Gwandu Emirate Organises Maiden Horse Racing And Cultural Festival

The Gwandu Emirate has announced the inaugural edition of its Horse Racing and Cultural Festival, an event designed to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Emirate’s founding fathers to the world.

This was revealed by the Chief Coordinator of the event, Alhaji Mustapha Usman Adamu Kaoje, Sarkin Bargu of Kaoje, during a press briefing held in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday.

The festival is scheduled to take place from the 18th to the 23rd of November, 2024, at the Emir Basharu Race Course in Birnin Kebbi.

According to Alhaji Mustapha Usman Adamu Kaoje, the festival aims to promote unity and understanding among the people of the Emirate while providing an opportunity for both Nigerians and the international community to experience its rich cultural heritage.

The event will also highlight the Emirate’s traditions, including trades, games, and costumes, all of which have been passed down through generations.

“The objective of this festival is to preserve and showcase the traditions of Gwandu Emirate, while fostering unity among its people and beyond,” he stated.

He further emphasized that Gwandu Emirate is internationally recognized as a center for horse racing and traditional values, and this event seeks to strengthen that reputation.

Additionally, the festival is expected to boost local commerce by attracting a large influx of visitors, which will benefit local businesses and the broader economy of Kebbi State.

“The festival will offer a world-class horse racing competition, with participants from across Nigeria and other African nations. It will also provide a platform for our youth, Nigerians, and tourism enthusiasts worldwide to witness and celebrate our rich cultural heritage,” he added.

To ensure the successful execution of the event, the Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar, has established a coordinating committee led by Alhaji Mustapha Usman Adamu Kaoje, along with various subcommittees tasked with overseeing different aspects of the festival.

The week-long celebration will feature several activities, including the Malam Abdullahi Fodio Lecture, an Agricultural Fair, Cultural Displays, and a Durbar. The grand finale, scheduled for November 23, 2024, will be the highly anticipated horse racing competition, where over 250 horses from various parts of Nigeria and Africa are expected to participate. Seven trophies and other enticing prizes will be awarded to the winners.

Alhaji Mustapha Usman expressed gratitude to His Royal Highness, the Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar, Chairman of the Kebbi State Council of Chiefs, for his vision and support in conceptualizing the festival. He also thanked the Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris (Kauran Gwandu), for his continued support and encouragement.

He concluded by extending a warm invitation to Nigerians and the international community to attend and witness this historic event in Birnin Kebbi.

Credit: Yahaya Sarki,

Special Adviser to Kebbi State Governor on Media and Publicity.