Borno To Revive Kanuri Traditional Culinary Heritage In Schools

The Borno State government has taken initiatives towards the revival and preservation of the Kanuri ethnic traditional culinary heritage in homes and schools.

The Kanem Borno Empire which hosts the Kanuris, is one of the oldest Emprires in Africa with about 79 ethnic groups spread across some parts of Northern Nigeria and other African countries.

Speaking at a two-day programme on Saturday in Maiduguri, the special adviser to Borno State Governor on Culture and Regional Integration, Dr Hassan Zanna Boguma, said the programme which include training of students from selected schools and girls from homes, would centre on ‘’Traditional Borno Culinary Heritage Revival.”

Boguma said the initiative was not only about teaching students how to prepare traditional meals, but also about preserving Borno’s cultural identity and transmitting indigenous knowledge to younger generations.

He said Borno had a rich culinary heritage, with mothers and grandmothers possessing extensive knowledge of local ingredients, food preparation, preservation methods and the cultural significance of traditional dishes.

According to him, much of the knowledge is gradually disappearing due to changing lifestyles and eating habits.

He, therefore, urged parents and grandparents to teach children the names, ingredients, preparation methods and occasions associated with traditional Borno dishes.

“The first school of culture remains the home,” he said, urging families to complement efforts by government and educational institutions.

Boguma also advocated the strengthening of Home Economics in schools, describing it as an important avenue for teaching practical skills such as cooking, nutrition, hygiene, home management and entrepreneurship.

He stressed that such skills should be taught to both boys and girls, noting that traditional cuisine could provide opportunities in catering, restaurants, food processing, packaging, hospitality and tourism.

He said, ‘’Reconstruction should go beyond roads and infrastructure to include identity, family values, confidence and a sense of belonging.’’

He commended the Kanem Women Association, particularly Hajja Nana Mali, Ya Magira of Borno, and Hajja Shaini Babakura, Ya Mogaram of Borno.

He commended the women for their efforts toward preserving culinary traditions and empowering women in cultural preservation.

Boguma urged the participating students to take the training seriously and share the knowledge gained with their families and communities.

He expressed confidence that the programme would initiate broader efforts to document, preserve, teach and promote Borno’s traditional cuisine.

“Let the home teach; let the school reinforce; let the community preserve, and let our young people carry our heritage forward.” the special adviser said.

In his remarks, the secretary of Borno Elders Forum, Dr Mali Gubio, said the purpose of the programme is to introduce young Kanuri girls in schools and homes to actual Kanuri way of behaviour in terms of cooking, dressing among others.

He noted that the way to do that is to get people who are vast in Kanuri culture to come and train them.