By Musa Abubakar
Vice President Kashim Shettima and former President Olusegun Obasanjo are expected to attend the 2026 edition of the Southern Kaduna Festival (SKFEST), slated for May 28 to May 30 in Kafanchan.
The organisers, the Southern Kaduna Leadership Council, disclosed this in a statement signed by the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Rear Admiral Ferguson Bobai.
According to the statement, Shettima will attend the closing ceremony as Special Guest of Honour, while Obasanjo is expected to serve as Father of the Day.
The organisers also said at least five governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, are expected at the event as Guests of Honour.
With the theme, “Embrace Diversity, Build Bridges,” the 2026 edition is aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence, dialogue and stronger socio-economic relations among the various ethnic groups in Southern Kaduna and beyond.
The statement noted that the theme reflects the desire of the people of Southern Kaduna to strengthen unity, encourage meaningful engagement and foster peaceful coexistence across ethnic, religious and social divides.
Activities lined up for the three-day festival include cultural parades, traditional dance performances, indigenous cuisine exhibitions, sports competitions such as marathon, archery, Dambe and badminton, alongside symposiums and arts and crafts displays.
The organisers said the festival, which began in 2023 under the theme “Experience Unity, Celebrate Culture,” has evolved into one of the leading cultural events in Northern Nigeria.
They added that the second edition held in 2024 with the theme “Preserving Heritage, Igniting Progress” highlighted the rich cultural heritage and economic potential of Southern Kaduna.
According to the organisers, SKFEST was conceived not only as a cultural celebration but also as a platform to promote tourism, attract investment, support local businesses and project a positive image of Southern Kaduna internationally.
The statement recalled that previous editions attracted dignitaries including Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri and Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang.
It added that distinguished sons and daughters of Southern Kaduna who have excelled in public service, business, academia, security and sports would be honoured during the festival, including recipients of the Southern Kaduna Grand Commander (SKGC) award.
All activities for the festival are scheduled to hold at the Kafanchan Township Stadium in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
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