Bomba Dauda
The people of Southern Kaduna Senate District of Kaduna state have set the stage for the first ever festival in the region. The region comprises of about 57 ethnic nationalities and each is distinct from the rest in terms of culture and tradition.
The festival is aimed at showcasing the numerous potentials of the region: cultural, economic, sport and tourism for sustainable economic growth and development of the region.
The 3 days event will start on the 28th to 30th of December 2023.
According to Rear Admiral Ferguson Bobai (Rtd) and the Chairman of the central planning Committee, the Festival is a veritable tool to mirror the cultural identities of the SK people, that is why the Central Planning Committee of SKFEST are saddled with the responsibility of planning the festivity as an avenue and potent vehicle for revitalizing our rich cultural heritage and values.
Consequently, the Committee in this maiden edition is calling on all SK Sons and Daughters to come out in mass and enjoy this festival as aptly captured by the theme “Experience Unity, Celebrate Culture.”
The festival is an avenue for each Community Development Association (CDA) to participate effectively and display their peculiar cultural endowment. This is done to preserve and promote the abundance of each CDA’s cultural industry and to showcase not only investable opportunities in them, but also, to explore the wealth of job opportunities inherent in the cultural sector, especially for our teeming youths.
Major participants in SKFEST are the 57 CDAs of SK (which you will agree with me are the main repositories of our cultures), Non – Governmental Organizations, Youth Groups and Associations as well as other relevant stakeholders in the cultural sector, he said.
Events for the festival includes:
Beauty Pageant
Traditional Cooking Competition
Traditional Wrestling
Indigenous Fabric and Fashion Show
Archery
Marathon
Football Tournament
On the other hand, the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, Football Tournament and Archery are scheduled to hold at the New Kafanchan Township Stadium. The take-off of the 21 Kilometer Marathon race will be at Gidan Waya and end at the Patrick Yakowa roundabout. Other venues where events will take place are New Choice Hotel for Beauty Pageant and Traditional Cuisine competition while the Colloquium will take place at Throne Room.
Each of the 10 competitive events will have a Special Guest, a Chairperson, a Coordinator, and a Panel of Professional Judges drawn from their relevant specializations, to have credible winners in each of the events. Based on this thrust, it is important for all CDAs to participate in all the competitive events. Of course, prizes and certificates will be awarded both for wining and participation. It is instructive to let you know that worthy sons and daughters of SK will be honored both posthumous and living in four categories for their outstanding contribution and service to SK, Kaduna State and Nigeria at large.Finally, I want to assure that you will be properly briefed as we continue making arrangement to make SKFEST a huge success.Thank you, Ladies and Gentlemen for your time and attention
