United Kingdom High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing has described Kebbi state as heavily endowed with rich amazing culture of international recognition.
The envoy made the comment this Wednesday night at a dinner party held in her honour by the Government of Kebbi State at the Presidential Lodge, Birnin Kebbi.
Dressed in Fulani attire, Catriona Laing watched display by cultural groups comprising ‘Yan Chach-Chaka Kambari dancers from Yauri Emirate, ‘Yan Bugun Dawa from Zuru Emirate, ‘Yan Tauri from Argungu Emirate and Kebbi State Cultural troupe of the Ministry of Information.
The High Commissioner told her host, Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu that Kebbi state was unique in the country, thanking him abundantly for the grand reception organized for her and entourage.
Catriona Laing further commended the wife of the Governor, Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu for facilitating her visit to Kebbi state and described Dr. Zainab as her good friend.
In a remark, Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu renewed his appreciation and delight for the two-day visit to the state by the UK High Commissioner inspite of her tight schedule.
Senator Abubakar Bagudu was happy that such action served as an encouragement to the administration to perform better.
The governor appreciated Catriona Laing for appearing in Fulani cultural attire at the dinner, informing the governor that the diversity of culture in Kebbi state has served as source of respect for one another among the different tribal groups and adherents of various faiths.
In addition, such diversity has provided inclusion for peaceful co-existence and attracted investment into the state.
Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu added that the visit was a major morale booster and deepened appreciation for the United Kingdom.
Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu expressed hope that relations between Nigeria and the UK would blossom of which Kebbi state would be among beneficiaries.
Introducing the event, the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Alhaji Babale Umar Yauri was also hopeful that the visit of the UK High Commissioner would further strengthen cooperation on socio-economic development between Kebbi state and Great Britain.
Alhaji Babale Umar Yauri, informed the Ambassador that Kebbi state has been blessed with rich cultural heritage dating back to ancient history, which manifested into Argungu Fishing Festival, Yauri Rigatta, Zuru Uhola and Huttungo of Gwandu.
At the dinner, Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu presented souvenirs to the UK High Commissioner and her delegation as an indelible remembrance of their sojourn in Kebbi state.
Dignitaries at the dinner party include the Chief Judge of Kebbi State, Justice Suleiman Muhammad Ambursa, the Majority Leader, Kebbi State House of Assembly, Hon. Aliyu Faruk Nassarawa Jega, the acting Head of Service, Alhaji Safiyanu Garba Bena, the Special Adviser on Power to the Governor, Alhaji Yusuf Hauruna Rasheed, Sardaunan Gwandu, the Chairman, Kebbi State Local Government Service Commission, Alhaji Abubakar Nayaya and Permanent Secretaries.
Before departing for Abuja the High Commissioner visited DSS Office and was received by the State Director Bashir Dawaki and later Independent Electoral Commission, INEC office, where she held discussion with Resident Electoral Commissioner, Barrister Ahmed Mahmud Bello. The High Commissioner also visited Emir of Gwandu and Chairman, Kebbi State Council of Chiefs, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar at Abdullahi Fodio Palace. She later held a meeting with members of opposition parties in the state.
