The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has praised the Ilorin Emirate Durbar Committee for positioning the annual cultural festival as a globally recognised event.

The Emir gave the commendation on Friday while receiving the Chairman and members of the Committee at his palace.

They presented to him the prestigious "Best Cultural Award", recently won at the 2025 Akwaaba African Travel Market held in Lagos.

Alhaji Sulu-Gambari, while encouraging the committee to view the award as a call to greater achievements, lauded their dedication, hard work, and consistent efforts in bringing honour to the ancient city.

He also offered prayers for the continued progress of the Emirate.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Committee and Danmasani of Ilorin, Engr. Suleiman Yahaya Alapansanpa, explained that the visit was to formally present the award to the Emir.

He described the recognition as a reward for the committee's excellence, outstanding organisation, and exceptional execution of the 2025 Ilorin Emirate Grand Durbar.

While handing over the award plaque, Engr. Alapansanpa noted that the recognition was made possible by the Emir's enduring support and inspirational leadership, which remain the driving force behind the festival's success.

The Chairman, a former head of the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), reaffirmed the committee's commitment to further elevating the cultural heritage of the Ilorin Emirate on the global stage.

Reintroduced by the Emir in 2018, the Ilorin Emirate Durbar is a magnificent annual festival that showcases the rich cultural heritage, history, horsemanship, and royal traditions of the Ilorin Emirate.

The festival has continued to attract a growing number of visitors and tourists from around the world.