Kanempress Digital Hub and Partners Champion Social Justice and Cultural Heritage in Lake Chad’s Borno and Yobe States

By Zannah Ibrahim Mustapha
Editor -In -Chief
Kanempress Digital Hub
20th February 2025

Today, as the world celebrates the International Day for Social Justice, Kanempress Digital Hub and its partners shine a spotlight on the Lake Chad sectors of Borno and Yobe States, reaffirming their commitment to fostering equity, inclusion, and cultural preservation in this historically rich yet underserved region. Recognized as a leading voice in heritage reporting, Kanempress continues to bridge innovation with tradition, leveraging digital platforms to amplify the stories of resilience and transformation that define this area.

The Lake Chad region, encompassing Borno and Yobe States, is steeped in history as the cradle of the Kanem-Borno Empire and home to remarkable archaeological treasures like the ancient Shehu El-Kanemi prayer House and the Dufuna Canoe—Africa’s oldest known watercraft. However, these legacies are under threat from neglect, conflict, climate change, environmental degradation and security challenges. Through initiatives such as investigative reporting, seminars, and collaborations with global organizations like UNESCO, Kanempress has emerged as a key player in preserving these cultural narratives while advocating for social justice.

At a recent two-day seminar hosted by Kanempress and partners, stakeholders explored how cultural heritage can drive inclusive development in the Lake Chad region. Discussions emphasized the role of traditional institutions, women, and youth in fostering equitable opportunities. Ibrahim Mustapha, Executive Director of Kanempress Digital Hub, highlighted their innovative use of artificial intelligence to digitize historical sites across Borno and Yobe States. He noted that “preserving our heritage is not just about monuments but about empowering communities to connect with their history.”

The importance of social justice in this context cannot be overstated. As philosopher John Rawls once stated, “Justice is the first virtue of social institutions.” By promoting cultural preservation alongside socioeconomic development, initiatives like those led by Kanempress align with global calls for equity. Motunrayo Alaka of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) underscored this during her engagement with Kanempress: “Storytelling in local languages such as Kanuri and Hausa can empower communities to demand accountability.”

Despite challenges such as urbanization and limited resources, Kanempress continues to advocate for partnerships between state governments, local communities, and international bodies. Their work not only preserves historical narratives but also fosters tourism and economic growth—key components of social justice. As Husna Ibrahim, a cultural anthropologist, aptly observed: “These sites are repositories of our collective memory. When we forget our history, we lose a part of who we are.”

On this International Day for Social Justice, Kanempress Digital Hub and its partners remind us that justice extends beyond legal frameworks—it encompasses cultural preservation, equitable development, and community empowerment. Their efforts in Borno and Yobe States serve as a model for harnessing local heritage to inspire global change.

While progress is evident, challenges persist. The climate disasters, and geopolitical conflicts have exacerbated inequalities, with 2024 data revealing that 1 in 4 workers globally lack adequate labor protections . Yet, hope endures in initiatives like the On Nigeria Big Bet, which has disbursed $150 million to combat corruption through transparency and civic engagement .

A Call to the Global Community

On this World Day of Social Justice, Kanempress Digital Hub and partners urge individuals, governments, and organizations to:
Invest in Education: Build capacities for lifelong learning, as seen in Nigeria’s academic reforms .
Amplify Marginalized Voices: Follow James Baldwin’s counsel: listen to the “unprotected” to understand true justice .
Leverage Technology Ethically: Ensure AI serves as a tool for inclusion, not exclusion .

In the words of poet Amanda Gorman, “There is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it” . As we celebrate today, let us recommit to building a world where social justice is not an ideal but a lived reality—for every nation, community, and individual.