#InPhoto: Fulani #Cultural Festival Held In Kebbi State
A three day Fulani Cultural Festival staged in Kirya town, Suru Local Government Area of Kebbi State has been conducted with a citizen of Niger Republic Mato Barade winning a car for the first position in sheep racing.
Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, was represented by the Commissioner for Higher Education, Alhaji Maigari Abdullahi on the occasion. The occasion was in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce.
Senator Abubakar Atiku said his administration was committed to the promotion of all cultural festivals in the state such as Argungu International Fishing Festival, Yauri Regata (Canoe Race), and Uhola Festival in Zuru.
The Governor further gave an assurance that the government would sustain support to Huttongo Festival by providing all required facilities towards making the event very popular to attract foreign investment and tourists to the state.
He advised the Fulani’s to always cooperate with farmers in the state for peace, unity and understanding. The governor pledged to provide the Fulani Community with required assistance to promote their culture and enhance knowledge among them.
The event featured archery, fattening of animals, sheep and camel race, as well as decoration by Fulani women. Prizes were presented of cash and vehicle.
The ceremony was attended by Commissioners, House of Assembly Members, Politicians, Businessmen, representative of Emir of Gwandu, Rtd. Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Shehu Dan Mahe (Ciroman Gwandu), Lamido Dakingari Alhaji Jafaru Haliru and District Heads across the state.
This year’s event was hosted successfully, with good security arrangement and a large turn-out of Fulani people from Nigeria, Niger and Benin Republic, Burkina Faso. Fulani Cultural Dances featured prominently, depicting Fulani Culture and Tradition.
Malama Ige Kitiya won the first position for women room decoration, Aisha Aliyu came second while Gormi Dan Kolba won the bow and arrow competition.
The festival is also a celebration of the safe return of livestock from the southern part of the country and other areas. Kebbi pastorialists especially sheep rearers (Udawa) usually pass through many neighbouring countries in search of better grazing areas. The hottungo is therefore like a thanksgiving festival by the Fulanis.
Appreciation goes to supporters Airtel , Alh. Maigari Abdullahi Dakingari and the Sole administrator of suru LG, Alh. Umaru Maigandi for their personal financial support.
Aisha Augie Kuta
SSA New Media to Kebbi state Governor
