Kwara Gov Reiterates Commitment  to Make Cultural Festivals  Key to Economic Growth

Hammed Shittu

Kwara State Governor and Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) Chairman, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Thursday reiterated commitment of his administration to make cultural festivals across the state a key component of its economic growth for a greater Kwara.

This, AbdulRazaq said that, has led to the development of a  handful of projects such as visual arts centre, innovation hub, sugar film factory, and international conference centre, among others so as   to build a new economy around tourism eco-system, technology and innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Speaking in Ilorin during the Ilorin Durbar, the annual socio-cultural festival of the Ilorin Emirate that involved colourful horse riding and local  displays, Alhaji AbdulRazaq said:”It is a significantly important culture to the people of Ilorin Emirate, which we commemorate every year. This event unifies and brings us all together to be our brother’s keepers.”

 “We believe in our religion and of course our culture and our monarchy. At the backend of this is the economic benefit to the state and the emirate as well.  Business activities are doing very well, hotels, commercial buildings and relaxation centres alike. You can see how the people are happy, the merriment, the horse riders and everyone. We are having a good time today in Ilorin. In fact, we are enjoying it,” he added.

The governor joined the royal train of the Emir of Ilorin Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari for the #IlorinDurbar, the annual socio-cultural festival of the emirate involving colourful horse riding and other local displays.

The governor had earlier paid homage to the Emir, after which his delegation went back home to mount their horses as part of the cultural ceremony that attracted leading traditional title holders and thousands of Ilorin sons and daughters.

Mounted on the back of his hugely decorated horse alongside his brother the Mutawali of Ilorin Dr Alimi Abdulrazaq, the Governor congratulated the people of the Emirate on the annual cultural festival which honours the Islamic monarchy of Sheikh Alimi, projects the valour of its people, unites the community, and boosts local commerce.

The Abdulrazaqs paraded several horses mounted by young and old members of the family to welcome the Emir’s large entourage of royal courtiers to their frontage, keeping alive the long-standing tradition that sees the monarch tour his community ahead of the grand parade and other ceremonies at his forecourt later in the afternoon.

The royal carriage touched base with many other family houses and Daudus, including Basambo, Abojumeji, Agaka Isale, Ajia Sakasaka, Bayero, Jiddah, Baboko, Magaji Ngeri, Taiwo, Ita Amodu, Afin, Ita Kure, among others.

A few royal chiefs were on the train such as the Ciroma of Ilorin, Mayaki of Ilorin, and Magaji Ngeri of Ilorin. The procession was televised live across all of the government’s electronic media channels and a few other private ones.

The Durbar holds as the state government opened up a few other centres for the citizens to have fun-filled Eid celebrations, including the newly developed flower garden and the amusement park.

The Ilorin Durbar is held every second day of Eid-ul-Adha, or festival of animal slaughtering, bringing together thousands of citizens of the city and visitors.