Benin: The prefect of Borgou inspects the Gaani 2026 construction sites in Nikki.

This field tour aimed to assess the progress of the renovation works on the ritual path and evaluate the overall preparations for this major cultural event of the Baatonou, Boo, Peulh, and allied peoples.

Following the inspection, the prefectural delegation noted significant progress on the construction site. To ensure the optimal execution of the celebrations, the prefect issued firm instructions to the contracted companies to complete and deliver all works no later than Sunday, August 23, 2026.

After this technical visit, the delegation was received in audience at the imperial palace by His Imperial Highness Séro Torou Tuko Sari, Emperor of Nikki.

An inter-institutional coordination under state supervision

The mission then continued at the Nikki Town Hall for an expanded working session. This meeting gathered the project leader from Benin Tourism, the departmental directors of Culture, the Republican Police, Living Environment, SONEB, SBEE, the Benin Civil Protection Agency, as well as representatives from the engaged companies.

The discussions allowed for a review of the planning of activities scheduled before, during, and after the event. The prefect announced that a final situational update will take place on Sunday, August 23.

For this 2026 edition, scheduled from Tuesday, August 25 to Thursday, August 27 in Nikki, the organization is now directly managed by the Beninese state, in accordance with statements from the government spokesperson, Wilfried Léandre Houngbédji.