For four years, the Adamawa Lamido's palace of HRH Dr Mohammadu Barkindo Aliyu Mustafa has not witnessed the annual Eid-el-Fitr durbar.
The annual durbar was traditionally observed after two raka'at prayers (of the Eid-el-Fitr) were observed at the Eld Ground in the ancient city of Yola, the administrative headquarters of the Adamawa Emirate.
This year's Eid-el-Fitr durbar was bustling with life once more as Muslim worshippers, along with traditional dancers from across districts and ethnicities, thronged together for the renowned Durbar celebration and paid their Sallah respects at the palace of the Lamido Adamawa.
The importance of the Durbar cannot be overstated. It showcased the rich culture of the people in the Adamawa Emirate as well as the loyalty of the locals to traditional authorities.
All 35 District Heads, or their representatives, along with their entourages and traditional title holders in the Adamawa Emirate, participated in the Durbar. They galloped on horses, while some marched past on foot, singing songs of praise, admiration, and cultural significance during their Sallah greetings to the Lamido Adamawa.
This vibrant event, unfortunately suspended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was successfully revived to allow the faithful to mark the culmination of Eid-el-Fitr celebrations in grand style.
Although the Lamido of Adamawa was not present at the Durbar, he was represented by the Waziri Adamawa, who is also the former Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.
The former Vice President, who read the Sallah message of Lamido Adamawa, HRH Dr Barkindo Aliyu Mustafa, extended his congratulations to the Muslim faithful for successfully completing the 2024 Ramadan fast. He urged them to remain steadfast in their commitment to their fellow man and to respect for those in authority.
The Lamido commended Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for his security measures which have restored peace to Adamawa State.
He emphasised the need to support the government in the fight against crime. Security, he noted, is everyone's business.
The Lamido advised farmers to plant crops that are resistant to harsh weather and mature quickly during both the dry and rainy seasons. This, he said, would greatly assist in ensuring food security in the state.
He urged the government to provide farmers with farm inputs that will contribute to a bumper harvest.
In line with tradition, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State presented a Sallah gift to the Lamido Adamawa. This act strengthens the cordial relationship between the government and traditional institutions in the state.
In attendance at the Lamido's residence for this important occasion were former Nigerian Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, security service commanders, and other high-ranking government officials and dignitaries.
In attendance at the Lamido's residence for the momentous occasion were the former Nigerian Vice President Alh. Atiku Abubakar, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, Security Service Commanders, along with other high-ranking government officials and dignitaries.
This year's Eld-El-Fitr festivities in Yola will include a number of traditional activities:
Day 2: Traditional Kilisa: This event will take place at the Eastern Gate of the Lamido's Palace. Kilisa is the Hausa word for a procession or parade, so you can likely expect a colourful and vibrant display.
Day 3: Polo Match: A polo match will be held at the Lamido Musdafa Race and Polo Ground in Damare, Yola Town.
Day 4: Horse Racing Competition: Rounding out the celebrations will be a horse racing competition, also held at the Lamido Musdafa Race and Polo Ground.
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Eld-El-Fitr News