Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara has praised the vibrant Sallah Durbar in Kaura Namoda, describing it as a powerful symbol of unity and cultural pride.
The festival, held on Sunday in Kaura Namoda, Zamfara, drew large crowds and showcased the emirate’s rich traditions through music, colour, and ceremonial displays.
The sounds of drums, kakakis and algaitasechoed across the town, leaving lasting impressions on residents and visitors who thronged the historic celebration.
Decorated horses, adorned in regal fabrics, carried sword-wielding riders through packed streets, reflecting the enduring legacy of northern Nigeria’s royal heritage.
The Emir’s grand procession was greeted with chants of ‘Ranka ya Dede’, as spectators lined the routes to catch glimpses of the colourful spectacle.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that street parades and palace courtyards came alive with traditional performances, reinforcing the cultural depth and communal spirit of the Kaura Namoda Emirate.
Lawal, represented by Head of Service, Yakubu Haidara, commended the Emir, Alhaji Sanusi Muhammed Asha, for preserving traditions that strengthen identity and promote unity among the people.
“This Durbar reflects the resilience of our culture and the pride of our people, which must be protected and promoted,” the governor said.
He assured continued government support for traditional institutions, noting their vital role in peacebuilding, cultural preservation, and grassroots mobilisation.
“We will continue to support our traditional institutions and preserve our cultural heritage for future generations,” he added.
Lawal urged traditional leaders to explore the economic potential of cultural festivals, stressing their capacity to attract tourism and stimulate local economies.
“Our cultural heritage is not only symbolic but also a viable tool for economic growth and community development,” he said.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity, emphasising collaboration with the Federal Government to address banditry and related threats.
“Our priority is to restore peace while driving economic growth across all sectors of Zamfara,” Lawal stated.
He noted that sustainable development would remain central to his administration’s agenda, with investments targeted at key sectors of the state’s economy.
According to him, peace and economic progress are interconnected, requiring deliberate policies and collective responsibility from leaders and citizens alike.
The Emir expressed appreciation for the massive turnout, describing the Durbar as a celebration of unity.
He said the festival was designed to revive traditional commerce, strengthen cultural identity, and reinforce bonds among diverse communities within the emirate.
The traditional ruler commended the governor for his support, noting that such collaboration would “foster growth, revive commerce, and strengthen community bonds”.
He added that the emirate would continue to promote cultural initiatives that preserve heritage while contributing to peace, stability, and economic advancement.
