Bauchi govt Approves Postponement of 2025 Sallah Durbar Festival

By Samuel Luka

BauchiGovernor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state has on Friday, approved the postponement of the much-anticipated 2025 Sallah Durbar festival.The postponement of the rich cultural durbar festival was contained in a press statement made available to newsmen by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Governor, Comrade Mukhtar Gidado on Friday.According to the statement, the approval of the postponement followed a decision taken by the Bauchi Emirate Council’s Committee on Sallah Durbar.It also clarified that the decision was an internal resolution made by the Emirate Council without prior involvement of the state government, adding that Sallah Durbar festival has stood as a pillar of Bauchi’s rich cultural heritage.The statement noted that Sallah Durbar has been a tradition that brings together the good people of Bauchi, visitors, and tourists from across Nigeria and beyond.”It is a symbol of unity, history, and identity, fostering communal pride while significantly contributing to the social and economic vibrancy of the state”, the state government stated.While saying that the government had made extensive security and logistical preparations to ensure a seamless and successful celebration of the much anticipated Durbar, the statement explained that out of profound respect for the traditional institution and its leadership, the decision of the Bauchi Emirate council got the approval of the governor.”The Executive Governor of Bauchi State, has reluctantly approved the request from the Emirate Council. While the government regrets the lack of prior engagement on such a major decision, it remains committed to working harmoniously with the Emirate in upholding and preserving Bauchi’s cherished customs”, the government said.Comrade Gidado stressed that the Bauchi state government deeply regretted any inconvenience the last-minute postponement may have caused to the peace-loving residents of Bauchi and to the esteemed guests who had planned to witness this grand event.He said that the state government will take necessary steps to ensure that such abrupt changes do not occur in the future, particularly regarding matters of cultural significance that impact the people and the image of the state.”Despite this development, His Excellency extends his heartfelt Sallah greetings to His Royal Highness, the Emir of Bauchi, the Bauchi Emirate Council, and the entire people of Bauchi State. The government wishes all a joyous and peaceful Sallah celebrations in advance”, the statement concluded.