The Katsina State cultural delegation is now in Enugu ahead of tomorrow’s 2025 National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST). Their arrival, marked by more than 100 delegates and a striking line-up of beautifully decorated royal horses, immediately attracts attention across the Coal City.
Leading the team is the Director General of the Katsina State History and Culture Bureau, Dr. Kabir Ali Masanawa. He arrives with senior officials, horsemen, traditional craftsmen, and support crews, all focused on presenting Katsina’s rich cultural identity at one of the country’s biggest cultural gatherings.
The delegation includes cultural officers, traditional horse handlers, performance coordinators, and members of the Katsina NAFEST Technical Committee. Their mission is simple: to showcase Katsina’s heritage as a unifying force that brings Nigerians together.
This historic outing follows the approval of His Excellency, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, whose strong belief in cultural diplomacy and national cohesion guides Katsina’s participation this year. Governor Radda sees culture not only as a symbol of identity but as a pathway for strengthening relationships, promoting peace, and opening new opportunities.
The state is also hopeful that this presence in Enugu will create avenues for the people of Katsina to benefit from increased commerce, tourism, and visibility throughout the festival.
This year’s NAFEST makes history as it becomes the first time a full Arewa Durbar procession will hold in southeastern Nigeria. Katsina’s role in this landmark moment reflects a growing bond between Katsina State and Enugu State.
The colourful entrance of the horsemen dressed in royal robes and traditional armour instantly sparks excitement. Residents pour into the streets to watch the riders, describing the moment as a rare chance to witness Northern Nigeria’s famous equestrian culture right in the Southeast.
While in Enugu, the Katsina delegation will feature in major festival activities, including performances, cultural parades, exhibitions, and statewide competitions. Organisers say the 2025 edition is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious in NAFEST’s history.
Festival officials also note that introducing the Northern Durbar adds new depth to the event, reinforcing NAFEST’s reputation as the country’s largest annual cultural festival with participation from all 36 states and the FCT.
Officials from the Enugu State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), festival marshals, cultural troupes, and community leaders are on ground to welcome the Katsina team, reflecting the warm reception the delegation continues to receive.
Beyond the colourful scenes, Katsina’s participation is expected to boost cultural tourism, encourage regional collaboration, and promote unity by celebrating the traditions that bind Nigerians together.
Katsina State is fully prepared for NAFEST 2025 in Enugu an event where heritage, innovation, and national pride come together.
