Rigata Boat Cultural Festival Holds In Kebbi, Saturday
From Ayodele Ajoge, Birnin-Kebbi
The Kebbi State government in conjuction with Yauri emirate council are set to hold the 4th- edition of Yauri Rigata Boat and Cultural Festival scheduled to hold from Thursday 13th February to 15th February, 2025 in the ancient city of Yelwa-Yauri town.
The Chairman National Planning Committee of the event who is also the Secretary to the State government (SSG), Yakubu Bala Tafida disclosed this to Journalists on Monday at a Press conference held at cabinet office in Birnin Kebbi.
Alhaji Tafida disclosed that the Festival involves riverine manoeuvres including water sports and entertainment which started about 200 years ago as a display of naval strength of Gungu people in which the Gungu warriors annually attacked the most dangerous hippopotamus that lives inside the River Niger.
He disclosed further that these warriors boarded various sizes of caneos with different types of weapons with which they attack the wild animals.
The chairman revealed that the reinvigoration of the Rigata event as well as its adoption by the state government as a record cultural event occurred during the reign of His Royal Highness, Dr Muhammed Zayyanu Abdullahi, the 42nd emir of Yauri.
“This year’s festival like the previous ones is packaged to feature a number of spectacular and thrilling events aimed at showcasing the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the good people of Yauri emirate.
“This events will also include Trade Fair Exhibition, Agricultural show, cultural performances, and Rigata main event would be spread over a period of three days.” He said.
