By EZRA MUSA

The organisers of the 2026 Southern Kaduna Festival (SKFEST) say the annual cultural event will promote peaceful coexistence, tourism and investment opportunities in the region.

The Chairman, Central Planning Committee of SKFEST 2026, Rear Adm. Ferguson Bobai (rtd.), made this known in a statement issued on Monday in Kaduna.

Bobai said the festival, scheduled for May 28 to May 30 in Kafanchan, had the theme: “Embrace Diversity, Build Bridges.”

He said the theme reflected the resolve of the people of Southern Kaduna to strengthen unity and deepen dialogue across ethnic, religious and social divides.

According to him, the festival is also designed to stimulate local enterprise and project the positive image of Southern Kaduna to the wider world.

Bobai said Vice-President Kashim Shettima was expected as Special Guest of Honour at the closing ceremony.

He added that former President Olusegun Obasanjo would serve as Father of the Day at the event.

The statement further said no fewer than five governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, were also expected at the festival.

Bobai said activities lined up for the three-day event included cultural parades and traditional dance performances.

He added that exhibitions of local cuisines, arts and crafts would also feature prominently during the festival.

The organisers said sporting events such as marathon, archery, dambe and badminton competitions had also been scheduled.

According to the statement, symposiums and interactive sessions aimed at fostering dialogue and partnerships would form part of the activities.

Bobai said the festival had continued to grow since its debut in 2023 into one of the major cultural gatherings in Northern Nigeria.

He said distinguished sons and daughters of Southern Kaduna would also be honoured for excellence in public service, business, academia, security and sports.

The statement added that award recipients would receive honours, including the Southern Kaduna Grand Commander (SKGC) award.

Bobai recalled that previous editions attracted dignitaries, including Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State, Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa and Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State.

He said all events for the 2026 edition would be held at the Kafanchan Township Stadium in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State. (NAN)