The Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) has pledged significant support for the forthcoming Grand Durbar Festival in Ilorin, Kwara State, as preparations intensify for the June event.
The Director overseeing the Office of the Director General, Mr. Richard Ovie Esewhaye, announced the NTDA’s commitment during a meeting with a delegation from the Ilorin Durbar Emirate, emphasizing the agency’s readiness to promote the festival within available resources.
He reiterated the Authority’s longstanding role in supporting tourism initiatives to boost the national economy and showcase Nigeria’s cultural wealth.
The Grand Durbar Festival, scheduled for Tuesday, June 17, 2024, will feature a vibrant horse procession led by the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, accompanied by the Executive Governor of Kwara State, high chiefs, members of the royal family, and honorary title holders.
Over 500 horsemen are expected to participate, with festivities spanning the forecourt of the ancient palace and key locations across Ilorin. Large screens will be installed at strategic points to manage crowds and enhance public viewing.
This year’s festival, marking the sixth edition since its rebranding in 2018, aims to attract both local and foreign investors by highlighting Ilorin’s diverse heritage, history, and artistry.
The event will also feature exhibitions of traditional crafts, plays depicting the lives of past and present monarchs, and displays of the emirate’s unique cultural practices.
Organizers have expressed hope that the festival will further unify the community and stimulate the local economy, as it consistently draws thousands of visitors and boosts trade and hospitality businesses.
The Ilorin Durbar, recognized by UNESCO for its international significance, has become a symbol of unity and cultural pride for the emirate, bringing together people from various backgrounds and reinforcing the city’s reputation as a center of cultural tourism in Nigeria.
