Alhaji. Lai Mohammed in red traditional regalia shortly after his turbaning as “Kakaki Kebbi” meaning Cultural Ambassador of Kebbi by the Emir of Argungu, HRH Sumaila Mera in Argungu town of Kebbi state.
The Emir of Argungu, HRH Sumaila Mera on Sunday conferred the traditional title of Kakaki Kebbi (Cultural Ambassador of Kebbi) on the Minister of Information and Culture Alhaji Lai Mohammed.
The turbaning which took place at the forecourt of the Palace of the Emir in Argungu town, Kebbi State was on the sideline of the 2021 World Tourism Day to be celebrated in Birnin-Kebbi on Monday.
Speaking at the event, the Emir said the title was conferred on the minister because of his “courage and strength of character in projecting the image of Nigeria locally and internationally”.
Specifically, the Emir said the emirate honoured the minister with the title as a show of appreciation for his effort in promoting the Argungu Fishing and Cultural Festival to attain international status.
The annual festival which attracts local and international participants and tourists was in 2017 listed by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
The Emir also commended past Ministers of Culture and Tourism for their efforts in promoting the festival nationally since 1970.
The traditional rulers charged the minister to reciprocate the gesture by continuing to promote the cultural heritage of Kebbi and Argungu emirate in particular.
He assured that the emirate and the country at large would benefit from the wealth of experience of the minister.
The minister thanked the Emir and the entire people of the emirate for their affection and generosity in bestowing the honour and title of Kakaki Kebbi on him.
The minister said the choice of Kebbi for the 2021 celebration of the World Tourism Day was not just by coincidence but well planned and thought out.
According to him, Kebbi state is one of the frontline cultural and tourism destinations and all the four emirates in the state have sellable cultural heritages.
“The Argungu fishing and cultural festival is known not just in Nigeria but all over the world and I am proud to say that it is one of the five festivals that have been ascribed intangible heritage of UNESCO.
“The festival should not be seen from the view point of fishing and entertainment alone. rather it should be seen as a symbol of unity,” he said.
Mohammed said the Hottungo festival in Gwandu emirate of Kebbi is celebrated annually by the Fulani tribe to thank Allah for the safe return of their cattle.
He said the Regatta Carnival, celebrated in Yauri Emirate of Kebbi started way back as a measure for protecting bridal trains which were being attacked on the river in those days.
The minister said the Uhola festival in Zuru Emirate is celebrated annually at the end of harvest to thank God for bountiful agricultural produce. He said Nigerians are people with history and past and all their festivals are element for unity and oneness
He appealed to the private sector to invest in culture and festivals, stressing that they were the heritage that would be handed over to the children unborn.
Highlights of the event included the hiding of the minister from the crowd shortly after his arrival at the palace with his entourage.