From Maiharaji Altine Salah
In its efforts to sustain the rich culture and tradition of people of Kebbi, the Kebbi State Government has declared Feb. 8 to Feb. 10, 2024 as the date for the famous Rigata Cultural Festival in the ancient city of Yauri in Yauri Emirate of the state.
This was announced by the National Chairman of the festival, who is also the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Yakubu Bala-Tafida at a press briefing in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday.
In a statement signed by the Press Secretary to kebbi state Governor, Ahmed Idris, the SSG explained that the event was expected to feature book launch on the history of Yauri from 1411AD to date, Trade Fair Exhibition, Agricultural Show, Cultural Performance as well as the Grand Finale – Rigata.
The SSG recalled that the reinvigoration of Rigata and its adoption by Kebbi State Government as paramount cultural event was facilitated by the present 42nd Emir of Yauri, Dr Muhammad Zayyanu-Abdullahi.
The SSG explained that Rigata “is a word in the local dialect of Gungawa people depicting marine warfare.
“The Festival involves riverine maneuvers including water sports and entertainment which began 200 years ago as a display of naval strength of Gungu people where Gungu warriors attacked the most dangerous hippopotamus on the River Niger.
“Warriors used to board canoes of different sizes with various weapons to attack the wild marine mammal,” he said.
The SSG added that the water maneuvers also served as training exercise for upcoming Gungu warriors.
“The advent of Europeans led the colonial government to ban hippopotamus hunting to preserve the specie.
“Afterwards, Rigata became prestigious display of wealth, power and influence during wedding ceremonies of highly placed households.
“The trend prevailed until the visit of the late Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sardaunan Sokoto, to Yelwan-Yauri during which Rigata alongside Agricultural show were organised to honour the Premier,” the secretary said.
