Rigata Festival: Kebbi attracts N330bn foreign investment
By Ibrahim Bello
Gov. Nasir Idris of Kebbi says his administration has attracted over N330 billion foreign investment as part of the commitment to develop tourism and cultural heritage in the state.
Idris stated this at the 2025 Rigata Annual Cultural Festival in Yauri Local Government Area.
“Our commitment to preserving the cultural heritage is commendable, as the Rigata festival is not just a celebration, it is a testament to our reach history, vibrant culture, unity of our people.
“This festival showcases the beauty of our tradition, the strength of our community and the spirit of our resilience.
“It is an opportunity for us to come together, to create our achievement and to recollect our shared values,” he said.
According to him, the festival also plays a crucial role in promoting tourism and economic development in Kebbi, attracting visitors from far and near.
“We have created opportunities for local businesses, artisans, and entrepreneurs.
“Our recent visit to China, with a view to attracting foreign investors, resulted in a signing of agreement with refutable investors worth $200 million US dollars, which is equivalent to N330 billion,” he said.
On security, Idris said that there was a remarkable departure from the security situation in Yauri by concerted efforts of the state government, saying that farmers had returned to their farms in the area.
“Within 15 months of this administration, we have reconstructed and rehabilitated Yauri township roads, constructed mega school, rehabilitated Yauri emirate’s palace, installed solar powered-street lights, rehabilitated many Mosques and provided agricultural inputs for free, among others,” he said.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Occasion, Dr Yusuf Sununu, who is also the Minister for State, Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, said that it was part of the President Bola Tinubu’s policy thrust to utilise cultural diversities to boost the economy in the country.
“Rigata is a Yauri cultural heritage, which has purpose of living a legacy for future generations.
“The festival has earned international recognition; the presence of tourists in the festival signifies that peace has returned to Kebbi,” he said.
On the brief history of the festival, Sununu said that the festival involved 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 mammal.
“The water manoeuvres also served as a training exercise for upcoming Gungu warriors,” he said.
Sununu recalled that the advent of Europeans led the colonial government to ban hippopotamus hunting to preserve the specie.
“Afterwards, Rigata became a 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 premier,” the minister narrated.
Earlier, according to the Chairman, National Organising Committee, Alhaji Yakubu Bala-Tafida: “the festival is a significant milestone to celebrate and present our cultural festival.”
He added that the festival was more than a celebration of culture but a testimony to preserving tradition.
“The festival has shown all of us that the security in the emirate is revived as farmers, who hitherto were not able to farm for security reasons, are now massively farming their farmlands because of the improved security in the emirate,” he said.
The chairman, who is the Secretary to Kebbi Government (SSG), commended the tremendous efforts of the Emir and council for the relentless effort in putting together the past and present history of Yauri Kingdom via Rigata festival.
Also speaking, the Emir of Yauri, Dr Muhammad Zayyanu-Abdullahi, thanked Gov. Idris for his unwavering support and infrastructural development in the emirate as well as all those who participated in the event.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that among the dignitaries who attended the event included: Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu, former Gov. Sa’idu Dakingari, Sen. Adamu Aleiro (PDP Kebbi Central), Sen. Lawal Maidokoli (PDP Kebbi South), Sen. Bala Ibn-Na-Allah, immediate past Senator representing Kebbi South, among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Nkiru Ifeajuna/Muhammad Lawal
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