Morocco to Fund Preservation of Ancient 8,000-Year-Old Canoe in Yobe to boost Tourism
The Moroccan Investment and Export Development Agency (AMDIE) pledged to invest in the conservation of the 8,000-year-old “Dufuna” canoe in Yobe as part of efforts to promote tourism in the state.
Alhaji Mamman Mohammed, Gov. Mai Mala Buni’s Director-General of Press and Media Affairs, disclosed this in a statement released to reporters on Monday in Damaturu.
Dufuna is the world’s second-oldest known boat. It is a dugout canoe discovered in 1987 by a Fulani cattle herdsman a few kilometres from the village of Dufuna in the Fune area, not far from the Komadugu Gana River in Yobe.
In 1994, archaeologists Peter Breunig and Garba Abubakar, from Frankfurt University, Germany, and the University of Maiduguri, respectively, excavated the site.
The canoe, which 50 labourers dug out over two weeks, was 8.4 meters long, 50cm wide, and 5 cm thick. It was found waterlogged, resting on a sandy bed with clay layers protecting it.
The canoe was radiocarbon-dated at least twice, to 6556-6388 BCE and to 6164-6005 BCE, making it the oldest known boat in Africa and the second-oldest worldwide.
Mohammed said Mr Yassine El Ahyani, Head of Emerging Industries at the Moroccan Investment and Export Development Agency, pledged on Monday in Rabat when he received the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Baba Wali.
“The agency is aware of the rich and historic canoe in Yobe and its enormous tourism potential for the state and country.
“The canoe would turn around the state’s fortunes with massive economic turnover. The Dufuna Canoe is one of the very few artefacts on the face of the earth that is very suitable for academic and historical research.
“Icanto generate employment, create wealth and infrastructural development for the state,” Yassine said.
“This is in line with the policy of the Buni administration to provide employment opportunities to our youth in hospitality, transportation and tour guide, among others.
“The government is most willing to partner with all Moroccan investors to explore this and other untapped potentials in the state,” he said.
The Dufuna canoe, recognised as the oldest watercraft in Africa, symbolises the region’s rich history and heritage.
The canoe was found in the village of Dufuna, which is located in Yobe State between Potiskum and Gashua.
The Yobe government’s initiative to transform the canoe into a prominent tourist attraction underscores its commitment to promoting tourism and preserving cultural artefacts for future generations.
FAQ
What is the Dufuna canoe?
The Dufuna canoe is an ancient dugout canoe discovered in 1987 by a Fulani cattle herdsman near the village of Dufuna in Yobe, Nigeria. It is one of the world’s oldest known boats, dating back approximately 8,000 years.
Why is the Dufuna canoe significant?
The Dufuna canoe is significant because it is the oldest known boat in Africa and the second-oldest worldwide. It provides valuable insights into early watercraft technology and the history of human transportation.
Who is funding the conservation of the Dufuna canoe?
The Moroccan Investment and Export Development Agency (AMDIE) has pledged to invest in the conservation of the Dufuna canoe as part of efforts to promote tourism in Yobe State.
Why is Morocco investing in the conservation of the Dufuna canoe?
Morocco is investing in conserving the Dufuna canoe to help preserve this historic artefact and promote tourism in Yobe State. The investment aligns with Morocco’s interest in supporting the region’s cultural heritage and economic development.
Where was the Dufuna canoe discovered?
The Dufuna canoe was discovered a few kilometres from the village of Dufuna in the Fune area, near the Komadugu Gana River in Yobe, Nigeria.