Events

Ilorin Emirate Durbar ends peacefully as thousands grace event

Published

2 years ago

June 20, 2024

Ilorin Emirate Durbar ends peacefully as thousands grace event

Thousands of personalities across Nigeria, people from the International community and multi national organizations trooped out in their thousands the witness the 2024 Ilorin Emirate Grand Durbar.

The event which was colourful with hundreds of horses on display and various cultural attractions and musical jamboree ended peacefully.

At the event, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council , Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari who was overwhelmed with the success of the programme called for prayer for peace and stability in Nigeria.

He also urged Nigerians to continue to support the administration of President Bola Tinubu with prayer.

Sulu-Gambari spoke at the 2024 durbar celebration held at the frontage of his palace in Ilorin, Kwara State.

Emir of Ilorin calls for support for Tinubu’s administration

He expressed optimism that the economic reforms of the Tinubu ‘s administration would soon yield fruitful results.

” I want to use this occasion to urge my people and Nigerians across the globe to continue to pray for peace and stability in the country. I also urge Nigerians to continue to pray for our leaders. With prayers, everything in the country shall be okay, “ the Emir said.

Earlier in the day, the Emir accompanied by Governor AbdulRahaman AbdulRazaq, his elder brother and Mutawali of Ilorin, Dr Alimi AbdulRazaq, other traditional and honorary chiefs, had rode on horse back through designated routes in Ilorin metropolis.

The horse riding procession began about 11am while the Emir and his team returned to the palace’s forecourt at about 3. 30pm.

Other eminent personalities that accompanied the Emir included the Senator representing Kwara Central senatorial district in the Senate, Saliu Mustapha, Zanan of Ilorin,Engr Lanre Sagaya, Group Managing Director of KAM Holding Ltd, Engr Kamoru Yusuf, the Director General of Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies, Comrade Issa Aremu, the Vice Chancellor of Kwara State University, Malete, Prof. Shaykh – Lukman Jimoh and the Retiring Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Prof. AbdulRasheed Na’Allah.

In his welcome address, the chairman, Ilorin Emirate Durbar Committee, Engr Suleiman Alapasanpa, expressed satisfaction that the event was attended by many distinguished guests, including policy makers from all walks of life and from across and beyond Nigeria.

He praised the Emir for revitalizing and sustaining the cultural festival, noting that,” since its introduction six years ago, Ilorin Emirate has not remained the same, especially in the realms of cultural evolution and economic development.”

” The annual event has continuously served its essence by attracting tourists and other stakeholders from far and near . It is also incontrovertible that the people of our community are benefiting greatly from this annual festival.

” It is getting clearer that Ilorin Emirate Durbar has assumed its uniqueness. It is becoming totally unique compared to what is done in other Emirates. This is due to the fact that our uniqueness as a people is manifesting on our durbar,” Alapasanpa added.

Alapasanpa hailed the state governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq,” for supporting the festival and on the numerous achievements of his administration in the last five years “.

Up Next

Segun Ojolowo emerges as the new president of Ota Gravity Foundation

Don't Miss

New Regberegbe Group, Egbe Bobasete, Debuts in Ijebuland Ahead of Ojude Oba Festival

Click to comment

Culture

Crowds Gather for Rare Sunrise at Egypt’s Abu Simbel Temple

Published

3 weeks ago

October 23, 2026

David Ogunjobi

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple to witness the twice-yearly sunrise ceremony illuminating Pharaoh Ramses II’s statue

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple on Thursday to witness a spectacular sunrise phenomenon in which sunlight illuminated the face of the statue of Pharaoh Ramses II, an event that occurs only twice a year.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The ancient astronomical ceremony drew visitors from different parts of the world to the archaeological site in southern Egypt on October 22, one of two dates associated with the phenomenon.

The second occurrence takes place on February 22, when the rising sun illuminates the temple’s interior.

Egyptian tour guide Yasser Fouad described the occasion as extraordinary, saying some visitors had stayed overnight to secure the opportunity to witness the event.

“Today is an extraordinary day, everyone is keen, there are people who stayed over the night, foreigners who actually spent the night in Abu Simbel to see this phenomenon,” Fouad said.

The Great Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel dates back to the 13th century BC and is among Egypt’s most prominent archaeological attractions.

Built during the reign of Ramses II, one of ancient Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs, the temple is renowned for its monumental statues and sophisticated architectural design.

The twice-yearly sunrise phenomenon is a major attraction, drawing visitors eager to witness the interaction between sunlight and the temple’s ancient structure.

The dates have traditionally been associated with significant moments in Ramses II’s life.

October 22 is commonly linked to his birthday, while February 22 is associated with his accession to the throne.

However, the precise historical reasons behind the dates remain debated.

Some archaeologists have proposed alternative explanations, including that they may have marked the pharaoh’s coronation and birthday.

Abu Simbel underwent a major international rescue operation in the 1960s, when archaeologists and engineers relocated the temples to protect them from flooding caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

The monumental structures were cut into large blocks and reassembled at a higher location, preserving the site for future generations.

The relocation was one of the most significant archaeological preservation projects of the 20th century.

Despite the move, the temple continues to attract visitors for its ancient Egyptian art, monumental architecture and remarkable alignment with the rising sun.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The annual gatherings highlight the enduring appeal of Egypt’s archaeological heritage and the continuing fascination with the astronomical knowledge and engineering achievements of its ancient civilisation.