Shehu Sani Urges Governments To Support ABU Cultural Festival

By Ammar M. Rajab  Former Senator representing Kaduna Central, Comrade Shehu Sani, has called on the Northern states and the Fed...

By Ammar M. Rajab 

Former Senator representing Kaduna Central, Comrade Shehu Sani, has called on the Northern states and the Federal Government to support and fund the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Cultural Festival, describing it as a significant platform for promoting culture, tourism and national identity.

Shehu Sani made the call while speaking with journalists, including a Daily Struggle Reporter, during the ABUSRC Annual Durbar held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, as part of the ABUSRC Annual Cultural Carnival.

The special guest commended the organisers of the festival for putting together what he described as a colourful and impressive event, particularly the efforts of students to promote and preserve Nigerian culture and traditions.

“We are here today to witness the 2026 ABU Cultural Festival, which is a very colourful event. I am very proud and impressed to see our young ones doing everything they can to promote and uphold our culture and tradition,” he said.

According to him, culture represents the identity and soul of a people, adding that the display of cultural heritage at the festival was impressive.

“Our culture is our identity, and our culture is our soul, and what I have seen is quite impressive,” Shehu Sani stated.

He further described the festival as a strong component of tourism development in Kaduna State and Nigeria at large, urging governments to recognise its potential beyond the university community.

“This is a very strong component for tourism in Kaduna State and the whole of Nigeria, and I advise the Northern states and the Federal Government to fund this project. It should not just simply be a students’ or ABU affair,” he said.

Shehu Sani also praised the organisers for their efforts and encouraged them to sustain the festival while introducing new and innovative activities each year.

“My message to the organisers is, first of all, they have done a very good job, and I encourage them to sustain it. Every year should have something new to add to the previous year, so that as it gains ground, international interest and recognition, it will become a place that everyone will like to come,” he said.

The ABUSRC Annual Cultural Carnival commenced on Thursday, August 13, 2026, under the theme, “Unity in Diversity: Celebrating Our Heritage, Strengthening Our Future.”

The four-day event features various cultural activities, including a cooking competition involving students representing different states and cultural backgrounds.

The ABUSRC Annual Durbar, held as part of the carnival, took place on Saturday, August 15, 2026, bringing together members of the university community and guests to celebrate Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity and heritage.