President Bola Tinubu on Saturday described the Argungu International Fishing Festival as a shining example of Nigeria’s unity and cultural strength, assuring farmers and fishermen of continued federal backing to improve security and boost food production nationwide.
Speaking at the 2026 edition of the historic festival in Argungu, Kebbi State, the President commended organisers for keeping the cultural celebration alive for 83 years despite social and security challenges.
According to him, the festival represents more than a competition, it reflects the resilience of Nigerians and the peaceful coexistence among diverse communities.
“This festival is a symbol of unity and shared heritage,” Tinubu said. “It showcases the richness of our traditions and the immense potential in harnessing our natural and human resources for national development.”
The President, who was welcomed by a large crowd of residents, traditional rulers, tourists, and government officials, also appreciated governors who attended the event, describing their presence as a demonstration of national solidarity. He acknowledged the Sultan of Sokoto and the Emir of Argungu, extending goodwill to traditional leaders across the region.
Tinubu attributed the improved peace currently being experienced in Kebbi and neighbouring states to sustained investment in security intelligence, stronger coordination among security agencies, and closer engagement with local communities.
“The peace we are seeing today did not happen by chance. It is the result of deliberate efforts,” he said, adding that the fight against banditry and insurgency would be won. He assured that farmers, fishermen, traders, and families would continue their lawful activities without fear.
The President further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth and women empowerment, irrigation expansion, rural electrification, and enhanced agricultural productivity. He stressed that cultural festivals like Argungu can drive tourism growth and positively project Nigeria on the global stage.
Earlier, Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris said his administration was working to upgrade the Argungu festival to full international standards while advancing development across key sectors in the state.
Idris listed major projects undertaken by his government, including the construction of a 25,000-capacity ultra-modern Secretariat, dual carriage highways, expanded city road networks, and the rehabilitation of more than 87 kilometres of federal roads linking Koko to Zuru.
In the health sector, he disclosed that 16 general hospitals had been renovated and equipped, while 129 primary healthcare centres were nearing completion. He also noted the establishment of what he described as the largest veterinary hospital in Nigeria and the completion of the Argungu School of Midwifery.
According to the governor, 1,810 health workers including doctors, nurses, and pharmacists have been recruited. He added that the state distributed 50,000 tonnes of fertiliser, improved seeds, and over 19,000 farm implements free of charge to farmers to strengthen agricultural output.
On education, Idris said Kebbi had implemented free education policies, built and furnished 2,100 classrooms under four mega schools, employed 2,000 teachers, and sponsored medical students to countries such as Ethiopia, Egypt, and India.
The highlight of the festival was the fishing contest. Abubakar Usman from Maiyama Local Government Area emerged overall winner after catching a 59kg fish. Abdullahi Garba from Argungu secured second place with a 40kg catch, while Nasir Garba and another contestant jointly claimed third position with 33kg.
Announcing the prizes, the state’s deputy governor revealed that the overall winner received two Toyota vehicles donated by the Sokoto State Government, bags of WACOT rice, and a cash prize of ₦1 million. The runner-up was awarded a car, a Hajj slot, and ₦1 million, while the joint third-place winners each received two motorcycles and ₦750,000.
The Argungu International Fishing Festival, one of Africa’s oldest cultural celebrations, continues to draw thousands of visitors annually, cementing its place as a major tourism and heritage event in Nigeria.
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