President Bola Tinubu has declared that the successful return of the Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival after a six-year break is living proof that peace and stability have been restored in Kebbi State and across Nigeria.
The President made the statement on Saturday at the grand finale of the 61st edition of the historic festival in Argungu, which attracted over 50,000 fishermen and spectators from across Nigeria and neighbouring countries.
“For 61 editions this festival has endured… It is a testament to the capacity of our people to choose courage over conflict. The relative peace we are witnessing today in this region is not accidental. This festival is a testament to the return of stability and normalcy,” President Tinubu said.
The four-day event, featuring cultural displays, water competitions, and traditional boxing, was held for the first time in nearly six years, a hiatus the Emir of Argungu, Sama’ila Muhammad Mera, noted had ended, allowing the ancient waters of Matan Fada to once again witness the traditional gunshot signalling the start of the competition.
President Tinubu lauded the security arrangements that enabled the festival to be hosted safely, crediting coordinated efforts between the Federal Government, state governments, and security agencies.
He assured citizens that the fight against banditry and insurgency would be won, allowing farmers, fishermen, and families to go about their lives without fear.
“A socio-cultural event like this can only thrive and become a tourism attraction where the security atmosphere is conducive. The organisation, security arrangement, and internal outlook of the event demonstrate what is possible when leadership is purposeful and inclusive”, he stated.
Beyond celebrating the return of peace, the President used the occasion to pledge sustained Federal Government support for agriculture, food security, and tourism. He commended Kebbi State for its commitment to agrarian cultivation and promised to work jointly with the state government to provide farmers with the necessary support to ensure economic success.
In the spirit of the festival’s revival, the fishing competition produced a dramatic outcome. Abubakar Usman from Maiyama Local Government Area emerged as the overall winner with a massive 59kg catch, earning him N1 million and two brand-new cars. The top four catches, including the winning fish, were presented to President Tinubu as a souvenir.
Before attending the festival, President Tinubu commissioned several key infrastructure projects in Birnin Kebbi, including the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Secretariat Complex and a new dual carriageway, further underscoring the administration’s focus on development alongside cultural preservation.
The President was joined at the event by Governor Nasir Idris, who thanked him for his presence and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to sustaining the festival as a platform for economic empowerment and cultural heritage.
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