Kanem Press Digital Hub has trained young journalists from various organisations and stakeholders on culture preservation for economic development. The two-day training was held at the Armani Event Centre in Maiduguri.
Facilitators of the training include the Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies at the University of Maiduguri, Prof. Yakubu Mukhtar, who presented on ‘Oral histories to written records: indigenous knowledge for future generations.’
He spoke extensively about how he and other prominent scholars have documented significant historical events and personalities in the Kanem Borno Empire and the Lake Chad Region, advising journalists to focus on the cultural heritage of the empire to create economic opportunities for the state.
Hajiya Fatima Audu Yusuf, the General Manager of Radio Nigeria Peace FM Maiduguri, emphasised that women and culture are inseparable in her presentation on Gender Dynamics in Traditional Institutions: Empowering Women and Youth.
In his presentation on ‘Navigating cultural heritage in a globalised world: Balancing tradition and modernity’, the Nigeria Union of Journalists Borno State Chapter, Dauda Iliya, emphasised how technology has affected cultural preservation, eroding our norms and values and allowing Western and European cultures to permeate our societies.
He explained that parents have resorted to ‘Gadget Parenting,’ which has led to many children being disconnected from their history and consuming whatever the social media offers them. He urged journalists to focus on changing this narrative using ethical and professional social media platforms and other exploitable mechanisms.
Daniel Ishaya Mwada Manager Rabi’s Fort, Dikwa, from National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Maiduguri, spoke to the participants about how cultural heritage attracts economic development for Borno and Nigeria, narrating success stories from the Lake Chad sectors of Borno and Yobe States.
Meanwhile, the Founder and President of Kanem Press Digital Hub, Zannah Ibrahim Mustapha, stated that we are living in a world where rapid modernisation often overshadows the rich tapestries of our past. He explained that the seminar serves as a vital reminder of the importance of our cultural heritage and traditional institutions.
“The Lake Chad Region, with its deep-rooted traditions and vibrant cultural heritage, is a testament to resilience and unity. Yet, as we move forward, it is essential to integrate these traditional values and practices into contemporary development strategies to ensure that growth is both sustainable and inclusive,” he concluded.
