By Abdulaziz Mala
The Emir of Fika and Chairman Yobe State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Highness Alhaji Dr. Muhammad Abali Ibn Muhammad Idrissa, has called on Nigerians to preserve their cultural heritage in order to safeguard norms and values for future generations.
The Emir made the call during the 2026 Daniski/Gudi Hill Annual Festival held in Daniski town, Fika Local Government Area of Yobe State. According to the monarch, the festival is a significant initiative aimed at strengthening unity among people of diverse dialects and cultural backgrounds.
Dr. Idrissa explained that events of this nature provide a vital platform for preserving and promoting unique customs, norms, arts, and languages. He noted that the festival is designed to foster unity, promote mutual understanding, and reinforce cultural identity for generations to come.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Organising Committee Adamu Ba’aba Fika, commended Yobe State Governor, His Excellency Dr. Mai Mala Buni, the Emir of Fika, Alhaji Dr. Muhammad Abali Ibn Muhammad Idrissa, and the co-host of the event, the Emir of Gudi, Alhaji Ismail Ahmed Dallah Ibn Madugu Kaji, for entrusting the committee with the responsibility of organising the festival.
He also expressed appreciation to the National Commission for Museums and Monuments for providing guidance and support to the committee in organising the event.
The Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Mr. Olugbile Holloway, represented by the Zonal Coordinator of the Commission, Mr. Ralph Usiju Mamza, disclosed that Daniski Hill has already been enlisted as a National Monument and is currently awaiting presidential assent.
Mr. Mamza assured all Emirates in Yobe and the North-East that each state would have at least one National Monument to preserve cultural heritage and traditions for the benefit of future generations, commending the Fika Emirate Council for its sustained efforts in documenting, preserving, and protecting historical sites, assuring that Gudi Hill would also be enlisted as a National Monument.
The Yobe State Governor, Dr. Mai Mala Buni, represented by his Deputy, Alhaji Idi Barde Gubana, congratulated the Emirs of Fika and Gudi, as well as the entire people of the zone, for organising the festival.
Gubana stated that the occasion serves as a reminder of the people’s ancestry, adding that the Yobe State Government has constituted a committee under the leadership of the Deputy Governor to revive and promote cultural heritage across the state.
He explained that the initiative aims to educate future generations about indigenous cultures that were disrupted by over a decade of insurgency.
Earlier, the Emir of Fika and chairman Yobe State Council of traditional rulers and the Chief Host, HRH Alh. Dr Mohammed Abali Ibn Muhammad Idrissa called on his subjects to register and obtain their voter card in order to elect credible leaders.
The annual festival, which featured traditional dances from various dialect groups across the state, was attended by the Emirs of Damaturu, Biu, Mai Tangale, Amnasheleng of Adamawa State, Mai Potiskum, Mai Bade, Mai Askira, Mai Gwoza, Emir of Tikau, Emir of Gudi (co-host), Emir of Jajere, Emir of Fune, Emir of Ngenzelma, as well as government officials and politicians.
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