Tourism: Niger state secures support to promote Bida cultural heritage
…Ministry, NCAC explore partnerships, provide strategic direction Niger State is strengthening efforts to promote tourism by partnering with the federal government and private stakeholders to showcase the rich cultural heritage
…Ministry, NCAC explore partnerships, provide strategic direction
Niger State is strengthening efforts to promote tourism by partnering with the federal government and private stakeholders to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Bida Emirate and other parts of the state.
Key to this drive are Hon. Sa’idu Musa Abdullahi, member representing Bida/Gbako/Katcha Federal Constituency, and Zainab Mohammed, General Manager of the Niger State Tourism Corporation.
The duo engaged with the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Hannatu Musawa, seeking collaboration to boost tourism in the state.
They also visited the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) to explore partnership opportunities for the annual Bida Bariki festival, a Durbar with over a century of historical significance in the ancient city of Bida, the heart of Nupe culture.
During the visit, they were received by NCAC Director-General, Obi Asika.
Speaking on the occasion, Hon. Abdullahi, who is also Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, highlighted the cultural and tourism potential of the Bariki festival.
He said, “We are here to present a proposal for partnership for Bariki, a tradition that has existed for more than 100 years. It began during the colonial era as a homage to the colonial masters but has continued after independence as a vital part of Nupe cultural heritage.
“The festival attracts diverse ethnic groups, drawing people from across Niger State, neighboring states, and even beyond Nigeria. Bariki is celebrated twice a year, on the fifth day of Small Sallah and the fifth day of Big Sallah, featuring processions of traditional rulers and large crowds paying homage to the palace.”
Abdullahi added that the initiative aims to sustain the tradition while giving it wider visibility. “Generation after generation, the festival has been celebrated the same way.
We want to tell our story differently and reach a global audience. The Minister of Culture was recently in Bida, where she witnessed the turbanning of prominent personalities, including the former deputy governor of the CBN, and was inspired by the richness of Nupe culture,” he noted.
Zainab Mohammed emphasized efforts to revive fading traditions, particularly Bida’s renowned craftsmanship.
She said, “Some of our traditions have declined over time, and we want to restore them. Craftsmen will showcase their skills during the festival, drawing visitors and promoting Niger State’s cultural heritage.
Bida was designated a UNESCO Creative City in 2021, the first in Nigeria, recognized for craft and folk art. Our cultural troupe was even invited to South Korea to showcase Nupe culture, including parades, horsemanship, drumming, and dance.”
Responding, NCAC Director-General Obi Asika commended the lawmaker and the tourism GM for their initiative to elevate Niger State as a tourism destination.
He assured, “The NCAC will partner with the state to promote its tourism potentials. We recommend involving diplomats, celebrities, influencers, and brands to amplify the festival and other cultural events. Storytelling is key, through social media, travel bloggers, and traditional media, we can ensure wider awareness.
“Proper planning is essential. Promotion should start at least six weeks before the event, with coverage extending two weeks after. Ambassadors for Bida Bariki 2026 can help tell the story and attract a global audience.”
With this collaboration, Niger State is positioning itself to leverage its rich heritage, turning cultural traditions like Bida Bariki into a major tourism attraction.