The Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Yakubu Salihu-Danladi, has encouraged residents to support Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s initiative to bolster the state’s economy by leveraging culture and tourism. Speaking at the 2023 Gaani Festival in Gwanara Emirate, Salihu-Danladi praised the governor’s dedication to the cultural and tourism sectors, emphasizing recent state investments aimed at boosting the creative industry. He committed legislative support to further harness cultural resources for economic development, describing these areas as vital to making Kwara State economically self-sufficient.

The Gaani Festival, held annually, draws large crowds of Kwarans and visitors who celebrate the cultural heritage of the region. The Speaker highlighted the significant role that cultural festivals like Gaani play in attracting tourists and boosting local economies. He acknowledged the government’s consistent support of cultural festivals across all senatorial districts, noting, “Since 2019, the Kwara government has actively supported the Gaani Festival and similar events statewide, transforming these celebrations and promoting our cultural heritage.”

The Emir of Okuta, Idris Abubakar-Shero, emphasized the festival’s deep roots in the heritage of the Batonum people, tracing back to the ancestral traditions of the Borgu kingdom. He likened the Gaani Festival to Maulud Nabiyy, Islam’s celebration of Prophet Muhammad’s birth, explaining that each Emirate in Baruten Local Government observes Gaani independently due to geographic distances.

The Emir of Gwanara, Sabi Idris, elaborated on the festival’s importance as a unifying event for the community. Speaking through the Magaji Ngeri of Gwanara, Ahmed Aliyu, he noted that Gaani provides an opportunity for residents and expatriates to reconnect, reinforcing community bonds beyond its economic impact. Aliyu explained, “The festival not only celebrates Eid-el-Maulud in our tradition but also enables people who can’t regularly visit to reconnect at least once a year, strengthening community ties.”

The celebration was held on the open grounds of the new palace in Gwanara and included cultural performances. The event welcomed notable officials, including the Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Ojo Oyebode, Kwara State APC Chairman Sunday Fagbemi, APC party leaders, traditional rulers, and other government representatives. The Emir of Ilesha-Baruba, Prof. Halidu Abubakar, also attended, leading other monarchs and district heads in showing solidarity for Kwara’s cultural heritage.