Sallah Durbar in Bida: Niger State Government partners with UNESCO to recognize the Traditional Event as a Global Festival.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago announced that the state government is collaborating with the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to have the Bida Sallah Durbar (Hawan Bariki) designated as a UNESCO-listed global festival.
The governor made this announcement during this year’s Bida Emirate Sallah Durbar held in Bida.
Describing the Sallah Durbar as a unique cultural event, Governor Bago underscored the importance of achieving international recognition. He noted that the event, held annually in Bida, serves as a platform for promoting peace and unity among the Nupe people across Nigeria.
In a press statement, Ibrahim Bologi, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, praised Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Yahaya Abubakar, for his dedication to promoting and preserving Nupe traditions.
During his speech, Etsu Nupe Yahaya Abubakar highlighted that the Durbar, which marks the end of Eid-El-Kabir, also plays a crucial role in protecting Nupe cultural heritage. He expressed gratitude to the community for their support and wished for lasting peace and security in the state, as well as success for Governor Bago’s administration.
The event featured the awarding of certificates of merit to Governor Bago, his wife, Hajiya Fatima Bago, and Etsu Nupe by the G5 Grassroots Mobilization Group and the Masaba Solidarity Movement. It also included displays of Nupe culture, musical performances by local artists, and traditional horse riding by respected titleholders.
Governor Bago later visited the Umaru Magiji area, where he observed a royal procession involving traditional leaders, including Etsu Nupe Yahaya Abubakar, who exchanged greetings and presented kola nuts to the governor.
He was accompanied by Deputy Governor Comrade Yakubu Garba, Member of Parliament Saidu Musa Abdullahi, APC National Vice Chairman for North Central Muazu Bawa Rijau, Bida Local Government Chairman Usman Muhammad Manko, Health Commissioner Dr. Murtala Bagana, Power and Renewable Energy Commissioner Suleiman Umar, among others.
