President Bola Tinubu has described the 61st Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival as clear evidence of the return of stability and normalcy in Kebbi and other parts of the country, pledging increased Federal Government support for agriculture, tourism, food security, and rural development.
Speaking on Saturday at the grand finale of the festival in Argungu, President Tinubu commended the Kebbi State Government for successfully organising the historic event, which attracted over 50,000 fishermen from Nigeria and neighbouring countries.
The four-day festival featured fishing competitions, cultural displays, traditional boxing, water sports, and dancing. Tinubu noted that the festival, which has endured for decades, symbolises unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.
He praised the security arrangements that ensured the safe hosting of the festival, stating that socio-cultural events of such magnitude can only thrive in a conducive security environment. According to the President, the relative peace in Kebbi and other regions is the outcome of sustained investment in security, intelligence gathering, and community engagement.
The President assured Nigerians that the Federal Government remains committed to defeating insecurity, including banditry and insurgency, to allow farmers, fishermen, traders, and families to live and work without fear.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to agriculture, Tinubu said the Federal Government would continue to work closely with Kebbi State to support farmers and fishermen, noting the state’s critical role in advancing Nigeria’s food security agenda.
He also highlighted the unifying power of culture, describing the Argungu festival as a platform that brings together people of diverse backgrounds and projects Nigeria positively to the global community.
Before attending the festival, President Tinubu commissioned several key infrastructure projects in , including the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Secretariat Complex, a new modern motor park, a three-lane dual carriageway, Kauran Gwandu College of Nursing and Midwifery Sciences, Ambursa, and the dualised Old Argungu By-Pass Road.
In his remarks, Kebbi State Governor thanked the President for honouring the state with his presence and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining the Argungu festival as a platform for cultural preservation, tourism development, and economic empowerment.
Governor Idris outlined achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, and civil service welfare, including the rehabilitation of hospitals, recruitment of health workers, free distribution of farm inputs, construction of roads and classrooms, and implementation of the new minimum wage.
The Emir of Argungu, , expressed delight at the revival of the festival after nearly six years, describing it as a symbol of courage, reconciliation, peace, and friendship. He also praised the President’s Renewed Hope agenda and his initiatives in healthcare, education, and public works.
Announcing the results of the fishing competition, Deputy Governor of Kebbi State said Abubakar Usman from Maiyama Local Government Area emerged the overall winner with a 59kg catch, earning N1 million and two brand-new cars.
Abdullahi Garba from Argungu placed second with a 40kg fish and received N750,000, a brand-new car, and a Hajj seat, while two contestants from Jigawa and Kogi states jointly claimed third place with a 33kg catch, receiving N1 million and a motorcycle each.
The winning fish were presented to President Tinubu as souvenirs at the event.