The ancient city of Gwanara in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara came alive on Saturday as dignitaries from within and outside Nigeria converged to celebrate this year’s Gaani festival.
The annual festival, a cornerstone cultural event for the Baruba kingdom spanning Nigeria and the Republic of Benin, attracted traditional rulers, government officials, community leaders, sons and daughters of Gwanara, as well as tourists and culture enthusiasts.
The festival, known for its rich history and display of royalty, featured spectacular traditional displays, cultural performances, royal rites and traditional dances that showcased the unity and peaceful coexistence of the Baruten people.
It also served as an important traditional rite of passage where young princes and princesses were officially initiated and given royal titles.
The high point of the celebration was the reception accorded to the Speaker of the Kwara House of Assembly and All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Candidate, Mr Salihu Yakubu-Danladi.
Amid drumming and cheers, Yakubu-Danladi was welcomed by a mammoth crowd, turning the festival into a carnival.
Speaking at the festival, the Emir of Gwanara, Alhaji Abdullahi Sabi Idris, Kotokogi II, called on the people of Baruten to continue to promote peace, unity and peaceful coexistence.
He said peace and unity remained essential for the development and progress of the community.
The Emir thanked all dignitaries who graced the occasion, describing their presence as a demonstration of support for the culture and traditions of Gwanara.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Offa Local Government Area, Mr Suleiman Omituntun, praised the rich history of Gwanara and the calibre of personalities attending the festival.
On the 2027 general elections, Olatunji said leadership selection should be based on performance, capability and capacity to deliver, rather than age.
He expressed support for Yakubu-Danladi, describing him as his preferred candidate to sustain the development strides of Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Baruten Local Government Area, Alhaji Issa Jibrin, emphasised the global and regional importance of the Gaani festival to the Baruba people, noting that the peaceful celebration had continued to promote unity across different regions.
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