Arrangements for the 2026 edition of the Southern Kaduna Festival (SKFEST) have entered the final phase as prominent political figures, traditional rulers, and stakeholders from different parts of the country prepare to gather in Kafanchan for the cultural celebration scheduled for May 28 to 30, 2026.
Chairman of the SKFEST Central Planning Committee, retired Rear Admiral Ferguson Bobai, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen, saying Vice President Kashim Shettima is expected as Special Guest of Honour at the closing ceremony, while former President Olusegun Obasanjo will serve as Father of the Day.
He added that no fewer than five state governors, alongside the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, are also expected to grace the event as Guests of Honour.
The annual festival, organised by the Southern Kaduna Leadership Council, will hold at the Kafanchan Township Stadium in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State under the theme, “Embrace Diversity, Build Bridges.”
According to the organisers, the theme reflects the determination of the people of Southern Kaduna to deepen peaceful coexistence, strengthen mutual understanding and encourage dialogue among the diverse ethnic and religious groups in the region.
It also seeks to promote economic cooperation and social integration aimed at building a more united and progressive Southern Kaduna.
The statement explained that activities lined up for the festival include colourful cultural parades, traditional dance performances, exhibitions of indigenous cuisines and local delicacies, as well as sporting competitions such as marathon races, archery, dambe and badminton.
Symposiums, arts and crafts exhibitions are also expected to feature prominently during the event.
The organisers noted that since its debut in 2023, SKFEST has continued to grow into one of Northern Nigeria’s leading cultural festivals.
The maiden edition, themed “Experience Unity, Celebrate Culture,” was described as a foundation for promoting cultural harmony, while the 2024 edition with the theme “Preserving Heritage, Igniting Progress,” further showcased the rich cultural identity and economic potential of Southern Kaduna.
Beyond entertainment and cultural displays, the festival is expected to serve as a platform for tourism promotion, investment attraction and economic development, while projecting a positive image of Southern Kaduna to the international community.
The statement further recalled that previous editions attracted high profile dignitaries, including Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, and the Deputy Governor of Borno State, Umar Usman Kadafur, among other government representatives.
A major highlight of the 2026 edition, according to the organisers, will be the recognition of distinguished sons and daughters of Southern Kaduna who have excelled in public service, business, academia, security, sports and other fields of endeavour.
Honourees are expected to receive prestigious awards, including the Southern Kaduna Grand Commander -SKGC honour.
The Central Planning Committee appealed to corporate organisations, development partners, government institutions and well meaning Nigerians to support the festival in order to ensure a successful and impactful outing.
Teddy Daniel
