Sani Dutsinma
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the Argungu International Fishing Festival as a powerful symbol of Nigeria’s unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence.
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The President made the declaration at the 61st edition of the historic fishing and cultural festival held at the Matan Fada arena in Argungu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
Tinubu assured farmers and fishermen of sustained federal government support aimed at guaranteeing food security and safety across the country. He also commended the organisers for preserving the cultural event for over eight decades, noting its endurance for 83 years despite social and security challenges.
The President, who was received by a large crowd of residents, traditional rulers, fishermen, tourists, and government officials from across Nigeria, expressed appreciation to governors who attended the festival, describing their presence as a demonstration of national solidarity.
He acknowledged the Sultan of Sokoto, who was represented, and the Emir of Argungu, while extending his goodwill to other traditional rulers and custodians of culture across the region.
Tinubu said the relative peace currently being experienced in Kebbi and neighbouring states was the result of sustained investments in security intelligence, improved coordination among security agencies, and active community engagement.
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He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth and women empowerment, irrigation development, rural electrification, and agricultural productivity. According to him, culture remains a strong unifying force capable of driving tourism and promoting Nigeria’s positive image globally.
Earlier, Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, said his administration was determined to elevate the Argungu Fishing Festival to full international standards while pursuing development across key sectors of the state.
The governor highlighted major infrastructure and social development achievements, including the construction of a 25,000-capacity ultra-modern Secretariat, expansion of dual carriage highways, city road networks, and the reconstruction of over 87 kilometres of federal roads linking Koko to Zuru.
He added that 16 general hospitals had been rehabilitated and equipped, while 129 primary healthcare centres were at various stages of completion. He also noted the construction of the largest veterinary hospital in Nigeria and the completion of the Argungu School of Midwifery.
The festival’s highlight was the fishing competition, where Abubakar Usman from Maiyama Local Government Area emerged overall winner with a massive 59kg fish. Abdullahi Garba from Argungu secured second place with a 40kg catch, while Nasir Garba and another contestant jointly took third place with 33kg each.
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Announcing the results, the Kebbi State Deputy Governor said the overall winner would receive two Toyota cars donated by the Sokoto State Government, bags of WACOT rice, and a cash prize of ₦1 million. The second-place winner received a car, a Hajj slot, and ₦1 million, while the joint third-place winners were awarded two motorcycles each and ₦750,000.
The Argungu International Fishing Festival, one of Africa’s oldest cultural events, continues to attract thousands of visitors annually, reinforcing its status as a major tourism attraction and cultural heritage showcase in Nigeria.