YAURI – The Yauri Emirate Council in Kebbi, on Friday, said it had concluded arrangements for the conduct of the annual Regatta Festival.A Chief in Yauri, Alhaji Muazu Muhammad, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Yauri, Kebbi, that the festival had been tentatively scheduled to hold on March 22 and March 23.
He said “the festival is aimed at boosting tourism and exposing the culture of the Yauri Emirate.
“During the festival, there will be contest in swimming, boat racing and special fight with hippopotamus along the River Niger.’’
Muhammad said the Gungawa Island dwellers had been the custodians of the festival, referred to as “Rigata’’ in the local dialect.
The chief said the emirate would ensure that the regatta was sustained, “considering its potential in attracting tourists and revenue to the area.’’
He added that the Emir of Yauri, Dr Zayyanu Abdullahi, had inaugurated an organising committee under his leadership.
In an interview, Alhaji Sani Rukubalo, the Commissioner for Commerce, Industries and Tourism, said efforts were being made to upgrade the festival to international standard by introducing additional tourists’ sites. (NAN)
