Vice President Kashim Shettima, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and at least five state governors are expected to attend the 2026 Southern Kaduna Festival scheduled to hold from May 28 to May 30 in Kafanchan.

The organisers, the Southern Kaduna Leadership Council, disclosed this in a statement signed by the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Ferguson Bobai.

According to the statement, Shettima will serve as the Special Guest of Honour at the closing ceremony, while Obasanjo is expected to attend as the Father of the Day.

The organisers also said the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, alongside five governors, would attend the event as guests of honour.

Themed “Embrace Diversity, Build Bridges,” the festival is aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence, dialogue, unity and economic collaboration among the ethnic and religious communities in Southern Kaduna.

“The theme reflects the collective aspiration of the people of Southern Kaduna to strengthen harmonious relationships, foster meaningful dialogue, and promote peaceful coexistence across ethnic, religious, and social lines,” the statement said.

Activities lined up for the three-day festival include cultural parades, traditional dance performances, indigenous food exhibitions, symposiums, arts and crafts displays, marathon races, archery, dambe and badminton competitions.

The organisers said the festival would also serve as a platform to promote tourism, attract investment and stimulate local economic activities in the region.

They recalled that previous editions of the festival attracted dignitaries including Uba Sani, Douye Diri and Caleb Mutfwang.

Outstanding sons and daughters of Southern Kaduna are also expected to receive honours during the event, including the Southern Kaduna Grand Commander award.

All activities for the festival will take place at the Kafanchan Township Stadium in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State.