The ancient Kanem Borno civilisation is set to take centre stage as a catalyst for regional peace and progress. The coordinator of the Kanem Borno Cultural Summit (KBCS), Dr Hassan Boguma, has announced ambitious plans for a major gathering aimed at reconnecting people with their shared history to foster stability.
Maiduguri to Host Global Homecoming in 2026
Dr Boguma unveiled the details of the upcoming summit over the weekend in Maiduguri, Borno State. The event itself is scheduled for January 1 and 2, 2026, in the state capital. This will be the second edition of the bi-annual summit, building on the success of its maiden outing.
Organisers are expecting a significant turnout, with over 1,000 delegates anticipated. The summit is designed as a global homecoming, drawing sons and daughters of the historic Kanem Borno empire not only from Nigeria but from four other West African nations. The attendee list will also include members of the diaspora, scholars, professionals, traditional rulers, cultural custodians, and youth.
Culture as a Tool for Peace and Integration
Dr Boguma framed the summit as a strategic response to pressing regional challenges. He lamented that the Lake Chad Basin member countries—which include Cameroon, Niger, Chad, Benin, and Nigeria—are grappling with intertwined security, humanitarian, and socio-economic crises.
In this context, the summit prioritises culture as a powerful unifying force. "The summit is a deliberate strategic effort to reconnect our people to their shared heritages," Boguma stated. The goal is to use this reconnection to build peace, encourage reconciliation, and strengthen regional cooperation and integration among the five nations.
The chairman believes the event will help garner increased wisdom, resources, and networks dedicated to the stability of the volatile Lake Chad region. Discussions will focus on deepening conversations around identity, resilience, and the responsibilities of the member countries.
Drawing on an Enduring Legacy for a Peaceful Future
The summit draws inspiration from the profound historical legacy of the Kanem Borno civilisation, which Dr Boguma described as one of Africa's most enduring. This civilisation was historically renowned for:
- Inclusive governance systems
- Advancements in scholarship and trade
- Effective diplomacy
- Peaceful co-existence across ethnic and cultural lines
"The Kanem Borno civilisation has nurtured systems that emphasised peace, tolerance, consultations, and social harmony among the various ethnic and religious groups," Boguma emphasised. The 2026 summit aims to tap directly into this enduring legacy, using cultural heritage as a foundational pillar for achieving sustainable development and lasting peaceful co-existence in modern-day Nigeria and its neighbouring states.
