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From Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin Kebbi
The National Chairman, Yauri Rigata and Cultural Festival, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed Tafida, who is also Secretary to the Kebbi State Government (SSG), has disclosed that there would be an exhibition of a live hippopotamus and proper security during the 2026 edition of the Rigata Cultural Festival.
Tafida, who disclosed this at a press briefing to kick-start the fifth edition of the festival, stated that the cultural festival would hold from 5 to 7 February 2026, with an agricultural exhibition and a display of naval strength.
While responding to questions, Tafida said, “the live hippopotamus we showcased last edition is still alive and big. Visitors should be expecting to see it again. On the security, we have to thank His Excellency, Kebbi State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris, for providing adequate security for in Kebbi South Senatorial District. I can assure you that there would be adequate security during and after the festival,” he said.
Speaking on the festival, Tafida said, “Rigata is a Gunganci word which means ‘Marine War’. In its social context, the word connotes buoyance and prestige. The festival involves riverine maneuvers including water sports and entertainment. It started about 200 years ago as a display of naval strength of Gungu people, where Gungu warriors annually attacked the most dangerous hippopotamus in the area on the River Niger. Warriors will board on various sizes of canoes with different types of weapons and attack the wild animals.
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“This requires expertise in canoe peddling and naval warfare. It also served as training exercise for upcoming Gungu warriors.
“The reinvigoration of the Rigata event as well as its adoption by the Kebbi State Government as a record cultural event occurred during the reign of His Royal Highness Dr Muhammad Zayyanu Abdullahi, the 42nd Emir of Yauri.
“It is pertinent to state that this year’s festival, like its predecessors, 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. These events include Trade Fair Exhibition, Agricultural Show, Cultural Performances, Water Sports and the Rigata Main Event, and would be spread over a period of three days, from Wednesday 4 to Saturday 7 February 2026.
“At this juncture, I wish to specially appreciate the commendable role of the Kebbi State Government under the able leadership of Comrade Dr Nasir Idris (Gamjin Yauri) for ensuring that this festival takes place.”
