Government pledges to promote Sallah durbar, others

The Federal Government has pledged to showcase the colourful traditional durbar in the northern states of the country to the world.
 
Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa made the promise at the 2024 Emirate Durbar in Ilorin, Kwara State.
 
Represented by Special Assistant on Sub-National Engagement and Partnership, Abiola Abdulkareem, the minister pledged the promotion of Nigeria’s diverse heritage in a bid to sustain the culture of the people.
  

She said the commitment underscored the ministry’s commitment to fostering critical partnerships at both the national and grassroots levels to celebrate and elevate the country’s huge heritage.
 
“I will continue to support and partner players both at the national and grassroots levels to fashion out new ways to promote and celebrate the beauty of our diverse heritage,” she said.
 
Musawa emphasised the importance of the Emirate Durbar, not only as a cultural event but also as a vital symbol of Nigeria’s historical and social unity. 
 
She noted that the Durbar, renowned for its vibrant display of horse-riding regalia, traditional music, and dance, serves as a powerful reminder of the nation’s rich and diverse cultural history.
  
She said the pledge is part of a broader initiative by the ministry to integrate cultural heritage into the national development agenda. 
 

According to her, by supporting traditional events like the Emirate Durbar, the ministry aims to foster unity, national pride, and cultural awareness among Nigerians. 
 
The minister stated that the initiative would boost local economies, by attracting tourism and providing opportunities for local artisans and performers.
  
Also speaking, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of Kwara State Traditional Council, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, pointed out that the cultural event was floated in 2017 to demonstrate community harmony and leverage the city’s diversity. 
  
Now in its seventh edition, the festival is organised by the Ilorin Emirate Grand Durbar Committee, led by Engr. Suleiman Yahaya of Ilorin.