Rousing Reception For Kwara APC Guber Candidate, Danladi- Salihu At Gaani Festival

The speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly and gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Engr. Yakubu Danladi- Salihu wasb accorded electrifying reception during the 2026 Gaani Festival in Gwanara, Baruten local government area of the state.

The colourful Gaani Festival took place in Gwanara on Saturday, October 4,2026 Amidst drumming and cheers, Danladi- Salihu popularly called SYD was welcomed by an overwhelming, mammoth crowd of his people who showed him love, affection and adoration beyond the cultural celebration.

The rousing reception accorded the APC gubernatorial candidate turned the festival into a carnival, demonstrating the wide acceptance and love the people have for him.

The Gwanara community came alive as dignitaries from within and outside Nigeria converged to celebrate the festival.

The annual festival, which is a cornerstone cultural event for the Baruba Kingdom across Nigeria and Republic of Benin, attracted traditional rulers, government officials, community leaders, sons and daughters of Gwanara, as well as tourists.

The festival, known for its rich history and display of royalty, featured spectacular traditional displays, cultural performances, royal rites and traditional dances that showcased the unity and peaceful nature of the Baruten people.

It also served as an important traditional rite of passage where young princes and princesses are officially initiated and given their royal titles.

Addressing the gathering , the Emir of Gwanara, Alh Abdullahi Sabi Idris Kotokogi II, called on the people of Baruten to continue to promote peace, unity and peaceful coexistence.

Kotokogi noted that peace and unity remain essential for the development and progress of the community.

He appreciated all dignitaries that graced the occasion, describing their presence as a demonstration of support for the culture and traditions of Gwanara.

Also speaking , the chairman of Offa local government area, Hon. Suleiman Omituntun, praised the rich history of Gwanara and the calibre of personalities that attended the festival.

On the 2027 general elections, Omituntun said leadership selection should be based on performance, capability and capacity to deliver, rather than age demography.

He expressed his support for Engr. Danladi- Salihu, describing him as the only candidate that could sustain and continue the developmental strides of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

For his part, the chairman of Baruten local government area, Alh Issa Jibrin, emphasised the global and regional importance of the Gaani festival to the Baruba people, noting that the peaceful celebration has continued to promote unity across different regions.

The festival was witnessed by members of the Kwara State Executive Council, members of the State House of Assembly, all the Emirs in Baruten, the chairman, Local Government Service Commission, Alh Umar Shero, local government chairmen and other eminent personalities.