Video: Spectacular 2025 Durbar festival ignites Ilorin’s cultural spirit

Abdullateef Fowewe

Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, is alive with vibrant cultural energy as it hosts the 2025 Durbar Festival at the Kwara Baseball Park, Adewole.

Video link: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMSAH6WKW/

The grand event, marked by a majestic procession of ornately adorned horsemen led by Emir Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, draws residents, indigenes, and international visitors from over seventeen countries.

The festival, which officially flagged off at the Emir’s Palace by Yahaya Alapansanpa, is more than a cultural display; it is a spiritual remembrance and a celebration of unity and harmony in the community.

During a briefing, Alapansanpa highlighted the significant meaning behind the Durbar, stating, “The Ilorin Durbar is not just a cultural event; it is a spiritual remembrance, a celebration of harmony, and a living testimony to the resilience and unity of our people.”

This year’s Durbar features a new pavilion system enhancing the spectator experience and showcases a rich blend of Fulani, Yoruba, Kanuri, Gobir, and Nupe traditions through horsemanship, traditional costumes, and cultural performances.

With strong backing from the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority, the event also serves as a major boost to tourism and economic growth, attracting global tourists and cultural enthusiasts eager to experience Nigeria’s diverse heritage firsthand.

The festival’s international recognition and UNESCO status highlight its significance as a cultural heritage event on the global stage.

The 2025 Ilorin Durbar Festival stands as a vibrant testament to Nigeria’s rich cultural tapestry, unity, and enduring traditions, drawing widespread acclaim and participation from across the world.