Shettima, Obasanjo, govs to attend 2026 Southern Kaduna festival

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Vice President Kashim Shettima, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and no fewer than five state governors are expected to attend the 2026 Southern Kaduna Festival scheduled to hold from May 28 to May 30, 2026, in Kafanchan, Kaduna State.

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The organisers of the annual cultural festival, the Southern Kaduna Leadership Council, disclosed this in a statement, signed by the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Rear Admiral Ferguson Bobai (retd.), on Monday.

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According to the statement, Shettima will serve as the Special Guest of Honour at the closing ceremony, while Obasanjo is expected to attend as the Father of the Day.

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The organisers also revealed that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, alongside five governors, would attend the event as guests of honour.

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Themed “Embrace Diversity, Build Bridges,” the 2026 edition of the festival is aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence, dialogue, unity, and economic collaboration among the diverse ethnic and religious communities in Southern Kaduna.

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“The theme reflects the collective aspiration of the people of Southern Kaduna to strengthen harmonious relationships, foster meaningful dialogue, and promote peaceful coexistence across ethnic, religious, and social lines,” the statement noted.

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The organisers added that the festival would also serve as a platform to promote tourism, attract investment, stimulate local enterprise, and project a positive image of Southern Kaduna.

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Activities lined up for the three-day event include cultural parades, traditional dance displays, exhibitions of indigenous cuisines, symposiums, arts and crafts exhibitions, and sporting activities such as marathon races, archery, dambe, and badminton competitions.

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The statement recalled that the maiden edition of the festival held in 2023 had the theme, “Experience Unity, Celebrate Culture,” while the 2024 edition focused on “Preserving Heritage, Igniting Progress.”

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According to the organisers, previous editions attracted prominent dignitaries, including Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, and Borno State Deputy Governor Umar Usman Kadafur.

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The organisers further disclosed that distinguished sons and daughters of Southern Kaduna who have excelled in public service, business, academia, security, sports, and other sectors would be honoured during the event.

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They added that recipients would be decorated with awards, including the Southern Kaduna Grand Commander award.
n“All events will take place at the Kafanchan Township Stadium in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State,” the statement added.n

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The committee called on corporate organisations, development partners, government agencies, and well-meaning individuals to support the festival.

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