Yauri Emirate Set To Hold Rigata Cultural Festival
From Ayodele Ajoge, Birnin-Kebbi
The Yauri Emirate Council holds her famous Rigata and Cultural Festival which comes up on the 8th to 10th February, 2024 in the ancient city of Yauri in Kebbi State.
The National Chairman of the Festival who is the Secretary to the state Government, Alhaji Yakubu Bala Tafidan Yauri, announced this at a news briefing in Birnin Kebbi Thursday.
The SSG said, the reinvigoration of Rigata and its adoption by Kebbi State Government as paramount cultural event was facilitated by the present 42nd Emir of Yauri, Dr. Muhammad Zayyanu Abdullahi.
He noted that Rigata is a word in the local dialect of Gungawa people depicting marine warfare, Festival involves riverine maneuvers including water sports and entertainment which began 200 years ago as a display of naval strength of Gungu people where Gungu warriors attacked the most dangerous hippopotamus on the River Niger.
Warriors used to board canoes of different sizes with various weapons to attack the wild marine mammals, adding that water maneuvers also served as training exercise for upcoming Gungu warriors.
The advent of Europeans according to him led to the colonial government baning hunting and killing of hippopotamus to preserve the specie.
Rigata he added further became prestigious display of wealth, power and influence during wedding ceremonies of highly placed households.
The trend prevailed until the visit of the late Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sardaunan Sokoto, to Yelwan-Yauri during which Rigata alongside Agricultural show were organised to honour the him.
