NCAC Endorses 2025 Ilorin Emirate Grand Durbar, Commits to Global Promotion
The National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) has given its full backing to the 2025 Ilorin Emirate Grand Durbar, a renowned cultural celebration set to take place on the third day of Eid-ul-Adha in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State.
In a letter sent to the Durbar Committee, NCAC Director-General Obi Asika expressed gratitude for the invitation and reaffirmed the Council’s dedication to safeguarding and promoting Nigeria’s diverse cultural legacy. He described the Ilorin Durbar as a symbolic representation of Nigeria’s heritage—rich in history, tradition, and community values.
Asika highlighted the festival’s potential to boost tourism, foster national unity, and celebrate the country’s cultural plurality. He also confirmed the Council’s attendance and pledged to utilize NCAC’s national and international platforms to enhance the event’s visibility and encourage widespread participation.
“We applaud the leadership of His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, and the tireless work of the Durbar Committee in keeping this historic celebration alive,” the letter noted.
The endorsement from NCAC is expected to enhance the stature of the Durbar, which is already a key highlight in Nigeria’s cultural tourism calendar.
In a related development, the Ilorin Women Association (IWA) has pledged increased involvement of Ilorin-born women around the world in this year’s festivities. The assurance came during a courtesy visit by IWA to the Durbar Committee Chairman, Sulaiman Yahaya Alapansanpa, at the Emir’s Palace.
Speaking on behalf of the Coordinator-General, Prof. Aishatu Gobir, the Culture and Welfare Committee Coordinator, Hajiya Maryam Alege, said IWA is well-prepared to contribute meaningfully and colorfully to the Durbar. She noted that the Association has secured all necessary materials and is ready to take on any assigned responsibilities to support the event’s success.
Alapansanpa, while responding, thanked IWA for its commitment and noted the group’s revival by the Emir seven years ago as a key moment in strengthening community participation. He described the upcoming Durbar as a vibrant showcase of traditional horsemanship, regal attire, cultural pageantry, and communal harmony—elements that vividly capture the spirit and history of Ilorin.