Joel Ajayi
Gwandu Emirate in Kebbi State, has said it plans to reintroduce “Traditional Annual Horse Racing” to foster unity amongst its subjects.
Chief Coordinator, Horse Racing Committee of the emirate, Alhaji Mustapha Usman-Adamu, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Birnin Kebbi on Sunday.
The reports have it that the chief coordinator spoke shortly after a maiden stakeholders’ meeting on the event in Birnin Kebbi.
Usman-Adamu, who also holds the traditional title of Sarkin Bargun Ka’oje, said the essence of the meeting was to deliberate on the annual horse racing scheduled to hold in November this year.
He said: “This is our first meeting on how to organise a successful horse race in November.
”Horse racing is one of the games permitted and allowed by Islam.
“Just like other games, the event will bring people together, mend relationships, and improve people’s economy.
”This will enable those from the royal clan to come together, especially since the Gwandu emirate is very wide.
“The emirate has 10 LGAs under it with 55 District Heads. Therefore, this is an opportunity for them to come together, know each other more and re-establish relationships”.
Usman-Adamu, said the decision to re-introduce the racing was informed by the desire of Gov. Nasir Idris to revive the culture and tradition of the emirate.
He added, ”We are happy, God has blessed us with a governor who knows the value of traditional institutions and respects all manner of people.
‘He has therefore provided an opportunity to the emirate to come up with the event to purposefully foster unity among the people”.
Also in an interview, Alhaji Haliru Abubakar, Sarkin Sukuwan Gwandu recalled that Argungu Emirate has been celebrating Argungu Fishing Festival.
Also, Yauri has been celebrating the Rigata Cultural Festival, while Zuru has been celebrating the Uhola Cultural Festival.
