Ekene Okafor, Ilorin Kwara State
A massive turnout of indigenes, dignitaries, and visitors from all walks of life, has witnessed a colourful celebration of cultural display and tradition of Ilorin people in Kwara state.
Speaking on the significance of the event, the President of Nigeria association tour operators NATOP, Bolaji Mustafa who brought visitors and other tour operators all the way from Lagos to Kwara said it is time for the world to feel and experience the beautiful cultural heritage of the Kwara people.
“_Ilorin Durbar is an important event for the people of Ilorin. It is celebrated every year, Indigenes from home and abroad travel down here to experience the culture, including the horse ride parade, people culturally dressed in their various beautiful attires, giving out that vibe of Unity that is part of Ilorin culture_”. She said
The NATOP President elaborates further on the activities that go on at the festival.
” It’s a day the Emir comes out in public to greet the people. The events happen a few days after Eid, which is the Ileya festival. So, I brought a team from Lagos to come and experience the event and also explore Kwara.
As a tour operator from ilorin, with the massive turnout we had this year, I hope people would pay more attention to the cultural benefits of the event and turn out next year for a much more eventful Ilorin durbar“She concluded.
The Honourable Commissioner for Communications Kwara State, Bolanle Olukoju Says the Durbar truly represents what the Ilorin culture is all about, including the traditional values of the city of Ilorin.
“The Durbar has had traditional and cultural roots in the Ilorin emirate for a very long time. It was resuscitated in 2018, and since then, it has been a huge event.” She opined.
The highlight of the event is the majestic procession of horsemen led by the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari , who received tributes from dignitaries, community leaders, and subjects.
Songs and dance, laughter and networking, were in abundance, assuring participants of a beautiful cultural heritage that has come to stay in unifying the people of Ilorin in Kwara state, North Central Nigeria.
The Ilorin Emirate Durbar Festival is an annual event which is held a few days after the Muslim Eid celebration.