Art and Culture Will Drive Yobe State’s Renaissance – Hajiya Husna Ibrahim
Art and Culture Will Drive Yobe State’s Renaissance—Hajiya Husna Ibrahim
Jerry Adesewo and Auwal Ahmad
Yobe, a northeastern state in Nigeria, has grappled with the challenges of insurgency in the last decade, but Hajiya Husna Ibrahim, the Director of the Yobe State Council for Arts and Culture, believes that the pathway to recovery lies in the realm of arts and culture. In an exclusive interview with OurNigeria News, she highlighted the state’s cultural treasures and outlined the strategic plans to position Yobe as a global cultural hub.
She commented that the National Review Conference on NAFEST served as a significant platform for discussing the revitalization of Nigeria’s cultural landscape. Hajiya Husna Ibrahim commended the conference for addressing crucial issues such as funding and emphasising its role in repositioning arts and culture as a powerhouse for Nigeria’s economic growth. She praised the Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, for envisioning and executing this much-needed review.
Expressing her enthusiasm about Yobe’s cultural potential, Hajiya Husna Ibrahim declared, “Yobe is poised to become a global cultural hub.” She credited Governor Mai Mala Bunu for his unwavering commitment to upgrading Yobe into a preferred tourist destination. Notably, she highlighted the historical significance of the ‘Dufuna Canoe,’ an 8500-year-old watercraft discovered in Yobe in 1987 that predates known civilizations and promises to reshape human history.
Discovered in 1987 by a Fulani cattle herdsman near the village of Dufuna in Yobe State, Nigeria, the Dufuna Canoe is an extraordinary archaeological find. Radiocarbon dating places its origins at an astounding 8,500 to 8,000 years old, linking it to Lake Chad. Measuring 8.4 metres (28 ft) in length and reaching a height of 0.5 metres (1 ft 8 in), this dugout canoe showcases ancient craftsmanship. Currently housed in Damaturu, Nigeria, the Dufuna Canoe stands as a tangible relic, offering profound insights into the historical and cultural heritage of Yobe State and captivating researchers, historians, and enthusiasts with its rich history.
The director revealed that plans are underway for the development of the ‘Dufuna Canoe’ site into a global village, open to tourists worldwide. Alongside the existing Yobe State Council for Arts and Culture, a new creative hub managed by the private sector is also in the works. The ongoing renovation of the cultural centre, including an art gallery, museum, and hall of fame, signifies the state’s commitment to preserving and showcasing its cultural heritage.
“In addition to infrastructure development, Yobe State is exploring a global marketing strategy to showcase its rich heritage, including cuisine, arts, crafts, festivals, dances, and traditional attire.” Hajiya Husna emphasised the economic potential of this strategy, especially in the aftermath of insurgency-related destruction, stating, “Arts and culture are pivotal to revitalising social cohesion.”
The director affirmed the state’s determination to restore its cultural heritage, fostering peaceful coexistence and care for one another. She highlighted the significance of festivals like MACUF (Machina Cultural Festival), an internationally acclaimed wrestling festival, in the cultural renaissance of Yobe.
When asked about the shared optimism of the Commissioner for Arts and Culture and the Executive Governor regarding the role of arts and culture in the state’s development, Hajiya Husna Ibrahim responded with a resounding “Yes!” She underscored their visionary leadership and her commitment to driving the process towards realising this transformative dream for Yobe State.
