News Investigators/ Birnin Kebbi Local Government, the state capital of Kebbi, was agog on Friday for the maiden Gwandu Emirate Annual Horse Racing and Cultural Festival.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the festival was held to and preserve the emirate’s traditions, promote unity and understanding among its people.
NAN reports that many traditional rulers across the country participated in the event that featured agricultural trade fair, cultural sports, and horse racing international tournament, among others.
Among the traditional rulers in attendance included Etsu Nupe of Niger State, Yahaya Abubakar; Emir of Zuru, Muhammad Sani-Sami; Emir of Kagara, Ahmad Garba; and the paramount ruler of Otun Ekiti of Ekiti State, Oba Adekunle Adeagbo;
Others are, Manu Ishaku-Ada-Ali, Aku-Uka of Wukari in the Kwararafa Kingdom of Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State; Emir of Bade, Abubakar Umar-Suleiman, of Yobe State; Eze Sheikh Abdulfatah Chimaeze- Emetumah III of Imo State; among others.
In his speech at the agricultural trade fair, Gov. Nasir Idris, promised to promote cultural festivals of the four emirate in the state.
” This event we are witnessing of Gwandu Emirate is the first one for the emirate. Argungu Emirate has International Fishing and Cultural Festival; Zuru Emirate has Ihola Cultural Festival;and Yauri Emirate has Rigatta Cultural Festival.
”By the grace of God, these festivals have come to stay as we will continue to ensure that we promote our culture so as to be able to unite our people for the benefit of all,” he promised.
The governor thanked the traditional rulers in attendance, and commended the organisers of the festival.
Earlier, the Chief Coordinator of the emirate’s festival, Mustapha Adamu-Kaoje, ‘Sarkin Bargu Ka’oje’ said that festival was part of the emirate’s contribution to the government of Gov. Idris to leave behind lasting legacies in their dear state.
He explained that the objective of the festival was to showcase and preserve the Gwandu emirate traditions, promote unity and understanding among its people.
Mr Adamu-Kaoje added that the festival provided opportunity for its teeming youths, other Nigerians and members of the international community to see and experience their rich cultural heritage.
”We seek to build on this tradition and open a new chapter in our efforts to promote Kebbi state, and also seek to provide opportunities for our local businesses to thrive through increase commerce during the festival,” Adamu-Kaoje said.
He thanked the Emir of Gwandu, Muhammad Ilyasu-Bashar, for conceptualising the festival and offering his fatherly support for its success.
” We also thank Gov. Idris, for his support and encouragement in this venture,” the Coordinator thanked.
Also speaking, the Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar, expressed his grateful for organising the event, saying it was a memorable and worthy of attending event.
NAN reports the main event of horse racing, where over 250 horses are expected to participate in the racing, will hold on Saturday, Nov. 23.
NAN