Writing By Khadijah Aliyu; Editing By Godwin Duru
The Gwarzo Local Government Area has earned widespread praise for its exceptional display of Hausa culture and traditional industries during the KANFEST Festival (Kalankuwa) , a grand celebration of arts and heritage organized by the Kano state government to revive indigenous creativity and craftsmanship.
Held at the Kano Trade Fair Complex, the three-day cultural festival featured exhibitions from all 44 Local Government Areas of the state, each highlighting local traditions, skills, and crafts that define Kano’s rich cultural identity.
Gwarzo’s presentation stood out for its authentic showcase of age-old crafts such as weaving (saka buli kare), wood carving, cassava and groundnut processing, and the meat trade (fawa) all of which remain vital to the town’s economy and the heritage of the Hausa people.
During an inspection tour of the exhibition stands, the state deputy governor Comrade Abdulsalam Abubakar Gwarzo commended the participants for their creativity and commitment to preserving Hausa cultural values.
Representing the Executive Chairman of Gwarzo Local Government, Dr. Mani Tsoho Gwarzo, the Director of Personnel and Management (DPM), Hajiya Zulaihat Sabo Usman, described KANFEST as a landmark platform for celebrating Hausa traditions and uplifting artisans.
One of the weavers, Malam Sani Mai Saka Buli Kare, said his family has practiced weaving for generations, producing fabrics traditionally worn during cultural festivals such as Ranar Gada and Kauyawa Day.
Similarly, Malam Bala Mai Rogo from Karkari, Madugawa-Gwarzo, explained that cassava and groundnut processing have long provided stable income for rural families and supported education for children.
Another participant, Sulaiman Adamu Usman Gwarzo, a traditional butcher (fawa) said the meat trade continues to play a crucial role in the local food economy and youth employment.
REL/KHADIJAH ALIYU
