Some of those who participated in this year’s Durbar | Image: Chinwe Nnadozie
Babangida Aliyu also said that Niger was one of the states in the North-Central with rich culture and tradition, lamenting that the heritage was fast dying due to neglect
By Mohammed Usman
Niger State former Governor, Dr. Mua’zu Babangida Aliyu, has expressed love for the culture and tradition of more than 250 ethnic nationalities in Nigeria, insisting that they are natural heritage that must not be allowed to die.
Babangida Aliyu specifically hailed this year’s mini durbar, which marked the 2024 Sallah celebrations.
The former governor, who spoke in Minna, the state capital, pointed out that Durbar or traditional horse riding was part of the Sallah, which provided the opportunity for intrested participants to display their rich cultural heritage.
Babangida Aliyu also said that Niger was one of the states in the North-Central with rich culture and tradition, lamenting that the heritage was fast dying due to neglect.
Babangida Aliyu, the Chief Host/Sponsor of the mini durbar, also appealed to all the eight Emirate councils to be advocates of culture and tradition of their subjects and encouraged Nigerlites to keep hope alive, stressing that he was making efforts to ensure that culture tourism was promoted across the state and beyond.
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Meanwhile, Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, who attended the durbar, had poured encomium on the former governor over what he described as effort to “Preserve and uplift the different culture and traditions of the north, Niger State in particular, during his tenure as governor”.
During the durbar, which held at ‘Talba Farm’, cultural performances by different traditional musicians, hunters, and colourful horse riders entertained hundreds of fun seekers who came from within and outside the state.
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