The federal government has pledged to promote the Ilorin Emirate Durbar to global standard as part of efforts to position Nigeria's rich cultural heritage as a major tourism and economic asset.

The Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Ola Awakan, made the pledge in Ilorin, Kwara State, during the 2026 Ilorin Emirate Grand Durbar celebration.

Awakan stated that the federal government recognised the cultural and tourism potential of the Durbar and would ensure adequate promotion of the festival to make it a world-class event.

He described Nigeria's cultural diversity as a major strength capable of driving national unity and development, stressing that the country could become a dominant cultural force in Africa through proper promotion of its heritage.

He stated that Nigerians must remain united, irrespective of ethnic differences, and work together to advance the country through their diverse cultural traditions.

The colourful festival attracted thousands of residents, tourists and dignitaries to the Kwara Baseball Park, Adewole, Ilorin, where spectators witnessed horse processions, traditional drumming, praise singing and coordinated equestrian displays by hundreds of horse riders from different parts of the emirate.

The Chairman of the Ilorin Emirate Durbar Committee, Engr Suleiman Alapansanpa, commended the Emir of Ilorin for sustaining the cultural festival since its revival in 2018.

He also praised Governor AbdulRazaq for supporting the festival, especially the construction of a pavilion at the forecourt of the Emir's palace, which he stated would reduce the cost of future editions.

Alapansanpa explained that cultural exhibitions introduced into the Durbar were aimed at exposing younger generations to the history and identity of their forebears, while preserving the unity and heritage of the Ilorin Emirate.

Among dignitaries at the event were Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, the Mutawalli of Ilorin, Dr Alimi AbdulRazaq, traditional title holders, clerics, government officials and business leaders.