From Maiharaji Altine Salah
Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has assured that his administration would continue to support Uhola cultural international festival so that it could hold annually.
In a statement by his Media aide Alhaji Yahya Sarki, Governor Idris said, promoting culture was part of his administration’s key agenda in posterity unity amongst the people of the state.
The governor made the assertion at the 2024 Zuru Emirate Uhola International cultural festival and Agricultural Show on Saturday.
He said the event has not only succeeded in elevating the status of Zuru Emirate to the world but Kebbi State as a whole.
” This event has not only elevated the status of Zuru Emirate,but the entire Kebbi State.
‘ Promoting our culture is one of the key points of our administration and we have assured our royal fathers of our support ‘, he assured.
While expressing delight with the exhibition of various cultural events at the Uhola Festival, he assured the Zuru Emir and people of the area about the determination of his administration to sustain support for holding the event annually.
‘ I can assure his royal highness that Uhola festival has come to stay”.
“Every year my administration will provide money and logistics to ensure hitch free Uhola”.
He also gave an assurance that other notable festivals in the state like the Argungu International fishing festival, Gwandu Horse race and Durbar as well as the Yauri Rigata cultural festival would equally be supported by his administration.
On security, Idris assured the people of the Emirate that security remained the number priority of his administration because of the belief that without peace,there is no development.
‘My Government spends 500 million monthly on security ‘ he averred.
He said his administration took bold measures to improve the security situation particularly in Kebbi South to protect lives and property of citizens.
‘This administration has taken bold steps in addressing security challenges by regular payment of allowances to security personnel, providing logistic support, purchase of 40 Toyota Hilux as well as purchase of 1000 motorcycles to the vigilantes ‘ he said.
Lamenting the deplorable state of Zuru – Dabai Road, Governor idris promised people of the area that he would not rest until the road was reconstructed despite efforts by some elements within the Emirate to frustrate his effort.
The Emir of Zuru,Major General, (rtd) Sani Sami Gomo 11 who is the custodian of the event was full of delight and commendation to Governor Nasir Idris for attending and supporting the Emirate with funds to stage the festival which has been listed in the calendar of NTDA.
‘ This year’s festival is “Unity and Prosperity”, drawing attention towards utilising culture, arts and expression to unite the people’, he said.
The Monarch appealed to Governor Nasir Idris for provision of some basic amenities in his Emirate such as electricity, water supply, television and radio stations.
He also requested the governor to rehabilitate the Koko -Zuru road to facilitate more investment and agricultural production in the area.
Earler, the Chairman of 2024 Uhola festival, Former Minister of Defence, Lt.-Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd) said culture and tradition can be used to promote national unity amongst Nigerians.
Represented by the President, Middle Belt Forum, Dr. Bitrus Bogu, also acknowledged the rich culture of Nigeria and agricultural potential displayed at the event .
Highlights of the occasion were colourful cultural displays, traditional songs and dances, wrestling among others.
