Gov. Idris harps on promoting harmonious relationship through cultural festivals
The Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, has pledged to sustain the annual cultural festivals of all the four Emirates in the State to further promote and consolidate on the existing relationship amongst the people.
He made the disclosure on Friday at the Agricultural Show of Gwandu Emirate held at Haliru Abdu Stadium in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital.
The Agricultural Show was part of activities line up for Gwandu Emirate Annual Horse Racing and Cultural Festival.
The governor said: “I have promised to promote the culture of the four Emirates in Kebbi State and by the grace of God, this event we are witnessing today being the first one in history has come to stay.
“Argungu has Argungu International Cultural and Fishing Festival, Yauri has Rigata Cultural and Fishing Festival, while, Zuru has Uhola Cultural Festival and by the grace of God all these festivals have come to stay.
“We will continue to ensure that we promote our culture so that we will be able to unite our people for the benefit of all,” Gov. Idris assured.
While thanking the organisers of the event, the governor appreciated the Emirs from across Nigeria for witnessing the occasion.
In his speech, the Chairman of the occasion and Etsu Nupe, Dr Yahaya Abubakar, described the governor as a visionary leader who leads his people in trust and fulfilment.
The royal father, who is also the Chairman Council of Chiefs, Niger State, prayed God Almighty to grant the governor more wisdom to govern his people well.
He prayed for peace to reign in Kebbi, peace to reign in Niger and peace to reign across Nigeria.
The Commissioner for Commerce and Industries, Alhaji Usman Ladan-Dakingari, said Kebbi was blessed with abundant land for cultivation of arable commodities and other essential services as well as movement of people within and outside the country.
He appreciated the governor for not only taking a bold step but also putting concrete measures in place to actualise the establishment of a dry port in the state, assuring that the state government has already paid compensation for the proposed land.
Earlier, Alhaji Mustapha Usman Adamu Ka’oje, Chief Coordinator of Annual Horse Racing and Cultural Festival, lauded the governor for making the Gwandu Cultural and Agricultural Festival a reality.
“Your commitment to agriculture and entrepreneurial development has been instrumental in transforming Kebbi into agricultural hub in Nigeria. In the fullness of time, we have no doubt that Kebbi will be one of the largest commercial hub in Northern Nigeria.
“The Gwandu Horse Racing and Cultural Festival is an event that is intended to showcase and preserve the Gwandu Emirate tradition to promote unity and understanding amongst our people and provide opportunity to our teaming youth” he said.
In a related development, the governor also attended Hottingo event, a purely Fulani cultural and animal competition.
The governor reminded the Fulani that the present administration belongs to them in view of the role they played to actualise his dream of becoming the Chief Executive Officer of the state.
He assured that his administration would do everything possible to ensure that their rights were not tempered with, adding that the government would initiate empowerment scheme specifically for Fulani.
Also speaking, Alhaji Muhammadu Kiruwa Ardon Zuru, Special Adviser to the governor on Fulani Affairs and former National Chairman, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders’ Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) conferred on the governor a Fulani traditional tittle.
He said the competition and other cultural events were just few out of over 100 Fulani traditional displays, advising that a more elaborate Fulani cultural displays be organised to further strengthen unity, love and understanding.
