Southern Kaduna Holds Maiden Cultural Festival

By Teddy Daniel

Federal Government has been called upon to explore and harness the vast Human and Natural resources in Southern Kaduna region for development of the country.

The Chairman, Southern Kaduna Leadership Council, Ishaya Dare Akau stated this during a three day festival in Kafanchan, Jema’a Local Government area of Kaduna state where over fifty seven tribes are participating in the event.

Ishaya Dare Akau said the Southern Kaduna zone has a rich cultural heritage and can compete favourably with other nations especially in agriculture, with products that are accepted globally.

“Southern Kaduna holds immense potential as a prime destination for tourism and hospitality. Our beautiful landscapes, historic landmarks, and welcoming communities have the power to captivate hearts and minds, hence the need to invest in the tourism sector which will bring not only revenue for the state but also more employment opportunities for our people”.

“it is time for the government to recognize the importance of this industry and heavily invest in its infrastructure development, by placing the zone on the global stage as a must-visit destination that offers a unique experience and draws visitors from far and wide”, he explained.

He charged Southern Kaduna elites and those in the diaspora to also invest in the development of their homeland where they have their roots to transform the region into a prosperous hub for economic growth.

Earlier in her message, the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Hajiya Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe explained that the festival is an avenue to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the region and promote intercultural exchange.

The Deputy Governor reiterated that the festival is not confined to the ‘realms of entertainment’ and sports only but also to foster relations with other cultural groups within the state and across Nigeria.

“As we revel in the festivities and partake in the various activities, let us keep in mind the collective interests of Southern Kaduna. Our strength lies in our ability to come together, appreciate our differences, and work towards a shared vision of progress and prosperity”.

“We must respect each other in the region and those outside of it, regardless of differences in backgrounds. Events such as this provide us an opportunity to recognize and celebrate our shared humanity”.

She encouraged all participants, spectators, and stakeholders to embrace the spirit of unity and respect for one another, adding that diversity is not a challenge but a strength, a source of enrichment towards a brighter and more prosperous future.

In his welcoming speech, Chairman Central Planning Committee of the festival, Rtd Rear Admiral Ferguson Bobai who called on all sons and daughters, guests and participants to relax, experience and enjoy the rich culture of the zone, also thanked all invited guests for honoring the maiden edition of the festival.

Over fifty seven tribes are participating in the festival with line up of activities such as marathons, football tournaments, beauty pageants, cultural parades, fashion shows, musical concerts, traditional wrestling, archery, a festival market, and a roundtable among others.

The theme for the maiden edition of the southern Kaduna festival known as the SKFEST is titled ” experience unity celebrate cultures”.

Edited By Grace Namiji