Southern Kaduna Festival
Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike are expected to headline the 2026 Southern Kaduna Festival scheduled to hold from May 28 to May 30 in Kafanchan, Kaduna State.
Organisers say the annual cultural festival will bring together political leaders, traditional rulers, investors, business groups, and cultural organisations from across Nigeria.
According to the Southern Kaduna Leadership Council, Vice President Shettima will serve as the Special Guest of Honour during the closing ceremony, while former President Obasanjo is expected to attend as the Father of the Day.
The festival, themed “Embrace Diversity, Build Bridges,” is aimed at promoting peace, unity, dialogue, and stronger cooperation among the diverse ethnic and religious communities in Southern Kaduna. Organisers say the event also seeks to improve the region’s image, encourage tourism, attract investment opportunities, and support local businesses and artisans.
Southern Kaduna has experienced periods of insecurity and communal tensions in previous years, making the festival an important platform for reconciliation, cultural identity, and peaceful coexistence. Community leaders say the gathering reflects growing efforts to strengthen harmony and foster inclusive development across the region.
Activities lined up for the three-day event include colourful cultural parades, traditional dance performances, indigenous food exhibitions, arts and crafts displays, symposiums, and sporting competitions such as marathon races, dambe, archery, and badminton.
The event will take place at the Kafanchan Township Stadium in Jema’a Local Government Area and is expected to attract thousands of participants and visitors.
Organisers also announced plans to honour distinguished sons and daughters of Southern Kaduna who have excelled in public service, business, education, sports, security, and other sectors. Some recipients are expected to receive prestigious awards, including the Southern Kaduna Grand Commander honour.
The organisers say the festival has continued to grow since its maiden edition in 2023 and are calling on government agencies, development partners, corporate organisations, and private individuals to support this year’s edition as part of efforts to promote unity and regional development.
