The Governor of Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has described the annual Durbar show in Ilorin as a tool for promoting socioeconomic development in the state.
AbdulRazaq joined the royal train of the Emir of Ilorin, Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, on Thursday, for the #IlorinDurbar, which is the annual sociocultural festival of the emirate, featuring colourful horse riding and other traditional displays.
Mounted on the back of his hugely decorated horse alongside his brother, the Mutawali of Ilorin, Dr Alimi Abdulrazaq, the governor congratulated the people of the Emirate on the annual cultural festival, which honours the Islamic monarchy of Sheikh Alimi, and projects the valour of Ilorin people.
The Ilorin Durbar is held every second day of Eid-ul-Adha, or the festival of animal slaughtering, bringing together thousands of citizens of the city and visitors.
Speaking with reporters at the event, AbdulRazaq said, “We thank Almighty Allah for making us witness another Durbar of the Ilorin Emirate. It is a significantly important culture of the people of the Ilorin Emirate, which we commemorate every year.
“This event unifies and brings us all together to be our brothers’ keepers.
“We believe in our religion and, of course, our culture and our monarchy. At the back end of this is the economic benefit to the state and the emirate as well. Business activities are doing very well, including hotels, commercial buildings, and relaxation centres alike. You can see how the people are happy—the merriment, the horse riders, and everyone else. We are having a good time today in Ilorin. In fact, we are enjoying it.”
