon. Idi Barde Gubana (Wazirin Fune), said culture remains a defining element of identity, stressing that every society’s values, norms and traditions reflect its history and collective aspirations.

He noted that the Daniski-Gudi Hills Festival provides a unique platform that unites people with shared heritage and history, adding that such cultural gatherings promote peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding among diverse communities.

The governor urged traditional rulers to continue to play active roles in safeguarding cultural values, describing them as custodians of tradition whose influence is critical to preserving heritage and promoting peace, tourism and development in Yobe State.

According to him, the celebration represents an important cultural milestone that contributes to preserving identity, enhancing social cohesion and creating opportunities for tourism and economic investment.

Buni disclosed that, as part of deliberate efforts to revive endangered traditions, his administration has constituted a committee on the revitalisation of cultural heritage, with specific attention to Kukuwa and other indigenous cultures across the state.

He explained that the committee would work closely with traditional institutions to ensure that every emirate council in the state has at least one cultural heritage to showcase, adding that the government would also explore the possibility of providing facilities at the Daniski-Gudi festival venue to enhance future events.

In his remarks, the Emir of Fika and Chairman of the Yobe State Council of Traditional Rulers, Dr Muhammad Abali Ibn Muhammad Idrissa, who was the chief host, described the festival as a celebration of rich cultural heritage, including traditional dances, local crafts and the display of shared diversity.

He said the annual event is crucial for fostering social cohesion, preserving heritage and promoting mental wellbeing by reconnecting people with their roots and traditions.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Service, Hamidu Isa Babi, traced the historical origin of the Bolewa people, explaining that Daniski was the first location where they laid claim to a defined territory after a long period of migration from the shores of Lake Chad.

He said the naturally fortified hilltops of Daniski provided security for early settlers, shielding them from external influence and attacks, which helped preserve their beliefs, norms and traditions and enabled the growth of a major settlement that once housed about 15,000 inhabitants.

The event featured colourful traditional dances and a rich durbar and was attended by emirs from Bade, Damaturu, Biu, Askira, Shaleng, Shani, Gwoza, Tikau, Potiskum, Fune, Jajere and Ngelzara.