10 February 2024
In Nigeria, West Africa, a live hippopotamus has been presented to the Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris by the Emir of Yauri, Dr. Muhammad Zayyanu-Abdullahi. According to a press release signed by Ahmed Idris, Chief Press Secretary to Kebbi State Governor, the Emir made the donation as an expression of gratitude to the Governor for his concern towards the Yauri Emirate.
The presentation was done at the peak of a traditional festival tagged: “Yauri Annual RIGATA and Cultural Festival 2024” held in Yauri town. The hippopotamus was caught by one Alhaji Kasabo Gungun-Sakaci from Gungun-Sakaci village, who is also the Sarkin Ruwa of the area.
Impressed by the donation and braveness of the man, member representing Suru/Bagudo federal constituency, Rep. Bello Ka’oje donated a brand new car to the fisherman.
Presenting the dangerous animal to the governor, the Emir said the gift was in recognition of the developmental stride he brought to the area within his shortest period in power. He suggested that the governor may take the animal to museum for upkeep “so that whenever there are important visitors to the state, they can be taken there for recreational activities.”
Gov. Idris appreciated the Emir for the gift while describing the entire festival as a fantastic event which showcased the ability of the Emir to foster unity amongst the people of the emirate.
Idris assured that the present administration would partner with the emirate to project RIGATA cultural festival, adding that his government would make sure that next year’s festival “is celebrated in its permanent site.” He observed that the developmental projects ongoing in the emirate were parts of his electioneering campaign promises and promised to do more.
Idris added that the state government was collaborating with two Ministers of Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu and that of Education (State), Dr. Yusuf Tanko-Sununu to ensure the construction of Malandu-Warrah road.
The governor said in line with his campaign promises, construction of Warrah township road had already begun, adding that in two weeks time, a five kilometer road construction in Argungu would be awarded. He expressed delight that his administration paid salaries at and when due, settled all gratuity, pension and leave grants, and “is not owing any worker or ex-worker.”
In his speech, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reminded the people that the Federal Government had established Hydro Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPADEC) to ensure rapid development of the people of the areas.
The Chief of Staff, who was represented by Alhaji Sanusi Garba-Rikiji, former Speaker, Zamfara State House of Assembly and ex-Chief of Staff to Gbajabiamila when he was Speaker House of Representatives, lauded Yauri people for preserving, protecting and projecting their rich culture.
While commending Gov. Idris for bringing positive development to Kebbi, Gbajabiamila assured the people of Yauri and the state at large that he would continue to support anything that would foster development of the entire state.
In a welcome address, the National Chairman, RIGATA, who is also the Secretary to Kebbi Government (SSG), Alhaji Yakubu Bala-Tafida lauded Gov. Idris for his immense contribution to the development of Yauri, which according to him earned him a traditional tittle of the emirate.
The SSG noted with satisfaction that the emirate had received assurances from the governor that RIGATA festival has come to stay. The cultural festival featured water sporting activities such as; traditional swimming (male and female), canoe racing (male and female), pot swimming, cultural dancing and agricultural show among others.
