From Muhammad Gazali Garba
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence,noting that the globally renowned event reflects Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity and vast economic potential.
Speaking at the grand finale of the festival in Argungu, Kebbi State, the President stated that the annual celebration not only showcases the cultural heritage of the people but also highlights opportunities for harnessing natural resources for national development.
He commended the Kebbi State Government for the successful organisation of the event and for the effective security arrangements put in place, noting that tangible progress has been made in addressing insecurity both in the state and across the country.
According to him, the fight against insecurity would be won, assuring Nigerians that his administration remains fully committed to restoring lasting peace and stability nationwide.
President Tinubu also praised Governor Nasir Idris for what he described as remarkable development strides within a short period in office and expressed gratitude for naming the ultra-modern Kebbi State Secretariat after him.
He assured the state of continued federal support to sustain peace, stability, and tourism development.
In his address, Governor Nasir Idris said his administration had recorded significant achievements across critical sectors, claiming that more than 80 per cent of his campaign promises had been fulfilled within three years.
He highlighted the expansion of road networks, upgrades of hospitals and healthcare facilities, distribution of agricultural inputs to farmers, and prompt payment of workers’ salaries and entitlements as some of the key milestones achieved, noting that these interventions have boosted economic activities and improved the welfare of citizens.
Earlier, the Emir of Argungu, Muhammad Sama’ila-Mera, apologised for a protocol breach that occurred before the President’s arrival, when over 50,000 fishermen surged into the Matan Fada River in anticipation of the competition.
The monarch described the festival as a proud showcase of Kebbi’s cultural heritage and a major tourism asset with international recognition.
He, however, reminded the Federal Government of the stalled construction of a permanent fishing centre recognised by UNESCO, lamenting that work on the project had been abandoned since 2022, and appealed for urgent intervention to complete it.
The grand finale reached its climax with the announcement of winners. Abubakar Usman from Maiyama Local Government Area of Kebbi State emerged as the overall champion with a 59kg catch.
For his outstanding performance, he received two brand new Toyota Vehicles donated by the Sokoto State Government, in addition to a N1 million cash prize.
Abdullahi Garba from Argungu Local Government Area secured second place with a 40kg catch, earning a Toyota saloon car donated by WACOTT Rice Mills Limited and a N1 million cash prize.
Third place was jointly claimed by Danlansu Dankani of Jega and another contestant, each presenting fish weighing 34kg. Both winners received N1 million and a motorcycle each in recognition of their impressive performance.
