Sani Dutsinma
The Kebbi State Government has announced February 4 to 7, 2026, as the dates for the 5th edition of the Yawuri Rigata and Cultural Festival in Yauri Emirate.
The National Chairman of the festival and Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Yakubu Bala Tafida, disclosed this on Friday during a press conference in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital, to officially flag off preparations for the event.
According to Tafida, the four-day festival will feature a range of activities including a trade fair exhibition, agricultural show, cultural performances, water sports, and the Rigata main event, scheduled to hold from Wednesday, February 4, to Saturday, February 7, 2026.
He explained that Rigata is a Gunganci word meaning “marine war,” symbolizing buoyancy, bravery, and prestige.
Historically, the festival dates back over 200 years and originated as a display of naval strength by the Gungu people, who paddled various sizes of canoes armed with traditional weapons to confront dangerous hippopotamuses in the River Niger.
Tafida noted that this year’s edition, like previous ones, has been carefully packaged to showcase the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the Yauri Emirate, while also promoting unity, tourism, and economic activities within the state.
He expressed appreciation to the Kebbi State Government under the leadership of Governor Dr. Nasir Idris for its continued support and commitment to ensuring the successful hosting of the festival.
The Yawuri Rigata and Cultural Festival is one of Kebbi State’s major cultural events and is expected to attract tourists, cultural enthusiasts, and investors from across the country and beyond.