Bariki, popularly known as, “Hawan Bariki” by the Hausa speaking people in Bida, meaning, Horse Riding Day, is celebrated every fifth day of Sallah Celebration (Eidil-Fitr & Edil kabir) to mark the end of Sallah.
Before the day, Sallah homage, known as, “Nko” is paid to His Royal Highness, the Etsu Nupe on the second day of Sallah; the homage is paid by the Kingmakers, Shaban Nupe, Wazirin Nupe, District Heads, Village Heads and Ward Heads within Bida Emirate; while the Shaban Nupe and Kpotun Nupe are given the same gesture on the 3rd and 4th day of Sallah, respectively.
This year’s Bariki witnessed high profiled personalities within and outside Bida Emirate, including the Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, who was represented by his deputy, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Ketso.
Speaking at the occasion, the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, expressed profound gratitude to Allah for witnessing this year’s Sallah celebration, and appreciated his subjects for living peacefully with one another and encouraging them to sustain it.
Alhaji Abubakar urged parents to always look after their wards and ensure that they are being properly brought up to be good ambassadors of Bida Emirate and Nupe Kingdom at large.
He further advised the youths to shun vices capable of disrupting the peaceful co-existence among the people as they are the leaders of tomorrow; he also advised the youths to embrace skill acquisition, especially the ones inherited by their fore-fathers, like Brass work, glass work, knitting, weaving, etc.
In his goodwill message, the Niger State Governor, represented by his deputy, Alhaji Ahmed Ketso, said, “the occasion is an occasion of happiness and also a great event to promote our culture;” and that in the face of the security challenges witnessed in some parts of the country, people should to be more vigilant and report suspicious movements to the law enforcement agencies.
Alhaji Ketso said, “We should go back to the old system of tackling security challenges;” and appreciated the people for preserving the culture of knowing their neighbours, which he said, can reduce security breaches.
The event also featured cultural entertainment displayed by the Etsu Nupe Traditional Band, Hajia Fatima Edokota, traditional greetings by the kingmakers, and Horse Riding from Wadata Palace around major streets in Bida town.
Saidu Ibrahim Musa &
Habib Moh’d Baba
NICO Minna