Niger State governor, farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago has disclosed that the State government is working with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to enlist the Bida Sallah Durbar (Hawan Bariki) in the list of global festivals.
A statement signed by the chief press secretary to the Governor,Bologi Ibrahim said the farmer governor disclosed this at this year’s Bida Emirate Sallah durbar held in Bida.
Farmer Bago who described the Sallah durbar as a very unique event stressed on the need for it to gain global recognition adding that the event which has been held for many years in Bida has continued to serve as an avenue for peace and unity among the nupes spread across the Country.
He used the medium to commend the Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Yahaya Abubakar for his vision and foresight in promoting and maintaining the nupe tradition.
Earlier in his address, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers ,Yahaya Abubakar, said the Durbar which is held to mark the end of the Eid-El-Kabir celebration is also aimed at preserving the Nupe cultural heritage.
While appreciating the people for their contributions and support to ensure the success of the event, the Estu Nupe also prayed for peace and security of the state and for the success of Governor Bago’s administration.
Highpoint of the event was the presentation of certificates of merit to the Governor, his wife, Hajiya Fatima Bago and the Estu Nupe by the G5 Grassroots Mobilisation Group and the Masaba solidarity movement.
The display of the nupe culture and song presentations by various local artistes as well as horse riding by various traditional title holders also characterized the event.
The farmer governor was later at Umaru Magiji area witnessed the royal procession by traditional title holders including the Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar who stopped to shake hands with the farmer governor and presented him with kola nuts.
The farmer governor was in company of the deputy governor, Comrade Yakubu Garba, member representing Bida/Gbako/Katcha federal constituency, Saidu Musa Abdullahi, APC National Vice Chairman, North central, Muazu Bawa Rijau, Chairman Bida Local Government Council, Usman Muhammad Manko, Commissioner for Health Dr. Murtala Bagana, Commissioner for power and renewable energy Suleiman Umar.
