By Awwal Umar Kontagora The fourth edition of the Yauri Rigata and Cultural Festival is scheduled to take place from February 13...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
The fourth edition of the Yauri Rigata and Cultural Festival is scheduled to take place from February 13 to 15, 2025.
This was announced by the National Chairman of the festival, who is also the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Yakubu Bala-Tafida, during a press briefing marking the commencement of the 2025 Yauri Annual Rigata and Cultural Festival.
He explained that Rigata is a Gunganci word meaning “marine war” in its social context, symbolizing buoyancy and prestige.
The National Chairman noted that the festival includes riverine maneuvers, water sports, and entertainment. He added that it originated about 200 years ago as a display of the naval strength of the Gungu people.
*"During the display, Gungu warriors annually attack the most dangerous animals in the area, particularly hippopotamuses, on the River Niger.
"The warriors board various sizes of canoes, armed with different types of weapons, to hunt and subdue these wild animals,"* he said.
According to the SSG, this year's festival will feature a variety of spectacular and thrilling events aimed at showcasing the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the Yauri Emirate.
Bala-Tafida stated that the event will also include a trade fair exhibition, an agricultural show, cultural performances, and the Rigata main event, all spread over three days.
He expressed appreciation to Governor Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, Gamjin Yauri, for ensuring the successful organization of the festival. He also expressed hope that the event would receive widespread publicity.
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