Mr Isreal Audu, the Director of Kaduna International Film Festival (KADIF) while speaking at the 2026 Arewa Fashion and Food Festival (AFFEST) in Kaduna.
The Director of Kaduna International Film Festival (KADIFF), Mr Israel Audu, has called for the preservation of Northern Nigeria’s cultural identity amid growing modernisation and contemporary creative expressions.
Audu made the call on Sunday while speaking at the 2026 Arewa Fashion and Food Festival (AFFEST) in Kaduna.
He emphasised the need to balance cultural heritage with modern development.
The Director 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 remained fundamental to societal development, warning that communities must not lose their 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 described film festivals as more than entertainment platforms, noting that they provided important opportunities for cultural exchange, dialogue, education and the promotion of collective identity.
Audu also urged for increased investment in young creatives, indigenous fashion, cultural infrastructure and creative entrepreneurship to harness the economic potential of the region’s cultural heritage.
He said cultural preservation should go beyond safeguarding traditional practices to creating sustainable economic opportunities for practitioners and other stakeholders in the creative industry.
According to him, Northern Nigeria can embrace contemporary development without abandoning the traditions and values that define its identity.
He stressed that a genuine sense of belonging could only be achieved through 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 Arewa Fashion and Food Festival 2026 celebrates Northern Nigeria’s cultural heritage, fashion, culinary traditions and creative potential, while providing opportunities for cultural promotion, networking and creative enterprise.(NAN)
