Bauchi government approves Emirate Council’s decision to delay 2025 Sallah Durbar Festival
On Friday, March 21, the Bauchi State Government announced that it had approved the Bauchi Emirate Council’s decision to delay the 2025 Sallah Durbar Festival.
While the government expressed disappointment over not being informed ahead of time, it emphasized its respect for the Emirate’s authority and the importance of preserving the state’s cultural traditions.
In a statement released on Friday, Comrade Mukhtar Gidado, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, explained that the Emirate Council had made the decision without consulting the state government first.
“The Sallah Durbar Festival is a cornerstone of Bauchi’s rich cultural heritage, bringing together residents, visitors, and tourists from across Nigeria and beyond,” the statement shared.
The government had already made plans to ensure the event would run smoothly, including organizing security and logistics for the celebration. However, respecting the traditional leadership, Governor Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed agreed to the Emirate Council’s request to postpone the festival.
“While we are disappointed by the lack of prior consultation, His Excellency has reluctantly approved the request,” the statement continued.
The government also apologized for any inconvenience the sudden change may have caused to people who were planning to attend.
“We deeply regret any disruptions this last-minute decision may have caused,” Gidado said. “We are committed to working closely with the Emirate in the future to ensure our cultural traditions are upheld, and steps will be taken to prevent similar issues moving forward.”
