By SUMAILA OGBAJE

The Southern Kaduna Festival (SKFEST) on Saturday honoured the Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, with its prestigious Southern Kaduna Grand Commander (SKGC) award.

The honour was conferred in recognition of Musa’s contributions to national security, peacebuilding and his representation of Southern Kaduna on the global stage.

Speaking at the event in Kafanchan, Chairman of the Central Organising Committee, retired Rear Adm. Ferguson Bobai, described the festival as a unifying platform celebrating culture, diversity and shared identity.

Bobai said the 2026 edition, themed “Embrace Diversity, Build Bridges,” reflected the collective aspiration of the people to promote peaceful coexistence, innovation and development.

“SKFEST continues to grow in vision, reach and impact, bringing together people from across Nigeria and beyond to experience the richness of Southern Kaduna,” he said.

He added that the festival remained a vehicle for strengthening cultural heritage, boosting tourism and creating economic opportunities.

Highlighting Musa’s career, organisers noted his over three decades of distinguished military service, during which he rose through the ranks to become Chief of Defence Staff in June 2023.

They credited him with advancing military modernisation, promoting local defence production and supporting counter-insurgency operations that led to mass surrender of insurgents.

Following his retirement in October 2025, Musa was appointed Minister of Defence in December 2025, where he continues to drive security reforms and defence diplomacy.

The organisers said the SKGC award symbolised appreciation for his “steadfast defence of human dignity and invaluable contributions to the security and wellbeing of communities.”

Other notable sons and daughters of Southern Kaduna as well as others from across the country were also honoured with Southern Kaduna Merit and Service Awards at the event.

Those honoured with Southern Kaduna Citizens Award are the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu and Col. Dele Fapohunda, Commander of Sector 7, Operation Enduring Peace.

The festival featured colourful cultural displays, performances, exhibitions and tourism showcases, attracting dignitaries, traditional rulers, and visitors from across the country. (NAN)

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