Gwandu emirate promises to re-introduce annual horse racing

Posted : 26 August 2024

The Gwandu Emirate in Kebbi has announced its plans to reintroduce the “Traditional Annual Horse Racing” to foster unity among its subjects.

Alhaji Mustapha Usman-Adamu, the Chief Coordinator of the Horse Racing Committee of the emirate, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Birnin Kebbi.

The Chief Coordinator spoke shortly after the inaugural stakeholders’ meeting on the event in Birnin Kebbi.

Usman-Adamu, who also holds the traditional title of Sarkin Bargun Ka’oje, stated that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss the annual horse racing event scheduled to be held in November this year.

He said, “This is our first meeting to organize a successful horse race in November. Horse racing is one of the activities permitted and allowed by Islam. Like other games, the event will bring people together, mend relationships, and boost the local economy. It will enable those from the royal clan to unite, especially since the Gwandu Emirate is very large. The emirate comprises 10 LGAs and 55 District Heads. Therefore, this is an opportunity for them to come together, get to know each other better, and re-establish relationships.”

Usman-Adamu explained that the decision to reintroduce the racing was driven by Governor Nasir Idris’s desire to revive the culture and traditions of the emirate. He added, “We are grateful to have a governor who values traditional institutions and respects all people. He has provided an opportunity for the emirate to organize this event to purposefully foster unity among the people.”

In a separate interview, Alhaji Haliru Abubakar, Sarkin Sukuwan Gwandu, recalled that the Argungu Emirate has been celebrating the Argungu Fishing Festival. Yauri has been hosting the Rigata Cultural Festival, and Zuru has been celebrating the Uhola Cultural Festival. He noted that the Gwandu Emirate had previously conducted horse racing, but the event was halted.

Abubakar said, “With encouragement from the governor, Gwandu will reintroduce its ancestral traditional horse racing this year.”

The Galadiman Gwandu, Alhaji Ibrahim Bashar, and Gatan Gwandu, Alhaji Faruqu Umar, also supported the initiative. They mentioned that, in addition to horse racing, the event would feature a traditional durbar and an agricultural show, among other activities.

They added that the meeting aimed to strategize for the success of the event and to provide an information-sharing platform ahead of the event, ensuring that people receive updates on the program.

Gwandu emirate promises to re-introduce annual horse racing

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