ABU Carnival Queen Accuses Minister of Cultural Neglect

Suwaiba Abdulkarim, a 400-level Archaeology student at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria, accused Hannatu Musawa, the Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, of neglecting cultural activities in Northern Nigeria. Abdulkarim, who gained national attention for her traditional outfits during the university’s cultural carnival, expressed her disappointment in an interview, stating that Musawa ignored three official invitations to the ABU carnival while attending the Lagos Carnival.

This situation has raised concerns among Northern cultural promoters regarding the recognition and institutional support for their efforts. Abdulkarim emphasized that the ABU carnival is more than just a fashion display; it serves as a platform for young Nigerians to showcase and celebrate the diverse cultural heritage of the North.

Her emergence as the carnival’s viral queen has drawn significant attention, with her traditional ensembles widely circulated online. The criticism reflects broader discussions about representation in Nigeria’s cultural sector and the need for greater recognition of grassroots cultural expressions.