…By Jack Sylva for TDPel Media.
As the days draw closer to May 29, the anticipation and preparations to receive President Muhammadu Buhari in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, are in full swing.
Various events and arrangements have been lined up by different groups to welcome him back home.
Upon visiting Daura over the weekend, it was evident that the hometown of the outgoing president was in a festive mood.
The Emir of Daura, Dr Umar Farouq Umar, has taken charge of leading the preparations for the welcome celebration of President Buhari.
Reports indicate that the Emir personally inspected and monitored the progress of the arrangements ahead of May 29.
According to a close source within the emirate council, the Emir’s involvement in the preparations is noteworthy.
He has been discreetly visiting the sites and ensuring everything is progressing smoothly.
This underlines the significance that His Royal Highness attaches to the homecoming of President Buhari.
The Daura Emirate Council, in addition to the welcome celebration, is organizing a grand durbar, which includes horse riding (Bayajidda II), as well as other traditional events such as dambe (boxing), Kokawa (wrestling), and Sharo/Shadi (Fulani traditional festival).
Last week, the Emir informed the Governor of Katsina State, Aminu Masari, about these arrangements.
The Emir extended an invitation to the governor, encouraging him to participate either as a horse rider, considering his title as Matawallen Hausa, or as a special guest.
A copy of the invitation for the durbar reveals that the procession will commence at 8:00 am on Tuesday, May 30, at Kangiwa Square in Daura.
Participants of the durbar, including district heads, village heads, and other horse riders, are expected to arrive at the venue by 8:00 am.
The Emir and his courtiers will gather at the Sarki Abdurrahman gate roundabout by 8:30 am.
All important dignitaries are requested to be present at the venue by 9:00 am.
President Muhammadu Buhari, the guest of honor, will be seated by 10:00 am, and the durbar proceedings will officially commence at 10:15 am, concluding at 12:15 pm.
Alhaji Aliyu Daura, the Chairman of Daura Emirate Development Association (DEDA), mentioned that members of the association would eagerly await the president’s convoy at Dannakola village.
Meanwhile, a select group of prominent individuals will be present at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua International Airport in Katsina to receive the president.
As Alhaji Aliyu Daura explained, upon the president’s arrival in Katsina, he may likely be transported to Daura by helicopter, while his convoy will be welcomed at Dannakola by various groups and associations.
In summary, the countdown to May 29 is well underway, and preparations to receive President Muhammadu Buhari in Daura are at the forefront of everyone’s attention.
The Emir of Daura is leading the arrangements, which include a grand durbar and traditional events.
The schedule for the durbar has been outlined, and important dignitaries are expected to be present.
Members of associations will wait at Dannakola village, while select individuals will be at the airport to receive the president.