President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday described the 61st Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival as clear evidence of restored stability and normalcy in Kebbi State and across Nigeria, pledging stronger federal support for agriculture, tourism, and rural development.
Speaking at the grand finale of the four-day cultural spectacle in Argungu, Kebbi State, President Tinubu commended the state government for successfully hosting the historic festival, which attracted over 50,000 fishermen from across Nigeria and neighbouring countries.
The festival featured vibrant cultural displays, water competitions, traditional boxing, music, and dance, culminating in the much-anticipated grand fishing contest at the famous Matan Fada waters.
“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.
He praised the security arrangements that ensured a peaceful and successful outing, noting that such socio-cultural events thrive only in a conducive atmosphere.
“The organisation, security arrangement, and internal outlook of the event demonstrate what is possible when leadership is purposeful and inclusive,” he said, commending Governor Nasir Idris for his stewardship.
The President assured residents that the fight against insecurity, including banditry and insurgency, would be sustained until lasting peace is fully secured.
“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. Our farmers, fishermen, traders, and families will go about their lives without fear.
This festival is a testament to the return of stability and normalcy,” he stated.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to food security, President Tinubu pledged continued collaboration with Kebbi State to support farmers and fishermen with necessary inputs and infrastructure.
“Kebbi is noted for its commitment to food security and agrarian cultivation. We will work together to make it a great economic success,” he added.
Before attending the festival in Argungu, the President commissioned several landmark 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 in Ambursa, and the newly dualised Old Argungu By-Pass Road.
In his remarks, Governor Nasir Idris thanked the President for honouring the state with his presence and reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to sustain the festival as a platform for cultural preservation, tourism development, and economic empowerment.
He highlighted major investments in infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, civil service welfare, and education, including the rehabilitation of 16 general hospitals, construction of over 120 primary healthcare centres, recruitment of 1,800 health workers, distribution of free fertilisers and farm inputs, and the construction of classrooms and mega schools across emirate zones.
The Emir of Argungu, Sama’ila Muhammad Mera, described the festival’s return after nearly six years of hiatus as a triumph of courage over conflict.
“For 61 editions, this festival has endured not merely as a competition but as a testament to our people’s choice of friendship over feud,” the Emir said, praising the President’s Renewed Hope agenda and its impact on healthcare, public works, and economic connectivity.
Announcing the results of the fishing contest, Deputy Governor Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida said Abubakar Usman from Maiyama Local Government Area clinched first place with a 59kg catch, winning N1 million and two brand-new cars.
Abdullahi Garba from Argungu secured second position with a 40kg fish, receiving N750,000, a car, and a Hajj seat.
Two contestants from Jigawa and Kogi states jointly claimed third position with 33kg catches, earning N1 million and a motorcycle each.
All four prize-winning fish were presented to President Tinubu as souvenirs.
The colourful event reinforced Argungu’s status as one of Africa’s most iconic cultural festivals and a symbol of unity, resilience, and Nigeria’s rich heritage.
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