The Chairman, Main Organising Committee, 2024 Zuru National Uhola Cultural Festival and Agricultural Show, Lt.- Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi (rtd.), revealed that the festival provides opportunities for youth empowerment and wealth creation in Kebbi and Nigeria at large.

Bamaiyi, who served as Chief of Army Staff (COAS) from 1996 to 1999, stated this while briefing newsmen in Zuru on Monday, on the level of preparation for this year’s festival scheduled to hold from May 2 to 4, in Zuru, Kebbi.

“The Uhola festival has brought people closer, together, reawaken their consciousness, and inspired them to utilise the abundant potential in the cultural industries.

”This creates opportunities for youth empowerment and wealth creation in the state and the country at large.”

“Today, the Uhola festival has been elevated to a national event, listed in the national calendar of events of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA).”

”It is essential to note that festival brings people together, promoting unity amid ethnic, religious and social diversities,” he said.

Bamaiyi explained that the festival had transformed from merely being a tool of unity to a platform for improving economic activities, not only in the state but also in the country.

”As planning committee, we have made plans to make it worthwhile for as many that will choose to make it to the festival, or join our media handlers to experience the beauty of our culture.

”The tempo will be sustained in the subsequent editions of the festival, to make it more interesting, and viable.

”We have plans to build the capacity of our festival managers and develop various arts, tourist sites, and culture across the emirate,” he said.

To achieve this, Bamaiyi, sought the support, cooperation, and funding of both the state and federal government through NTDA, while appealing to investors, tourists and donor agencies to also support and fund the festival.

He commended Gov. Nasir Idris and members of the state executive council for their financial support which had paved way for the festival to hold.

Bamaiyi also lauded the efforts of all stakeholders, particularly the Emir of Zuru, retired Maj-Gen. Muhammad Sani-Sami for his moral support, and for being an excellent custodian of the emirate traditions and culture.

Earlier, Sani-Sami, thanked the governor for providing financial support to stage the festival, expressing happiness that the event had been listed in the calendar of NTDA.

“Confidence has been restored in the minds of the people following the return of security in the area which made it possible for people to hold the festival. We are also happy that restoration of peace has given farmers the opportunity to cultivate their farms,” the emir said.

This year’s festival theme is: “Unity and Prosperity”, directing attention towards utilising culture, arts and expression to unite the people.

The 2024 festival will feature agricultural shows, archery competition and Gala night.