Manny Ita
The Federal Government has pledged to collaborate with the Niger State Government to upgrade the historic Bida Bariki Festival (also known as Hawan Bariki) into a national cultural event with international recognition. The partnership was solidified on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, during a meeting in Abuja between the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, and a high-level delegation from Niger State led by Hon. Sa’idu Musa Abdullahi, representing the Bida/Gbako/Katcha Federal Constituency.
The proposal aims to reposition Bida—already recognized as Nigeria’s first UNESCO Creative City for Crafts and Folk Arts—as the cultural heart of the Nupe people. Hon. Abdullahi described the Bariki Festival as a “living testament to the resilience and vibrancy of Nupe traditions,” noting that while it dates back to the colonial era, it has remained largely unchanged. “We want to modernize it, boost economic benefits, create jobs, and attract tourism to our region,” Abdullahi stated, taking inspiration from the successful branding of cultural festivals in other Nigerian states.
Minister Musawa emphasized that this collaboration is a core component of the “Renewed Hope Cultural Renaissance,” a flagship initiative under the President Bola Tinubu administration designed to enhance Nigeria’s cultural visibility. She stated that the Ministry’s goal is to create a “sustainable framework for cultural preservation, economic growth, and job creation.” To formalize this commitment, the Federal Ministry and the Niger State Government are moving to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) within the coming weeks. This agreement will prioritize the development of tourism infrastructure and the global marketing of festivals like Hawan Sallah and Hawan Bariki to position Nigeria as a premier global cultural destination.
Beyond the festival, the partnership also seeks to develop the infrastructure surrounding Gurara Falls, including the proposed construction of hotels, a water park, and a creative hub. Minister Musawa noted that providing international exposure is critical to attracting the necessary investors for these large-scale projects. The elevation of the Bida Bariki Festival is expected to provide a significant boost to the local economy through hospitality and cultural exchange, while ensuring the Nupe heritage is preserved for future generations.
