The Kebbi Government, on Thursday, organised the first edition of the state’s Unity Cultural Festival, to promote social cohesion for economic growth and sustainable development.
Gov. Nasir Idris at the opening of the festival in Birnin Kebbi, described culture as a veritable tool for the promotion of unity and social cohesion among diverse groups in the society.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the festival was organised by the state’s Ministry for Information and Culture.
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Represented by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed, the governor said that the promotion of culture and tradition was part of his administration’s poly trust to strengthen unity among the people.
He explained that his administration placed a premium on the development of cultural heritage of Kebbi people to strengthen social cohesion and economic growth for sustainable development.
“The festival is a demonstration of my administration’s support to the ministry of information and culture to assemble people of diverse cultural heritage to mingle with one another.
“The goal is for the people to showcase peculiar cultural heritage and talents, not only to Kebbi people but to the country and the world.
“As a people-oriented government, my administration will continue to employ cultural diversity for unity and peaceful coexistence,” the governor said.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Alhaji Sa’idu Buhari, commended Gov Idris for making the festival possible
Buhari urged participants at the festival to use the platform to promote peace and strengthen unity towards building a prosperous Kebbi.
“Our artists and performers should strive to instil the virtues of tolerance, peace and unity among the people of Kebbi, particularly farmers and herders through their performance.
“This, in the long run, will enhance the economic fortunes of the state.
He urged the people of Kebbi to sustain their support to the All Progressive Congress government and Gov Idris policies for continued dividends of democracy.
NAN reports that some of the groups who showcased their cultural heritage at the festival included Fulani, Zabarma, Dakarkari, Kambari, Tiv, Igbo and Yoruba, among others to the delight of spectators.
