Bomba Dauda
Vice President Kashim Shettima and former President Olusegun Obasanjo are expected to headline the 2026 edition of the Southern Kaduna Festival (SKFEST), scheduled to hold from May 28 to 30 in Kafanchan, Kaduna State.
Organisers of the annual cultural fiesta, the Southern Kaduna Leadership Council (SKLC), disclosed this in a statement signed by the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Rear Admiral Ferguson Bobai (Rtd).
According to the organisers, Vice President Shettima will serve as the Special Guest of Honour at the closing ceremony, while Obasanjo will attend as the Father of the Day.
The statement also revealed that no fewer than five state governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, are expected as Guests of Honour at the three-day event.
Themed “Embrace Diversity, Build Bridges,” the 2026 edition is aimed at promoting unity, peaceful coexistence, and stronger socio-economic ties among the diverse ethnic nationalities in Southern Kaduna.
“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 said.
SKFEST 2026, which is the third edition of the festival since its debut in 2023, will feature cultural parades, traditional dance performances, local cuisine exhibitions, sports competitions, symposiums, and arts and crafts displays.
Sporting events lined up include marathon races, archery, dambe, and badminton competitions.
The opening ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, May 28, while the closing ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 30, at the Kafanchan Township Stadium in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The organisers noted that the festival has grown into one of the most anticipated cultural events in Northern Nigeria, serving as a platform to promote tourism, attract investments, stimulate local businesses, and project a positive image of Southern Kaduna.
They recalled that previous editions attracted prominent 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.
A major highlight of the festival, 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 sectors.
The honourees will receive awards, including the prestigious Southern Kaduna Grand Commander (SKGC) award.
The Central Planning Committee called on corporate organisations, development partners, government agencies, and individuals to support the event to ensure a successful outing.
