No fewer than 250 horses from more than seven different countries are expected to participate in the maiden edition of Gwandu Emirate Annual Horse Racing and Cultural Festival scheduled for November, 18th, 2024.
The competition, which is slated to hold between Nov. 18 and 23, 2024, in Birnin Kebbi will feature series of events like; Malam Abdullahi Fodio Annual Lecture, Agricultural Fair, Cultural Displays and Durbar as well as Horse Racing competition.
Addressing a press conference in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday, Alhaji Mustapha Usma-Adamu, said the Sarkin Bargun Ka’oje and Chief Coordinator of the event, said that they expected competitors from Niger Republic, Benin Republic, Senegal, Bokinafaso, Cameroon and Ghana among others.
He said the event was part of the emirate’s contribution to the government of His Excellency, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu “to enable the governor leave behind lasting legacies in our dear state.”
Usma-Adamu said the objective of the festival was to showcase and preserve the Gwandu Emirate traditions, promote unity and understanding among its people, and provide opportunity for its teeming youths, other Nigerians and members of the international community to see and experience the emirate’s rich cultural heritage, specifically the emirate trades, games and costumes.
The chief coordinator added that historically, Gwandu emirate was known as home of horse racing and a hub for traditional reverence, saying that the event also sought to provide opportunities for businesses to thrive.
“We seek to build on this tradition and open a new chapter in our efforts to promote Kebbi State, and also seek to provide opportunities for our businesses to thrive through increased commerce during the festival, as we anticipate a large influx of people.
“It is also our intention to promote unity and understanding within the emirate, while offering an opportunity for our youth, Nigerians, and indeed lovers of tourism and sportsmanship around the world to witness our rich cultural heritage.
“This festival will provide a world-class horse racing competition, attracting participants from across Nigeria and other African nations,” he said.
According to him, the Mallam Abdullahi Fodio Annual Lecture will be an occasion for thought-provoking lectures on engaging topics along with an exhibition of rare works by Mallam Abdullahi Fodio.
Usma-Adamu added that the Agricultural Fair would offer an interactive platform for farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs to exchange ideas, as well as access a variety of inputs and services.
On Cultural Displays and Durbar, the chief coordinator explained that it would offer spectators the opportunity to witness traditional games, trades and crafts, unique to Gwandu Emirate.
“A grand display of horsemanship featuring royal cavalrymen and horse riders dressed in elaborate traditional regalia. The Hottingo Fulani cultural display will also be part of the event to feature this year.
“Horse Racing is the main event in this festival, exciting equestrian competition featuring the finest horses and riders. A total of Seven trophies will be contested for, with enticing prizes on offer.
“The Gwandu Emirate Council has scheduled the festival to take place from the 18th to the 23rd of November, 2024, at the Emir Muhammad Ilyasu Bashar Race Course in Birnin Kebbi.
“The venue will be remodelled to a befitting setting for this historic event. I therefore extend a warm invitation to Nigerians and other nationals to join us in Birnin Kebbi for the maiden edition of the Gwandu Emirate Annual Horse Racing and Cultural Festival,” he said.
While saluting the foresight of His Royal Highness, Maj. Gen. Muhammad Ilyasu Bashar (Rtd), Emir of Gwandu and Chairman of the Kebbi State Council of Chiefs, for conceptualising the festival and offering his fatherly support for its success, Usma-Adamu also thanked the Executive Governor of Kebbi State, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris, who has been highly supportive towards the success of the programme.
