As part of efforts to position Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage as a major tourism and economic asset, the Nigerian Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the Ilorin Emirate Durbar to global standards
The Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority, Olayiwola Awakan, pledged on Thursday during the 2026 Ilorin Emirate Grand Durbar as part of the Eid al-Adha celebrations.
Awakan said the Government recognised the cultural and tourism potential of the Durbar and would ensure adequate promotion of the festival to the global community.
He described Nigeria’s cultural diversity as a major strength capable of driving national unity and development, stressing that the country could become a dominant cultural force in Africa through proper promotion of its heritage.
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According to him, Nigerians must remain united and work together to advance the country, irrespective of their diverse cultural traditions.
The festival attracted thousands of residents, tourists and dignitaries from within and outside the country with traditional presentations like traditional drumming, praise singing and equestrian displays by hundreds of horse riders from different parts of the emirate.
Dignitaries at the event were Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, the Emir of Ilorin, Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, the Mutawalli of Ilorin, Dr Alimi AbdulRazaq, the Zana of Ilorin, Engr Lanre Sagaya, the Talban of Ilorin, Prof Oba AbdulRaheem, Kuliyan Ngeri of Ilorin and many other traditional title holders, clerics, and government officials.
Also speaking at the event is the former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Professor AbdulRasheed Na’Allah, who described the Durbar as a cherished tradition that has existed in Ilorin Emirate for long.
He urged youths to embrace their culture and leverage it for a better future, while also calling on academics to establish centres dedicated to documenting and showcasing Nigeria’s cultural values to the world.
In his remarks, the Balogun Alanamu of Ilorin, Alhaji Usman Atolagbe, described the Ilorin Emirate as a model of peaceful coexistence among different ethnic groups, noting that Fulani, Yoruba, Nupe, Baruba, Hausa, Kanuri, Gobirawa and other communities had continued to live harmoniously under the emirate structure.
The Chairman of the Ilorin Emirate Durbar Committee, Suleiman Alapansanpa, commended the Emir of Ilorin for sustaining the cultural festival since its revival in 2018.
He also commended Governor AbdulRazaq for supporting the festival.
