Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State has re-assured people of the state of his administration readiness to accord priority to the promotion of tourism and culture in view of its importance to the socio economic development of the state.
The Governor gave the assurance in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary Bologi Ibrahim when he declared opened the Sallah Durbar of the Nupe Kingdom tradition called Hawan Bariki at the Wadata Palace, Bida to culminate this years Eid-El-Kabir celebration.
Alh Mohammd Umar Bago who expressed his desire to promote cultural heritage not just within the state but also to project it positively to the world maintained that priority will be given to the Tourism and Culture.
“In our development agenda, we made tourism a very cardinal point, and our being here today is to reasure Nigerlites that our culture will reign supreme in the world. We will encourage Tourism and other cultural activities”, he assured.
The Governor also promised to rebrand the Nupe Kingdom in line with his urban renewal policy, while ensuring the fulfilment of his campaign promises to the people especially as it concerns security, provision of safe and portable drinking water, quality education and good healthcare system.
This he said is in addition to tourism and culture aso well as recognising the Agricultural potentials that abound in the state, the Governor also called on Nigerlites to embrace Agriculture.
Alh Mohammd Umar Bago reminded Nigerlites that his administration will come up with developmental policies and programmes that might be tough and painful to some but however enjoined those that will be affected to consider them as their contribution to the growth and development of Niger state.
He congratulated the Etsu Nupe for the successful sallah celebrations and support while appealing for continous prayer for his administration to succeed.
The Estu Nupe and Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alh Yahaya Abubakar explained that the Hawan Bariki is part of the Sallah celebrations which allows the people to display their rich cultural heritage.
Alh Yahaya Abubakar stated that Bida is one of the 46 cultural cities in the world, explaining that the rich cultural heritage of the city has afforded its people the opportunity to travel to South Korea and South Africa to showcase the cultural heritage of the land.
Highlights of due event were cultural performance and display by different traditional musicians, hunters, masquerades and colourful horse riding.
The Sallah Durbar was attended by Niger state Governor, his deputy, and All Progressives Congress, APC chieftains while the presence of these political figures at the event highlighted the significance of the celebration and demonstrated their support for cultural heritage in the state.
PR ALIYU LAWAL.
