aVice President Kashim Shettima and former President Olusegun Obasanjo will lead a distinguished list of dignitaries at the 2026 Southern Kaduna Festival (SKFEST), scheduled for 28–30 May.
Mr Shettima is expected as Special Guest of Honour at the closing ceremony, while Mr Obasanjo will serve as Father of the Day. At least five state governors and the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, are also confirmed as Guests of Honour.
Organised by the Southern Kaduna Leadership Council (SKLC), the third edition of the annual event carries the theme: “Embrace Diversity, Build Bridges.” According to the organisers, the theme underscores a collective resolve to strengthen inter-ethnic and interfaith harmony, foster dialogue, and build inclusive economic partnerships for the region.
Three-day programme
The festival opens on Thursday, 28 May, and closes on Saturday, 30 May, at the Kafanchan Township Stadium in Jema’a Local Government Area.
Highlights include:
· Grand cultural parades and traditional dance displays
· Exhibition of local cuisines and indigenous delicacies
· Sports competitions: marathon, archery, dambe (traditional boxing), and badminton
· Symposium, arts and crafts exhibition
Since its maiden edition in 2023 (“Experience Unity, Celebrate Culture”), SKFEST has grown into one of Northern Nigeria’s most anticipated cultural gatherings. The 2024 edition (“Preserving Heritage, Igniting Progress”) further spotlighted the region’s cultural wealth and economic promise.
Beyond entertainment, SKFEST serves as a strategic platform for tourism promotion, investment attraction, local enterprise stimulation, and international image-building for Southern Kaduna.
Growing national relevance
Previous editions attracted Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, Borno’s Deputy Governor Umar Usman Kadafur, and representatives of Kano and Katsina States—pointing to the festival’s rising stature in cultural diplomacy and inter-state collaboration.
A major highlight of the 2026 edition will be the conferment of honours on distinguished sons and daughters of Southern Kaduna, including the Southern Kaduna Grand Commander (SKGC) award, recognising excellence in public service, business, academia, security, and sports.
Call for partnerships
The Central Planning Committee has called on corporate organisations, development partners, government agencies, and individuals to support SKFEST 2026 in delivering a memorable and impactful event.
