Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State has promised that his government would work to preserve the state’s rich cultural heritage. At the culmination of the 2023 Eid-El-Kabir celebration, he made the pledge while declaring open the Sallah Durbar of the traditional culture of the Nupe Kingdom, titled Bariki, held at the Wadata Palace, Bida. While explaining that utmost priority would be given to Tourism and Culture, the Governor stressed that it is important to promote cultural heritage both inside the state and to the rest of the globe.
Their presence at the event is meant to convince Nigerlites that their culture would rule victorious over the globe since tourism was a key component of their development programme. He was certain that they would boost tourism and other cultural pursuits. He also said he would implement his urban renewal policy throughout the Nupe Kingdom, making good on his promises to the people of the state in areas such as public safety, access to clean water, education, good healthcare, culture, tourism and others.
Bida is among the 46 cultural cities in the globe.
Gov. Umaru issued an appeal to the people of the state to take advantage of the many opportunities in agriculture. While acknowledging that some individuals would be affected by the developmental policies and initiatives his government proposes, he urged those who will be impacted by these changes to see them as their way of giving back to society and their homeland. More so, he extended his congratulations to the Etsu Nupe and asked for continuous prayers for the success of his administration.
According to Alh. Yahaya Abubakar, the Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers and Estu Nupe, the Bariki festival is an integral aspect of the Sallah festivities since it serves as a platform for the public presentation of the people’s diverse cultural traditions. He said that Bida is among the 46 cultural cities in the globe and that the city’s residents have been able to go to South Korea and South Africa to share the country’s rich cultural history.
Leaders call for corporations to help the state achieve its goal.
Furthermore, the Etsu Nupe urged his subjects to remain loyal and law-abiding, and he promised that his emirate and the rest of the Council of Traditional Rulers would work with the state administration to boost tourism across the state. Similarly, Alhaji Abubakar Aliyu, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, urged the people of Niger to help the current government accomplish its goals, which he said would lead to long-term prosperity for the state.
Among the highlights of the festival were the cultural performances and displays put on by a variety of traditional musicians and hunters, as well as the masquerades and colourful horse rides. At this specific Sallah Durbar, attendees included the Governor of Niger State, his Deputy Governor, as well as chieftains from the All Progressives Congress (APC). The participation of these political personalities at the event brought further attention to the importance of the celebration and underlined the political figures’ commitment to preserving the state’s cultural heritage.
Horse riders costumed in traditional clothes featured at the event.
Sallah Durbar is a traditional event that is observed in various regions of Nigeria, Niger State, particularly on Islamic festivals, notably during Eid al-Fitr as well as Eid al-Adha. It is also known as the Sallah Festival. The event is a parade through the streets that features horse riders costumed in traditional clothes. It is a vivid and lively representation of the rich cultural history of the region. In addition to that, it enables them to demonstrate their equestrian talents and take part in a variety of events/celebrations.
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