The organisers of the 2026 Southern Kaduna Festival say the annual cultural event will promote peaceful coexistence, tourism and investment opportunities in the region.

Ferguson Bobai, chairman of the SKFEST 2026 planning committee, said this in a statement on Monday.

Mr Bobai said the festival, scheduled for May 28 to May 30 in Kafanchan, would reflect the resolve of the people of Southern Kaduna to strengthen unity and deepen dialogue across ethnic, religious and social divides.

According to him, the festival is designed to stimulate local enterprise and project a positive image of Southern Kaduna to the wider world.

Mr Bobai said Vice-President Kashim Shettima would be the special guest at the closing ceremony. He added that former President Olusegun Obasanjo would serve as father of the day.

The statement further said five governors and FCT Nyesom Wike were expected at the festival.

Mr Bobai said activities lined up for the three-day event included cultural parades and traditional dance performances. He added that exhibitions of local cuisines, arts and crafts would also feature prominently during the festival.

According to the statement, symposiums and interactive sessions aimed at fostering dialogue and partnerships would form part of the activities.

Mr Bobai said the festival had continued to grow since its debut in 2023 into one of the major cultural gatherings in Northern Nigeria.

He said distinguished sons and daughters of Southern Kaduna would also be honoured for excellence in public service, business, academia, security and sports.

(NAN)