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From Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin Kebbi
The Kebbi government has announced that it will hold the famous Rigata Cultural Festival from February 8 to February 10 2024 in the ancient city of Yauri in Yauri Emirate of the state.
The National Chairman of the Festival, who is also the Secretary to the state Government (SSG), Alhaji Yakubu Bala-Tafida, confirmed this while briefing newsmen in Birnin Kebbi.
According to him, “the event will feature book launch on the history of Yauri from 1411AD to date, trade fair exhibition, agricultural show, cultural performance and the grand finale – Rigata.
“The reinvigoration of Rigata and its adoption by the state government as paramount cultural event was facilitated by the present 42nd Emir of Yauri, Dr Muhammad Zayyanu-Abdullahi.”
Tafida explained that the Rigata is a word in the local dialect of Gungawa people depicting marine warfare.
“The Festival involves riverine manoeuvres 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,” he said.
Tafida added that the water manoeuvres also served as training exercise for upcoming Gungu warriors.
“The advent of Europeans led the colonial government to ban hippopotamus hunting to preserve the specie.
“Afterwards, Rigata 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 Premier,” the secretary said.
