The Executive Governor of Kwara State Alh.Abdulfatah Ahmed has said that cultural festivals are occasions for positive national and international linkages as many of them have become international tourist attractions, drawing patronage from far and near, while some are significant sources of foreign exchange and employment.

The Governor who stated this at the official closing ceremony of the 2013 Bokobaru Gaani Kaiama Festival on Saturday, February 2nd, 2013, disclosed that the Gaani festival which is not an exception had all the manifestations of a cultural event capable of being transformed into an international tourist event.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Alh.Isiaka Shola Gold, His Excellency urged the Emir of Kaiama, HRH Alh.Muazu Shehu Umar,Bagidi Kiyaru IV and his subjects to sustain the tempo and continue to collaborate with the State Government, not only in its determination to ensure that Gaani Festival becomes internationally renowned in no distant time, but also continue to sustain other areas with tourism potentials and infrastructural development.

In his own remark, the Emir of Kaiama, HRH Alh.Muazu Shehu Umar, Bagidi Kiyaru IV, applauded the efforts of NICO under the leadership of Dr.Barclays Foubiri Ayakoroma to restore the dignity of Nigeria and Nigerians, through very meaningful programmes.

The Emir who bared his mind when the Zonal Coordinator, NICO North Central Zone, Mr.Ibrahim Lawal visited his palace and presented some NICO Publications to him during the festival added that culture plays a significant role in the peaceful coexistence of any society.

Speaking to newsmen during the festival, the Honorable Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development, Alh.Issa Adamu Bawa hinted that festivals such as Bokobaru Gaani festival and other colorful festivals in Nigeria if given adequate attention could serve as a tonic for unity, peaceful coexistence and national development.

He commended the efforts of the State Government under the able leadership of His Excellency, Governor Alhaji. Abdulfatah Ahmed for creating enabling environment for the development of cultural activities, particularly cultural festivals in the State.

Alhaji.Bawa added that the One million naira donated by the Kwara State Government to the host community will go a long way in the development of the festival.

He also appreciated the efforts of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation for been part of the festival and for their laudable initiatives in a bid to make culture a centre piece for national development.

As part of the side attractions for this year's Bokobaru Gaani Festival, was the game of football where various youth clubs in the area competed for the trophy donated by wife of the Hon. Commissioner Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development, Hajiya Mariam Bawa. Maidugu United football club emerged victorious as they defeat their opponents through a penalty shootout in a final match that took place on the eve of the festival.

The high points of the 2013 Bokobaru Kaiama Gaani festival was the unique way the Queen Mother "Kiyezide" shaved the heads of the princes and princesses, at the frontage of the Emir's palace as a sign of initiation into royalty.

Cultural groups such as the Kambari dancers from Pissa, in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, Boyeru dancers from Baruten, Yoruba dancers from Kisi, Dankwairo from Borgu, Gumbe dancers from Kainji, Igbo community in Kaiama and Paraku horse riders from Republic of Benin also thrilled the audience during the occasion.

NICO North Central Zone also displayed at its stand erected right at the venue of the event NICO Publications which gave dignitaries and other invited guest the opportunity to obtain copies of books, journals, newsletters that will serve as reference materials into Culture.

Among Dignitaries that were present at this year's Bokobaru Gaani Festival are: The Head of Service Kwara State, Alh. Mohammed Dabarako; Commissioner for Commerce and Cooperatives, Alh.Raji Mohammed; Distinguish Senator, Mohammed Shaaba Lafiagi; Alh.Zubair Magaji Are of Ilorin who represented His Royal Highness the Emir of Ilorin; HRH.Etsu Tsaragi Alhaji Aliyu K. Abdullahi; HRH Oba(Engineer)Moshood Aweda Arowodonye II,Iba of Kisi; Alhaji Ibrahim Aliyu who represented Emir of Borgu; Alhaji K.A.B. Lawal,Assistant Corps Marshall, Zonal Commanding Officer, Zone 3,FRSC Lagos; Mr.Julius Ogba, Controller Nigeria Immigration Service; Alhaji S.A. Musa Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development; Alhaji Alabi Amuda, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Works; Director Kwara State Council for Arts and Culture Mal. Yunoos Kareem; General Manager Kwara State Tourism Board; Barrister Shehu Wada Company Secretary EDB Lagos; Alhaji Abubakar Akanbi Jos, Balogun Ajikobi of Ilorin; Gbasside Sidalimone from Benin Republic; Setamon O. Koto Germide Nikki,Republic of Benin and many others too numerous to mention.

 Mohammed writes from NICO, North Central Zone office, Ilorin