The Nigerian Government has pledged to promote the Ilorin Emirate Durbar to global standards as part of efforts to position Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage as a major tourism and economic asset.
The Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority, Olayiwola Awakan, made the pledge on Thursday during the 2026 Ilorin Emirate Grand Durbar held in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, as part of the Eid-Al-Adha celebrations.
Awakan said the Nigerian Government recognised the cultural and tourism potential of the Durbar and would ensure adequate promotion of the festival to make it a world-class event.
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He described Nigeria’s cultural diversity as a major strength capable of driving national unity and development, stressing that the country could become a dominant cultural force in Africa through proper promotion of its heritage.
According to him, Nigerians must remain united irrespective of ethnic differences and work together to advance the country through their diverse cultural traditions.
The colourful festival attracted thousands of residents, tourists and dignitaries from within and outside the country to the Kwara Baseball Park, Adewole, Ilorin.
Spectators witnessed horse processions, traditional drumming, praise singing and coordinated equestrian displays by hundreds of horse riders from different parts of the emirate.
Among dignitaries at the event were Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, the Emir of Ilorin, Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, the Mutawalli of Ilorin, Dr Alimi AbdulRazaq, the Zana of Ilorin, Engr Lanre Sagaya, the Talban of Ilorin, Prof Oba AbdulRaheem, Kuliyan Ngeri of Ilorin, Yusuf Olaolu Ali, SAN, many other traditional title holders, clerics, government officials and business leaders.
Security personnel drawn from the police, army and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were strategically deployed around the venue to ensure a peaceful celebration, while CCTV cameras were installed at key locations as part of enhanced security arrangements.
Speaking at the event, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Professor AbdulRasheed Na’Allah, described the Durbar as a cherished tradition that has existed in Ilorin Emirate from time immemorial.
Embrace Cultural Heritage
He urged youths to embrace their cultural heritage and leverage it for a better future, while also calling on academics to establish centres dedicated to documenting and showcasing Nigeria’s cultural values to the outside world.
In his remarks, the Balogun Alanamu of Ilorin, Alhaji Usman Atolagbe, described the Ilorin Emirate as a model of peaceful coexistence among different ethnic groups, noting that Fulani, Yoruba, Nupe, Baruba, Hausa, Kanuri, Gobirawa and other communities had continued to live harmoniously under the emirate structure.
The Chairman of the Ilorin Emirate Durbar Committee and Danmasani of Ilorin, Suleiman Alapansanpa, commended the Emir of Ilorin for sustaining the cultural festival since its revival in 2018.
He also praised Governor AbdulRazaq for supporting the festival, especially the construction of a pavilion at the forecourt of the Emir’s palace, which he said would reduce the cost of future editions.
Alapansanpa explained that cultural exhibitions introduced into the Durbar were aimed at exposing younger generations to the history and identity of their forebears, while preserving the unity and heritage of the Ilorin Emirate.
Also speaking, Director-General of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies, Comrade Issa Aremu, commended the organisers for promoting and preserving the cultural heritage of the Ilorin Emirate.
He announced that the institute would confer a fellowship award on Alapansanpa in recognition of his contribution to the successful organisation of the event.
