By Moses Kolo

The Director of Kaduna International Film Festival (KADIFF), Mr Israel Audu, has called for the preservation of Northern Nigeria’s cultural identity amid modernisation and evolving creative expressions.

Audu made the call on Sunday at the 2026 Arewa Fashion and Food Festival (AFFEST) in Kaduna.

He spoke during a panel discussion themed: “Built for Belonging: How Spaces, Culture, Fashion and Creativity Shape the Way We Experience Home in Northern Nigeria.”

He said cultural identity was fundamental to societal development, warning against abandoning traditions and values in the pursuit of modernisation.

“A society must never lose its identity in the pursuit of modernisation because our culture is not just a reflection of where we come from; it is a foundation for where we are going,” he said.

Audu highlighted the role of the creative industry, particularly film and storytelling, in preserving cultural heritage, challenging stereotypes and projecting authentic narratives about Northern Nigeria to the international community.

He said film festivals went beyond entertainment by providing platforms for cultural exchange, dialogue, education and the promotion of collective identity.

He also called for increased investment in young creatives, indigenous fashion, cultural infrastructure and creative entrepreneurship to harness the economic potential of the region’s cultural heritage.

According to him, cultural preservation should extend beyond safeguarding traditional practices to creating sustainable economic opportunities for practitioners and other creative industry stakeholders.

Audu said Northern Nigeria could embrace contemporary development without abandoning the traditions and values that defined its identity.

He added that a genuine sense of belonging required communities where people felt represented, cultures were respected, creativity was encouraged and opportunities were accessible to all.

“We are not just building spaces for people to occupy; we are building experiences, identities and communities that people can proudly call home,” he said.

The 2026 Arewa Fashion and Food Festival celebrates Northern Nigeria’s cultural heritage, fashion, culinary traditions and creative potential, while providing platforms for cultural promotion, networking and creative enterprise. (NAN)

Edited by Yakubu Uba