The Emir of Zuru and paramount ruler of the Zuru Emirate Council in Kebbi, Maj.-Gen. Muhammad Sani Sami, Sami Gomo III (rtd), extended a warm welcome to visitors attending the festival, encouraging them to explore the numerous historical sites throughout the Emirate.

Speaking during a pre-festival press conference at his palace on Thursday, the Emir urged guests to remain after the festivities to visit these historic locations, emphasizing that their engagement could contribute to transforming the sites into internationally recognized tourist attractions.

He also appealed to both the Federal and Kebbi State Governments to explore avenues for elevating the festival to international status, similar to renowned historical monuments around the world, emphasizing that such recognition would benefit the people of Kebbi and Nigeria at large.

The traditional ruler highlighted several notable historical landmarks within the Emirate Council, including the Girmache Crocodile Shrine, home to ancient crocodiles believed to have lived there for generations, and the former slave market, where captives were once sold before being transported across the seas to unknown lands.

Other significant sites include the Bulutu Waterfalls in Danko Chiefdom and the Karishin Hill in Sakaba Chiefdom, among numerous other culturally rich locations scattered across the Zuru Emirate.

In his remarks while hosting journalists at his residence in Zuru, former Chief of Army Staff and Chairman of the Central Organising Committee for UHOLA 2025, Lt. Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi (rtd), called on residents of Zuru to warmly welcome visitors, showing them the love and hospitality the region is known for.

Gen. Bamaiyi commended the Governor of Kebbi State, Comrade Dr. Nasiru Idris, for the remarkable infrastructural transformation witnessed in Zuru land during his two years in office. He emphasized that the progress made under Governor Idris far surpasses what was achieved by the three previous administrations over a span of 24 years.

He therefore urged the people of Zuru Emirate to continue supporting the governor to ensure the continued success of his administration.