The effects of modernization of ancient Kano city gates

This study examined the effects of modernization of ancient Kano city gates. Three local governments namely Kano Municipal, Nassarawa and Tarauni were used for this study, covering 150 respondents that were purposively sampled with 50 from each of the 3 local governments. Also, field surveys were carried out at all the 15 gates, discussions were held with the gatekeepers, the curator of Kano State museum and other observations were made from the data collected. Results obtained revealed that the main custodian or authority responsible for conservation or upkeep of the gates are the government and the emirate council, with each having 44%. The main problem/obstacle which makes conservation of the gates difficult is inadequate law(s) protecting monuments in Nigeria and the effect of modernization of the gates is most felt on the cultural perspective. It was observed that nine gates are in a modernized form, three are abandoned or untouched and the remaining three have been relocated to few feet or metres away from their original (traditional) or initial location. With 72.7% of the sampled respondents encouraging modernization of the gates, it becomes a worry and something that needs urgent attention. This remains a challenge to the State government, the emirate council and the general public (society) at large. As such, there is need for these parties to work hand in hand to ensure the continued existence of the remaining abandoned gates that have not been modernized yet.