Tinubu hails Argungu Festival as proof of renewed peace in Kebbi … pledges more support for agriculture, tourism. By Jamil GULMA- Kebbi

Tinubu hails Argungu Festival as proof of renewed peace in Kebbi

… pledges more support for agriculture, tourism

The colourful spectacle and massive turnout at the 61st Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival, President Bola Tinubu said on Saturday, stand as proof that normalcy has returned to Kebbi State after years of security challenges.

Speaking at the grand finale of the four-day cultural fiesta in Argungu, Kebbi State, the President pledged sustained Federal Government support for tourism, agriculture, food security and rural development.

He commended the state government for successfully hosting the historic festival, which drew over 50,000 fishermen from across Nigeria and neighbouring countries.

The event 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.

Tinubu lauded the robust security arrangements that ensured the festival was held peacefully.

“The organisation, security arrangement and overall 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 noted that significant progress had been recorded in tackling insecurity in Kebbi and other parts of the country.

“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.

“We have men and women in uniform putting their lives on the line to safeguard our sovereignty and maintain our peace.

“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,” he stated.

Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to empowering youths, women and rural communities, noting that traditional institutions remain central to the national development agenda.
Highlighting Kebbi’s agrarian strength, he said the Federal Government would continue to work closely with the state to enhance food production and drive economic growth.

“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.
The President also emphasised the unifying power of culture.

“The Argungu International Fishing Festival brings together people of different backgrounds, nations and beliefs in the spirit of friendship and healthy competition.

” It showcases our heritage and projects Nigeria positively to the world. I reaffirm my commitment to peace, empowerment, food security and infrastructural development of the Federation,” he said.

Before proceeding to Argungu, Tinubu commissioned key 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, Ambursa, and the newly dualised Old Argungu By-Pass Road.

In his remarks, Kebbi State Governor, Dr 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.

The governor highlighted major infrastructural strides, including the construction of an ultramodern state secretariat, expansion of dual carriageways, development of urban road networks, reconstruction of inter-city roads and emergency rehabilitation of flood-damaged facilities.

In the health sector, he disclosed that 16 general hospitals had been rehabilitated and equipped, while over 120 primary healthcare centres were under construction or rehabilitation.

He added that more than 1,800 health workers had been recruited to strengthen service delivery.

Idris further revealed that farmers received free fertilisers, improved seedlings, agrochemicals and farm implements to boost productivity and support the Federal Government’s food security drive.

He also listed improvements in civil service welfare, including implementation of the new minimum wage and consistent payment of salaries, pensions and gratuities.

In education, the administration constructed and furnished thousands of classrooms and mega schools across emirate zones, recruited teachers and sustained local and international scholarship schemes.

The Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammad Mera, expressed delight that the ancient waters of Matan Fada, the grand fishing arena, once again echoed with the traditional gunshot after nearly six years of hiatus.

“For 61 editions, this festival has endured not merely as a competition but as a testament to our people’s capacity to choose courage over conflict and friendship over feud,” the Emir said.

He described the President’s presence as a profound identification with the values of courage, reconciliation, peace and friendship, which he said align with the Renewed Hope agenda.

Praising Tinubu’s initiatives, the monarch cited the student loan scheme, improved primary healthcare delivery and expanded access to life-saving vaccines for children.

He also referenced the President’s retraining of health workers and his recognition as African Union Champion in Community Health.

The Emir further commended ongoing public works, including the coastal highway and the Ilela–Badagry highway, describing them as vital corridors linking rural farmers to broader markets.

Announcing the results of the fishing competition, Deputy Governor Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida said Abubakar Usman from Maiyama Local Government Area emerged overall winner with a 59kg catch.

He received N1 million and two brand-new cars.

Abdullahi Garba from Argungu came second with a 40kg fish, earning N750,000, a brand-new car and a Hajj seat.

Two contestants from Jigawa and Kogi states jointly claimed third place with a 33kg catch. They received N1 million and a motorcycle each.

The four winning fish were later presented to President Tinubu as souvenirs.