By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Katsina
Katsina State hosted 17 foreign diplomats and representatives of international organisations during the 2026 Durbar celebrations, in a show of growing global interest in the state’s cultural heritage.
The high-powered delegation arrived at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua International Airport and was received by Governor Dikko Umaru Radda alongside his deputy, Hon. Faruk Lawal Jobe.
The delegation was led by Belgium’s Ambassador, Pieter Leenknegt, and included Ambassador Mohamed Fouad of Egypt, Ambassador Bengt van Loosdrecht of the Netherlands, Ambassador Félix Costales Artieda of Spain, and Ambassador Michał Cygan of Poland.
Others were Ambassador Patrick Felix Egloff of Switzerland, Ambassador Martin Podstavek of Slovakia, Ambassador Nicolás Perazzo Naón of Argentina, and Ambassador Pascaline Gerengbo Yakivu of Congo, as well as Italy’s Chargé d’Affaires, Iacopo Foti.
Representatives of the United Nations and other international institutions were also part of the visiting team.
Following their arrival, Governor Radda led the diplomats to the palace of the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, where they observed Durbar activities after the Eid prayers.
The visit formed part of events lined up for the 2026 Durbar Festival, a major cultural spectacle in northern Nigeria known for its horse parades, royal pageantry and traditional displays.
The diplomats are also expected to attend the grand Durbar at the Old Government House in Katsina before proceeding to Daura for the Daura Emirate Durbar.
Governor Radda described the presence of the envoys as an endorsement of Katsina’s cultural relevance on the global stage.
He said the Durbar represents unity, peace and identity, adding that the visit would boost cultural tourism and open avenues for international partnerships.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to preserving the state’s cultural heritage while pursuing peace, security and sustainable development.
Residents turned out in large numbers to witness the celebrations, with many describing the presence of foreign diplomats as a sign of confidence in the state despite prevailing security challenges.
