European Union Ambassador’s impressions of a safer and more hospitable Katsina
By Tahir I Tahir Talban Bauchi
Katsina state’s 2025 durbar festival during the Eid-el-fitr celebrations was a very memorable one, as the state government hosted dignitaries from around the globe, to showcase the state’s rich cultural heritage, and its hospitality, in a much safer and improved Katsina environment. The European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, H E Gautier Mignot, while speaking at the event, on behalf of nine other ambassadors from Europe, who had come to Katsina with their spouses, said they were delighted to step out of the Abuja Diplomatic Bubble! He said, “Nigeria is a vast and vibrant nation, brimming with cultural diversity, and some of these traditions are truly magnificent rooted in centuries of history.
The heritage of Katsina State, as we’ve witnessed is a shining example. The EU diplomat detailed how much they had learned about Katsina’s culture in just 24 hrs, noting, “You’ve opened our eyes to your culture: the vibrant Durbar procession, the flavors of your cuisine — like the exquisite salad we enjoyed today — and the artistry of your attire”. The Ambassador added, “I confess I am still learning how to navigate your regal settings without upending chairs! We’ve been moved by the music, the dances, and the warmth of your people”. Ambassador Mignot commended the state’s hospitality, emphasising that, “your hospitality has been unparalleled. The gifts you’ve bestowed — crafted with so much care — we leave inspired, eager to champion Katsina’s heritage and explore new avenues of cooperation.” Countries represented in the EU delegation include; Bulgaria, Poland, Mexico, Finland, Portugal, Ireland, Belgium, and Vietnam.
Gov. Dikko Radda seized the opportunity presented by the event, to woo investors into agribusiness, commerce, education, and their cultural heritage. He described the 2025 Hawan Bariki as a historic occasion marking the first time the state is hosting 10 International ambassadors and their families during the cultural celebration. The governor emphasised that, Katsina’s cultural festivals are more than mere celebrations, describing the grand durbar as a spectacular event that showcases our rich equestrian and cultural heritage.
“The iconic sallah durbar is not merely a festival, it is a testament to our deeply rooted culture, resilience, and unwavering commitment to peace and harmony. The magnificent display of horsemanship, the vibrancy of our traditional attire and the melodies of our folk music all reflect the beauty of our identity and the pride we take in preserving our heritage”.
The governor was nostalgic over the roles played by the Katsina and Daura Emirates, as they distinguished themselves, contributing immensely to the success of the 1956 durbar in Kaduna, which hosted Queen Elizabeth II, then the colonial head of Nigeria. Dr. Dikko Radda wooed investors to the state, calling on the foreign guests to explore the opportunities Katsina has to offer, from agric to commerce, education to tourism.
“Our vast lands are fertile for agricbusiness, while our markets serve as hubs of trade”, the governor said. He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to fostering an environment of security, economic prosperity and infrastructural development to ensure Katsina remains a beacon of hope to its people.
During the hawan magajiya event at Daura, the governor also promised to protect and defend the legacies of the emirates, their cultural heritage and dignity. Gov. Radda extoled the historical significance of Daura as the oldest emirate, and a vital part of the nation’s cultural identity. “Daura’s story is Nigeria’s story. It’s ancient walls, vibrant festivals, and the wisdom of its people reminds us of who are”, the governor explained.
The governor made a firm commitment to preserving the emirate’s legacy, saying, “I promise you, we’ll keep working to protect this legacy. We’ll defend the dignity of our emirates, nurture our culture, and ensure the progress we’ve made continues”.
Speaking during the fiesta, The Finland Ambassador to Nigeria, Sandra Selin, described the cultural show as being truly impressive and beautifully organised. So also the Algerian Ambassador to Nigeria, HE Yanko Yardanov, who stated that their impressions of Katsina State are overwhelmingly positive. He said he was overjoyed that his colleagues had joined him in Katsina to experience the Daura cultural festival — a vibrant celebration of this region’s rich heritage. He confessed that he has witnessed first hand, the prosperity Gov. Radda highlighted earlier, and that they were deeply moved by Katsina’s unparalleled hospitality.
The events, including the Sallah festival, and the Daura hawan magajiya which hosted 10 foreign dignitaries/ ambassadors with their families, are fine testaments, that Katsina is waxing stronger in terms of security and economic prosperity.
The investments in the state owned security apparatus, the Community Watch Corps, which boasts of about 3,000 trained and well equipped personnel, to complement the Operation Fansan Yamma, being operated by the Nigerian Army alongside other security agencies such as the Nigeria Airforce, NAF; is gradually yielding fruits. Much of, if not all, of the territories under terrorist captivity have been liberated.
Terrorists have now been relegated to dark forests in the localities, launching few and far between attacks on villages in the state. Their activities have been well decimated and the results are glaring for all to see. The state is in good hands and glaringly in a better shape, wooing investors to tap into the world of opportunities offered by the state. At the end of the fiesta, the governor did thank the Emirs of Daura and Katsina profusely, commending their efforts and contributions to the events, as well as the improved security situation in the state, in collaboration with the security agencies in the state.
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The doubters and naysayers had tried to create and weave a discordant relationship between the govt and the emirates, but to their utter dismay, the govt and emirates are locked-in, in a true partnership that seeks to make Katsina greater.
From the dignitaries remarks and pledges at the event, Katsina is surely, in the coming months, going to witness a whirlwind of investments from across Europe. May Allah bring them to fruition.
European Union Ambassador’s impressions of a safer and more hospitable Katsina