By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
One of the oldest, prestigious marine shows in Nigeria, the Yauri Rigata cultural festival has been cancelled for the year 2026. The annual festival was expected to hold from 4th to 7th february.
Citing upgrade and safety as reasons, the Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Festival, Mu’azu Mohammed, Galadiman Yauri and Secretary to the Government of kebbi state explained that the cancellation would enable the Committee to undertake critical structural works for the continuous success of the Festival.
“Rigata” is a “gunganci” word of the Gungawa people of Yauri, meaning “Marine War”.The festival also doubles as an agricultural event for the Gungawa people, who have lived on the islands and along the banks of the river Niger for more than 500 years.
