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Kwara State Traditions, Landmarks, & Community Life List

The following is a list created for the Wiki Kwara Odyssey Project.

The Kwara Odyssey Initiative is a pioneering project that embarked on a fascinating journey to uncover, document, and showcase the captivating cultural and historical essence of Kwara State. By harnessing the potential of digital innovation and online platforms such as Wikipedia, Wikidata, and other digital media, we aim to create a comprehensive and immersive experience that celebrates the state's rich legacy, diverse traditions, historic landmarks, and the untold stories of its vibrant communities.

This list includes topics relevant to Kwara State [1] traditions, landmarks, and community life.

Traditions

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  • Ilorin Durbar Festival. The Durbar festival [2] is an ancient traditional annual Hausa; cultural, religious and equestrian festival, celebrated as a core part of the Arewa (Northern Nigerian) Hausa culture.
    • “Ilorin Emirate Durbar – Showcasing the Ilorin Culture.” Ilorinemiratedurbar.com, 2022, [3].
    • TVC News Nigeria. “Eid-El-Adha: Residents of Kwara State Celebrate Ilorin Durbar Festival in Style.” YouTube, 22 June 2024, [4].
    • TrustTV News. “Ilorin Grand Durbar: A Display of Cultural Richness, Heritage.” YouTube, 19 June 2024, [5].
    • TrustTV News. “Ilorin Emirate Grand Durbar - a Tale of Culture, Heritage and Rich History.” YouTube, 19 June 2024, [6].
    • Johnson, Hannah, 2024, "PICTORIAL: Rich cultural heritage on display at Ilorin Durbar festival", [7].
    • Yahaya, Yahaya. “Ilorin Durbar: Model for Cultural Integration in Nigeria.” Tribune Online, 21 June 2024, [8].
    • Oyekola, Tunde, 2024, "Kwara film factory produces documentary on Ilorin cultural heritage", Punchng.com, [9].
  • Egungun Festival [10] is a festival that is celebrated amongst the Yoruba people, which is celebrated annually and has been passed successively down to generations.
    • foluoyefeso. “Exploring the Significance of the Egungun Festival in Yoruba Culture.” FoluOyefeso, 12 July 2023, [11].
    • AIF YORUBA CULTURAL CENTRE. “Egungun Danafojura of Kwara Came to Ogbomoso.” YouTube, 2 Feb. 2023, [12].
    • “Welcome to Igbaja - LAND of GREAT WARRIORS.” Igbaja.org.ng, 2018, [13].
  • Sallah (or Eid al-Adha [14]) is a festival celebrated by Muslims in Nigeria and all over the world on the 10th day of the Hijri month of Dhu al-Hijja.
    • TVC News Nigeria. “Sallah Celebration: Rich Cultural Heritage on Display at Ilorin Emirate Durbar.” YouTube, 23 June 2024, [15].
    • TVC News Nigeria. “Residents of Kwara State Celebrate Sallah in Style.” YouTube, 22 June 2024, [16].
  • Pategi/Patigi Regatta. The Patigi Regatta Festival [17] was founded in 1949 but first took place in 1952, and is hopsted in Patigi Beach [18].
    • “Pategi Regatta Festival.” Wikidata.org, 2022, [19].
    • “File:River Patigi 03.Jpg - Wikimedia Commons.” Wikimedia.org, 12 Mar. 2018, [20].
    • Kwara State Government. "Tourism Drive: Governor AbdulRazaq intensifies efforts to rebuild Patigi Regatta Motel", 5 Dec. 2024, [21].
    • A. Idrees, Aliyu. "The Patigi Regatta Festival: Its origin, historical significance and tourism prospects." Présence Africaine 3 (1988): 63-70. [full text available in JSTOR]
  • Dada Pottery. [currently no Wikipedia article]
    • “Dada Pottery.” Wikidata.org, 2022, [22].
    • “Fayil:Dada Pottery, Kwara State, Nigeria.jpg - Wikipedia.” Wikipedia.org, 18 May 2017, [23].
    • foluoyefeso. “Unearthing Creativity: Exploring the Potentials of Clay in Dada Pottery Village, Ilorin.” FoluOyefeso, 19 Jan. 2024, [24].
    • Password TV. “A Visit to Dada Pottery || Exploring Ilorin, Kwara State.” YouTube, 17 June 2021, [25].
    • Kwara State Government. “Cultural Heritage + Tourism: Kwara Govt Hands Over Site at Dada Pottery for Construction of Modern Pottery..” 7 Oct. 2024, [26].
    • Pai, Bilkisu Halilu. “Kwara Government Approves Construction of Modern Pottery.” Voice of Nigeria, 5 Oct. 2024, [27].
  • Aso-Oke. Aso oke fabric [28] is a hand-woven cloth that originated from the Yoruba people of Yorubaland.
    • “Aso Oke: Ilorin’s Weaving Heritage under Threat of Extinction.” Ilorin.info, 2015, [29].
    • Rasak, Adekunle. “‘African Fashion Week Will Showcase Kwara State’s Aso-Oke This Year.’” Tribune Online, 11 Sept. 2020, [30].
    • Sesan. " Inside Kwara communities where graduates weave Aso-Oke to survive", Punchng.com, 2024, [31].
    • Kwara Central Senatorial District. “Senator Mustapha Unveils Plan to Train, Empower Aso-Oke Weavers in Kwara Central - Kwara Central.” Kwara Central, 4 Dec. 2024, [32].
    • “Videos and Images – Aso Oke: Prestige Cloth from Nigeria - Saint Louis Art Museum.” Saint Louis Art Museum, 29 Sept. 2023, [33].
  • Afon Fishing Festival

Landmarks

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  • Emir's Palace. The official residence of the Emir of Ilorin. [currently no Wikipedia article]
    • Smithsonian Institution, Digital Collection Images [historical photos] [34]
    • “Ilorin Emirate Durbar – Showcasing the Ilorin Culture.” Ilorinemiratedurbar.com, 2022, [35].
    • “Tour Operators Visit Historic Emir’s Palace in Ilorin.” Ilorin.info, 2024, [36].
    • Ahmad, Romoke, W.. “Ilorin: The Emir’s palace, its rich history & memories” Daily Trust, Feb. 2018, [37].
    • “Emir of Ilorin’s Palace: Where Historical Artefacts Abound.” Ilorin.info, 2016, [38].
  • Ilorin Museum. A museum showcasing the history and culture of Kwara State. [currently no Wikipedia article]
    • “National Museum Ilorin.” Wikidata.org, 2022, [39].
    • “Studio Contra | Museum & Garden in Ilorin, Kwara State - in Conversation with the Team.” Studio-Contra.com, 2022, [40].
    • AbdulKareem, Mumini. “36-yrs-old Ilorin national museum in deplorable condition, curator cries out.” Daily Trust, July 2024, [41].
  • Esiẹ Museum [42]. A museum housing over 1,000 ancient stone sculptures.
    • “Esiẹ Museum.” Wikidata.org, 2022, [43].
    • The. “The Wonders of Esie Soapstone Images.” Blueprint Newspapers Limited, 18 July 2024, [44].
    • Azeez, Biola. “Esie: Inside Nigeria’s First Museum.” Tribune Online, 21 Sept. 2021, [45].
    • Kwara State Government. “Esie Museum in Kwara, a wonderful discovery: French envoy.” 3 June 2021, [46].
    • Ahmad, Romoke, W.. “Esie: Nigeria’s first museum, generates N10,000 monthly.” Daily Trust, Feb. 2016, [47].
  • Imoleboja Rock Shelter. The Imolejoba rockshelter is a granite rock with inner apartments capable of accommodating a large number of people. [currently no Wikipedia article]
    • “Imoleboja Rock Shelter, Kajola.” Wikidata.org, 2022, [48]
    • “Discover the Ancient Wonders of Imoleboja Rock Shelter.” Evendo.com, 2024, [49].
    • Ajayi, O., and M. O. Lawal. "Tourism Development and Promotion in Nigeria: Grassroots Responses on Imoleboja Rockshelter." Department of Leisure and Tourism Management Federal College of Wildlife Management, New Bussa, Niger State, Nigeria (2010).
    • Aremu, David A., and Jonathan O. Aleru. "Archaeological Survey and Test Excavation in Imoleboja rockshelter Area, Odo Owa, Kwara State." West African journal of archaeology 30.1 (2000): 109-126.
  • Owu Waterfalls [50]. A beautiful waterfall located in the northern part of the state.
    • “Owu Waterfalls.” Wikidata.org, 2022, [51].
    • “Category:Owu Waterfalls - Wikimedia Commons.” Wikimedia.org, 2022, [52].
    • foluoyefeso. “Owu Waterfalls; Kwara State.” FoluOyefeso, 12 Jan. 2021, [53].
  • Mungo Park’s Monument at Jebba. Obelisk erected for Scottish explorer Mungo Park [54], also referred to as Park-Lander Memorial.
    • “Mungo Park Memorial.” Wikidata.org, 2022, [55].
    • “Mungo Park Monument - Adedotun Ajibade - Google Arts & Culture.” Google Arts & Culture, Google Arts & Culture, 2020, [56].
    • “Plaque on the Obelisk to Mungo Park and Richard Lander at Jebba.” Digital Collections - Northwestern University Libraries, 2024, [57].
    • “The Park-Lander Memorial.” The Geographical Journal, vol. 74, no. 5, Nov. 1929, pp. 470–71. [full text available in JSTOR]
  • Jebba Hydroelectric Power Station [58]. A hydroelectric dam on the Niger River. [currently covered extensively on English Wikipedia]
  • Ife Heads. The Bronze Head from Ife, or Ife Head,[59] is one of eighteen copper alloy sculptures that were unearthed in 1938 at Ife in Nigeria. [currently covered extensively on English Wikipedia]

Community Life

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Kwara State in Nigeria is home to a diverse population with several significant ethnic groups. The Yoruba are the most prominent, known for their rich cultural heritage, including art, music, and literature. The Nupe people, primarily concentrated in the northeastern part of the state, have a distinct language and cultural traditions. The Bariba, residing in the western regions, are known for their agricultural practices and traditional crafts. The Fulani, a nomadic pastoralist group, are found throughout the state, contributing to the region's diverse cultural tapestry. The Busa people, known for their fishing and trading activities, also constitute a significant part of the state's population.

  • Yoruba people [60]
    • EHRAF World Cultures. "CULTURE SUMMARY: YORUBA", Yale.edu, 2024, [61].
    • Bankole, Idowu. “We Don’t Want to Lose Our Identity, Dignity - Northern Yoruba Obas Tells Ooni.” Vanguard News, 10 Aug. 2024, [62].
    • Owoseni, Bolaji. “Nigeria’s Ancient Ilorin City - Archaeologist Uncovers over 1,000 Years of History.” The Conversation, 10 Mar. 2024, [63].
    • Ogunro, Julius. “Why Ilorin Is Yoruba.” TheCable, 23 Aug. 2023, [64].
    • Oyekola, Tunde. "Yoruba in Kwara, Kogi demand merger with South-West", Punchng.com, 26 Sept. 2020, [65]
    • Owoseni, Bolaji. The settlement of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria: an archaeological and ethnohistorical investigation. Diss. University of East Anglia, 2023.
    • Eades, Jeremy Seymour. The yoruba today. CUP Archive, 1980.
  • Nupe people [66]
    • EHRAF World Cultures. "CULTURE SUMMARY: NUPE", Yale.edu, 2024, [67].
    • Yahaya, Mohammed Kuta. "The Nupe People of Nigeria." Studies of Tribes and Tribals 1.2 (2003): 95-110. [68]
    • Adekunle, Abiona Lawrence. "ACCULTURATION AND DENIGRATION OF AFRICAN CULTURE: A CASE FOR RESTORATION IN NUPELAND, KWARA STATE, NIGERIA." AMAMIHE Journal of Applied Philosophy 22.1 (2024).
    • Abiona, Lawrence Adekunle, and Pius Oyeniran Abioje. "The challenges facing African traditional religion as a minority religion in Nupeland, Kwara state, Nigeria." Ilorin Journal of Religious Studies 11.1 (2021): 1-14.
  • Bariba (Baatonu) people [69]
  • Fula (Fulani or Fulɓe) people [70]
    • EHRAF World Cultures. "Fulani", Yale.edu, 2024, [71].
    • Oloso, Yeseera. “Language against Ethnicity: The Conflicting Linguistic and Ethnic Identities of the Fulani People of Ilorin.” International Journal of Language and Linguistics, vol. 5, no. 1, 2018 [72].
    • Omidiji, Rachael, and Rachael Omidiji. “Fulani Groups Pledge Support for Kwara Govt’s Peace, Harmony.” Tribune Online, 26 July 2024, [73].
  • Busa (Bokobaru) people [74]
    • Jones, Ross. "The ethnic groups of present day Borgou." Regards Sur le Borgou. Pouvoir et Altérité Dans une Région Ouest-Africaine (1998): 71-89. [75]
  • Cultural Dance and Music. Kwara State is known for its vibrant cultural dances and music, such as the Afon dance and the Apala music.
  • Art and Crafts. Traditional crafts like pottery, weaving, and wood carving are still practiced in Kwara State.
  • Community Development Initiatives. Many community-based organizations work to improve the lives of people in Kwara State through education, healthcare, and economic development programs.
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