President Bola Tinubu on Saturday declared that the successful hosting of the 61st Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival is a clear sign of restored stability and normalcy in Kebbi State and across Nigeria.
Speaking at the grand finale of the four-day cultural spectacle in Argungu, the President described the festival as a symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence, while pledging sustained Federal Government support for agriculture, tourism, food security, and rural development.
The festival attracted more than 50,000 fishermen from across Nigeria and neighbouring countries and featured colourful cultural displays, water competitions, traditional boxing, and dance performances.
“Congratulations. Well done. Very good show. Remarkable history. This festival has endured for 83 years and stands as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence among our people,” the President said.
SECURITY GAINS DRIVING CULTURAL REVIVAL
President Tinubu commended the Kebbi State Government for the seamless organisation and tight security arrangements that ensured a hitch-free event.
“A socio-cultural event like this can only thrive and become a tourism attraction where the security atmosphere is conducive,” he noted.
He stressed that the relative peace being witnessed in Kebbi and other parts of the country was the result of sustained investments in security, intelligence gathering, and community engagement.
“The fight against insecurity of any kind, including banditry and insurgency, will be won. Our farmers, fishermen, traders, and families will be able to go about their lives without fear,” he assured.
According to him, the festival is proof that coordinated efforts between federal and state authorities, alongside security agencies, are yielding tangible results.
BOOST FOR AGRICULTURE AND TOURISM
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to food security, the President said the Federal Government would continue working with Kebbi State to support farmers and fishing communities.
“Kebbi State is noted for its commitment to food security and agrarian cultivation. We will work together to make it a great economic success,” he added.
He also emphasised the power of culture as a unifying force that projects Nigeria positively on the global stage.
Before proceeding to Argungu, the President commissioned several key infrastructure projects in Birnin Kebbi, including the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Secretariat Complex, a new modern motor park, a three-lane dual carriageway, the Kauran Gwandu College of Nursing and Midwifery Sciences in Ambursa, and the newly dualised Old Argungu By-Pass Road.
KEBBI SHOWCASES DEVELOPMENT STRIDES
In his remarks, Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, thanked the President for honouring the state with his presence and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining the festival as a platform for cultural preservation and economic empowerment.
The governor highlighted major infrastructure investments, including the construction of an ultramodern state secretariat, expansion of dual carriageways, urban road development, and reconstruction of inter-city roads, as well as emergency rehabilitation of flood-damaged infrastructure.
He said 16 general hospitals had been rehabilitated and equipped, while over 120 primary healthcare centres were undergoing construction and renovation. More than 1,800 health workers have also been recruited to strengthen service delivery.
Governor Idris further disclosed that farmers received free fertilisers, improved seedlings, agrochemicals, and farm implements to boost productivity and align with the Federal Government’s food security agenda.
He also cited improvements in civil service welfare, including implementation of the new minimum wage and consistent payment of salaries, pensions, and gratuities. In the education sector, thousands of classrooms and mega schools have been constructed and furnished, alongside sustained scholarship programmes for students studying locally and abroad.
EMIR HAILS RETURN AFTER SIX-YEAR HIATUS
The Emir of Argungu, Sama’ila Muhammad Mera, expressed joy that the historic waters of Matan Fada once again witnessed the ceremonial gunshot marking the commencement of fishing activities after nearly six years of hiatus.
“For 61 editions this festival has endured not merely as a competition but as a testament to the capacity of our people to choose courage over conflict and friendship over feud,” the Emir said.
He described the President’s presence as a strong endorsement of the values of reconciliation, peace, and national cohesion, which he said align with the administration’s Renewed Hope agenda.
WINNERS EMERGE
Announcing the competition results, Deputy Governor Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida said Abubakar Usman from Maiyama Local Government Area clinched first place with a 59kg fish, winning ₦1 million and two brand-new cars.
Abdullahi Garba from Argungu came second with a 40kg catch, receiving ₦750,000, a new car, and a Hajj seat.
Two contestants from Jigawa and Kogi states jointly secured third position with 33kg catches, each receiving ₦1 million and a motorcycle.
The four winning fish were later presented to President Tinubu as souvenirs, bringing the colourful and symbolic 61st edition of the festival to a memorable close.
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