AfriPulse
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday declared that the 61st Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival stands as compelling proof of restored stability and normalcy in Kebbi State and across Nigeria.
Addressing the grand finale in Argungu, the President pledged sustained Federal Government support for tourism, agriculture, food security, and rural development, describing the festival as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence.
“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.
The four-day cultural celebration attracted over 50,000 fishermen from across Nigeria and neighbouring countries, featuring vibrant cultural displays, water competitions, traditional boxing, and dance performances.
President Tinubu commended the Kebbi State Government for successfully organising the historic event and praised the security architecture that ensured a safe and seamless festival.
“The organisation, security arrangement, and internal outlook of the event demonstrate what is possible when leadership is purposeful and inclusive. Thank you, Mr Governor of Kebbi State. You are a team leader, and you are demonstrating it.
“A socio-cultural event like this can only thrive and become a tourism attraction where the security atmosphere is conducive,” he said.
The President emphasised that the relative peace being witnessed in Kebbi and other parts of the country is the outcome of sustained investments in security, intelligence gathering, and community engagement.
“The relative peace we are witnessing today in this region is not accidental. It is the result of sustained investment in security, intelligence gathering, and community engagement.
“I assure you that 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. This festival is a testament to the return of stability and normalcy.”
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to agriculture, President Tinubu said the Federal Government would continue to collaborate with Kebbi State to strengthen food security and rural livelihoods.
“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.
Highlighting culture as a unifying force, the President noted that the festival projects Nigeria positively to the world and reinforces national cohesion under his Renewed Hope Agenda.
Before attending the festival, President Tinubu commissioned key infrastructure projects in Birnin Kebbi, 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 in Ambursa, and the dualised Old Argungu By-Pass Road.
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, tourism development, and economic empowerment.
He outlined major achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, civil service welfare, and education — including the rehabilitation of 16 general hospitals, construction and upgrading of over 120 primary healthcare centres, recruitment of more than 1,800 health workers, distribution of free fertilisers and farm inputs, implementation of the new minimum wage, and expansion of classroom infrastructure and scholarship programmes.
The Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammad Mera, expressed delight at the revival of the historic festival after nearly six years of hiatus, describing the President’s presence as a profound identification with the values of courage, reconciliation, peace, and friendship.
He also praised the President’s initiatives in student loans, primary healthcare expansion, health worker retraining, and transformative infrastructure projects, including the coastal and Ilela–Badagry highways.
Announcing the competition results, Deputy Governor Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida said Abubakar Usman from Maiyama Local Government Area emerged overall winner with a 59kg catch, receiving N1 million and two brand-new cars.
Abdullahi Garba from Argungu came second with a 40kg fish, earning N750,000, a car, and a Hajj seat.
Two contestants from Jigawa and Kogi States jointly claimed third place with 33kg catches, receiving N1 million and a motorcycle each.
All four winning fish were presented to President Tinubu as souvenirs, symbolising a renewed era of peace, prosperity, and cultural pride in Kebbi State and Nigeria at large.
Source: FirstWeeklyMagazine | Read the Full Story…
