The Emir of Ilorin Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, has commended the Ilorin Emirate Durbar Committee for ensuring that the annual cultural festival becomes truly global.
The Emir gave this commendation when he received the Chairman and members of the committee in his palace who presented to him the prestigious “Best Cultural Award” recently earned at the 2025 Akwaaba African Travel Market held in Lagos.
Alhaji Sulu-Gambari, encourage the committee to see the award as a challenge towards achieving greater heights,
He also commended members of the committee for their dedication, hard work, and consistent honour brought to the ancient city.
The Emir prayed for the continued progress of the Emirate .
Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the Committee and Danmasani of Ilorin, Suleiman Yahaya- Alapansanpa, said that the visit was to formally present to the Emir the prestigious award.
He explained that the award was a recognition of the Committee’s excellent performance, outstanding organisation and exceptional execution of the 2025 Ilorin Emirate Grand Durbar.
Yahaya-Alapansanpa, noted that the recognition was a direct result of the Emir’s enduring support and inspirational leadership, which continue to be the guiding force behind the festival’s recurring success.
He reiterated the committee’s unwavering commitment to further elevate the cultural heritage of the Ilorin Emirate on the global stage.
The Ilorin Emirate Durbar, which is a magnificent annual festival that showcases the rich cultural heritage, history, skills and royal traditions of the Ilorin Emirate, was reintroduced by the Emir in 2018 .
The annual festival has since been attracting an increasing number of visitors and tourists from across the globe to Ilorin.
