By Nafisa Mohammad Iman and Mahdi Waziri
The 2025 Sir Ahmadu Bello Sardauna Renaissance Festival was wrapped up in a majestic finale with the Palace Sitting and Cultural Display on Sunday evening. Held at ABU’s Mamman Kontagora Square, the event seamlessly blended pageantry with tradition, transforming the arena into a royal court where heritage and identity were celebrated in their purest form.
The ceremony was graced by the 54th Sarkin ABU Zaria, Comrade Ibrahim Nazeer Kallah, who is also the President of the Students’ Representative Council (ABUSRC), who was joined by the symbolic royals of the institution, including the Sarauniyar ABU, Gimbiyar ABU, Madakin ABU, Olori of ABU, Iya Loja of ABU, Oba of ABU, Wakilin Maganin ABU, Zinariyar ABU, and Sardaunan ABU. The royal courtship radiated dignity and grandeur.
The event was more than a performance; it was a living celebration of unity, heritage, and the timeless rhythm of Nigeria’s identity. Most ethnic groups showcased their colorful attires, accompanied by masquerades and symbols of authority. Dancing troops from various ethnic groups, including Igala, Tiv, Ebira, Bassa Nge, Gbagi, Yoruba, Fulani, Nupe, Igbo, Kanuri, Jaba, and Idoma, performed with pride, adding rhythm to the atmosphere.
Symbolic traditional rulers, such as the Attah of Igala, the Ohinoyi of Ebira, the Aalafin of Oyo, the Oba of Benin, the Eze of the Igbo, and the Sultan of Sokoto, spoke volumes about their roots and identity. The Palace grounds transformed into a living rainbow of cultures, with contingents from almost every corner of Nigeria, representing about twenty states, including Kwara, Benue, Oyo, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kogi, Bauchi, Plateau, Edo, Kebbi, Gombe, Yobe, Borno, Zamfara, Taraba, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Sokoto, and the FCT.
The Fulbe community and UNICEF (United Nations International Children Emergency Funds) ABUSRC Chapter, led by Comrade Usman Fatika, added their energy to the mix. The event showcased ABU’s cultural heartbeat, which beats strongest in diversity.
In his vote of thanks, the ABUSRC President and Sarkin ABU, Comrade Ibrahim Nazeer Kallah, appreciated and thanked all participants and contributors.
“We deeply appreciate the support of all states, title holders, faculties, tribes, and our invaluable partners, particularly UNICEF, Tubless Media Concept, media houses present, influencers, comedians, videographers, photographers, our alumni, who contributed immensely to the success of this great event.”
He continued, “To our distinguished students, securities, dedicated staff, members of the Zazzau Emirate, respected Royal Fathers, your presence made this celebration not just memorable but truly historic.”
“This festival was not only a cultural gathering but a unifying moment that showcased the strength, beauty, and diversity of our heritage. It was a living tribute to the values of the Sardauna, which include leadership, service, dignity, and unity,” he concluded.
According to the Chairman of the organizing committee of the carnival committee, Comrade Aliyu Halilu, the university management recorded almost 500,000 people including students and members of the host communities who converged at ABU during the carnival week, from 14th-17th August.
Just as the theme of the 2025 Sir Ahmadu Bello Sardauna Renaissance Festival, “honouring the past, uniting the future suggests,” suggests, the colorful event honored Nigeria’s past and sett a good example of how tradition can bridge divides and inspire a united future.
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