From HASSAN JIRGI Maiduguri
Borno State governor, Babagana Zulum, has offered scholarship to 150 students from countries that encompass the old kanem Borno empire as part of efforts to foster greater unity and fraternity.
Zulum had on Thursday hosted thousands of Kanuri kinsmen from at least 10 countries to celebrate this year’s Kanem-Borno Cultural Summit in Maiduguri.
The summit brought together 161 emirs, high-profile government officials and thousands of Kanuri delegates from the Republics of Ghana, Sudan, Gabon, Niger, Central Africa, Senegal, Libya, Chad, Cameroon and Benin.
The summit also represents a deliberate effort to rebuild transnational kinship networks based on a shared identity and, consequently, create a supportive global community that can tackle challenges collaboratively, invest in shared development and ensure that the illustrious legacy of Kanem-Borno continues to inspire future generations.
The occasion featured dance performances and cultural displays by contingents from different countries.
The Kanem-Borno Empire was one of the greatest and longest-lasting empires in African history. It flourished for over 1,000 years, roughly from the ninth to the 19th century in the region around the Lake Chad, encompassing parts of present-day Nigeria, Chad, Niger, Cameroon and Libya.
Zulum, who spoke in Kanuri language, urged the summit to focus on fostering educational exchange, entrepreneurial collaboration and socio-economic initiatives to uplift Kanuri communities globally.
The Chadian President, Mahamat Déby Itno, was represented by the Governor of Lac Province, Major-General Saleh Tidjani.
