President Bola Tinubu has commended the Argungu International Fishing Festival, describing the 83-year-old celebration as a strong emblem of unity, endurance, and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.
The President, who attended this year’s edition of the festival in Argungu, Kebbi State, on Saturday, said the long-standing cultural event highlights the depth and diversity of Nigeria’s heritage.
“This festival has endured for 83 years, and it stands as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence among our people,” Tinubu said.
“It reflects the richness of our culture, the strength of our traditions, and the opportunities that lie in properly harnessing our natural and human resources for national development.”
‘Security Is Key’ to Cultural Growth
Tinubu stressed that adequate security remains fundamental for major socio-cultural gatherings to flourish and attract tourism. He linked the success of this year’s festival to noticeable improvements in security across Kebbi State and other parts of the country.
“A socio-cultural event like this can only thrive and become a tourism attraction where the security atmosphere is conducive. I am pleased to note that significant progress has been made in combating insecurity across Kebbi and other parts of our nation.
“We are still working very hard through coordinated efforts between the Federal Government, state governments, and security agencies,” he said.
According to the President, the relative calm currently enjoyed in the region is the product of deliberate and strategic measures.
“The peace we are witnessing today in this region is not accidental; it is the outcome of intelligence gathering and community engagement,” he added.
Tinubu reassured Nigerians that ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity, including banditry and insurgency, would ultimately succeed. He emphasized that farmers, fishermen, traders, and families would continue to carry out their daily activities without fear.
Winners and Dignitaries
The Argungu Fishing Festival traditionally marks the commencement of the fishing season in Argungu, a riverside community in Kebbi State. Held annually between February and March, the event draws participants from within and outside the state, all competing for the heaviest catch.
This year, the grand prize went to Abubakar Usman from Mayama in Kebbi State, whose fish weighed 59 kilograms. Abdullahi Garba from Argungu secured second place with a 40-kilogram catch, while Danlanso Dangani from Jega and Dogo Dauda finished jointly in third place with fish weighing 33 kilograms each.
Among other prominent figures present at the festival were Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris, as well as governors from Imo, Borno, Sokoto, and Jigawa states.
What you should know
President Bola Tinubu attended the 83rd Argungu International Fishing Festival in Kebbi State, describing it as a symbol of unity, resilience, and Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.
He credited improved security for the successful hosting of the event and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity nationwide.
The festival, which marks the start of the fishing season, saw Abubakar Usman emerge winner with a 59-kilogram catch. Several governors, including Kebbi’s Nasir Idris, were also in attendance.
