“Durbar in Northern Nigeria”, an Exhibition organized by the Permanent Delegation of Nigeria to UNESCO, in collaboration with Nigerian Visual Artist Mr. Adeniyi Olagunju of “Art Heritage”, was showcased at the UNESCO Headquarters from 19th – 23rd July, 2016. The inauguration of this Exhibition on 19th July, 2016, included the participation of the Honourable Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu as well the Honourable Minister of Information and Culture, both of whom supported the organization of this exhibition. The event was also honoured by the presence of His Highness, the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II.
A Durbar is an annual festival celebrated in several cities in northern Nigeria. The festival which was initially a military parade, conceived to assess the military state of readiness and a show of fealty to the Emir, has become a purely ceremonial festival associated with the Eids, welcoming of visiting dignitaries and the installation of new Emirs. The Durbar entertains, instructs, excites and dignifies political power structure. It is essentially a dexterous display of horsemanship and brilliant exhibition of a people’s cultural heritage and traditions.
