Sani Dutsinma
The Yawuri Emirate Council in Kebbi State has announced plans to host the 2026 Rigata Cultural and Heritage Festival, scheduled to take place from February 4 to 7 in Yauri, the headquarters of the Yauri Local Government Area.
The announcement was made by the Ubandoman Yauri, Alhaji Abubakar Sa’idu, who is also the chairman of the festival’s organising committee, during a media outreach visit to major media houses in Birnin Kebbi.
Nawfia Community Suspends Cultural Festival Amid Rising Gun Attacks
According to him, the committee has begun a sensitisation and advocacy tour of media organisations to solicit their support and cooperation towards the successful hosting of the annual cultural event.
Speaking during the visit, Alhaji Abubakar Sa’idu highlighted the critical role of the media in information dissemination, noting that their support is vital in publicising cultural programmes and events.
He appealed to media executives and management to partner with the committee in promoting the 2026 Rigata Festival, which he described as one of the oldest and most significant cultural festivals in Kebbi State.
The Ubandoman disclosed that this year’s festival is expected to attract thousands of spectators, dignitaries, water sports enthusiasts, and performers from across Kebbi State and other parts of the country.
He explained that the Rigata Festival showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Yauri Emirate, its abundant agricultural and natural resources, as well as traditional water sports that date back over 100 years.
Argungu Fishing Festival DG Funds PVC Mobilisation in Kebbi
According to him, the festival originated from traditional water manoeuvres practised by major ethnic groups in the emirate, including the Kambari, Gungawa, and Dukkuwa communities.
Alhaji Abubakar Sa’idu further noted that the Rigata Festival is organised annually by the Yawuri Emirate Council under the supervision of the Emir of Yauri, Dr Muhammad Zayyanu Abdullahi.
Media organisations visited during the advocacy tour included Kebbi State Radio, Kebbi State Television, and Equity FM.