Yauri Annual RIGATA: Emir Presents Live Hippopotamus To Gov Idris
From Ayodele Ajoge, Birnin-Kebbi
The Emir of Yauri in Kebbi State, Alhaji (Dr) Muhammad Zayyanu-Abdullahi, last weekend presented a live hippopotamus to Governor Nasir Idris as a donation for his concern about the progress and development of Yauri Emirate, just as the Governor pledged to promote societal peace across the four Emirate Council in the State.
The donation of the sea animal was done at the end of a traditional festival of of the Yauri Emirate called “Yauri Annual RIGATA and Cultural Festival 2024” which took place in Yauri town.
The hippopotamus was caught by a great fisherman in the Emirate, Alhaji Kasabo Gungun-Sakaci from Gungun-Sakaci village, who is also the Sarkin Ruwawan of the Yauri Emirate.
Presenting the non human friendly animal to the governor, the Emir said the gift was in recognition of the developmental stride he brought to the area within his shortest period in power.
He suggested that the governor take the animal to museum for upkeep so that whenever there are important visitors to the state, they can be taken there for recreational activities.
The governor while appreciating the Emir gesture described the entire festival as a fantastic event which showcased the ability of the Emir to foster unity amongst the people of his emirate.
He assured that the present adminstration would partner with the emirate to project RIGATA cultural festival to the whole world, adding that his government would make sure that next year’s festival is celebrated at its permanent site.
Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who is also a traditional tittle holder in the Emirate, in his speech reminded the people that the Federal Government had established Hydro Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPADEC) to ensure rapid development of the people of the Emirate.
The Chief of Staff, who was represented by Alhaji Sanusi Garba-Rikiji, former Speaker, Zamfara State House of Assembly and ex-Chief of Staff to Gbajabiamila when he was Speaker House of Representatives, lauded Yauri people for preserving, protecting and projecting their rich culture.
While commending Gov. Idris for bringing positive development to Kebbi, Gbajabiamila assured the people of Yauri and the state at large that he would continue to support anything that would foster development of the entire state.
In a welcome address, the National Chairman, RIGATA, who is also the Secretary to Kebbi Government (SSG), Alhaji Yakubu Bala-Tafida lauded Gov. Idris for his immense contribution to the development of Yauri, which according to him earned him a traditional tittle of the emirate.
The SSG noted with satisfaction that the emirate had received assurances from the governor that RIGATA festival has come to stay.
The cultural festival featured water sporting activities such as; traditional swimming (male and female), canoe racing (male and female), pot swimming, cultural dancing and agricultural show among others.
