Obasanjo, Shettima, 5 Governors To Attend Southern Kaduna Festival

Vice President Kashim Shettima, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and five state governors are expected to attend the 2026 Southern Kaduna Festival holding from May 28 to May 30, 2026, in Kafanchan, Kaduna State.

The chairman, Central Planning Committee of the Southern Kaduna Leadership Council (SKLC), the organisers of the annual Southern Kaduna Festival (SKFEST), Rear Admiral Ferguson Bobai (rtd), in a statement yesterday, said Shettima would be the special guest of honour at the closing ceremony, while Obasanjo would be the Father of the Day.

Bobai said the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike and five state governors would also attend the event as guests of honour.

The statement said beyond celebration, SKFEST served as a strategic platform to promote tourism, attract investment, stimulate local enterprise, and project the positive image of Southern Kaduna to the world. It is also designed to strengthen bonds among the diverse ethnic nationalities of the region and reinforce a shared vision of peace and sustainable development.

According to the statement, “SKFEST-2026, the third edition since the festival debuted in 2023, is themed “Embrace Diversity, Build Bridges.”

The theme reflects the collective aspiration of the people of Southern Kaduna to strengthen harmonious relationships, foster meaningful dialogue, and promote peaceful coexistence across ethnic, religious, and social lines”

“It further underscores the resolve to build viable economic partnerships and a strong social foundation for a more united, progressive, and inclusive Southern Kaduna region. The opening ceremony will take place on Thursday, May 28 while the closing ceremony on Saturday, May 30.”

The statement added that, “Activities lined up for the three-day event include: grand cultural parades and traditional dance displays. Others are exhibition of local cuisines and indigenous delicacies, Sports competitions including Marathon, Archery, Dambe and Badminton. There will also be Symposium, arts and crafts exhibition”

The maiden edition in 2023, had the theme “Experience unity, celebrate culture,” laid the foundation for what has become one of the most anticipated cultural gatherings in Northern Nigeria.

“Previous editions were graced by high-profile dignitaries, including the Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani; the Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri; the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang; the Deputy Governor of Borno State, Umar Usman Kadafur; as well as representatives of the Governors of Kano and Katsina States.

“Their presence highlighted the growing national relevance of the festival as a platform for unity, cultural diplomacy, and inter-state collaboration.

“A major highlight of the festival will be the recognition and honouring of illustrious sons and daughters of Southern Kaduna who have distinguished themselves in public service, business, academia, security, sports, and other fields of endeavour.

Honourees will be decorated with prestigious awards, including the Southern Kaduna Grand Commander (SKGC) award and others,” the statement said.