President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged that the annual Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival will be sustained to promote national unity, peace and agricultural development.
The President said farmers in Kebbi State would continue to receive the necessary support, noting that the Federal Government remained committed to strengthening food security across the country.
Tinubu made the pledge while addressing participants at the 2026 edition of the festival in Argungu, Kebbi State. He commended Governor Nasir Idris, the Emir of Argungu, fishermen and members of the international community for making the event a success.
He said his administration would continue to support the 83-year-old fishing festival to boost agriculture and peace in Kebbi and neighbouring Sokoto State.
“The Argungu fishing festival reflects the strength of our culture and tradition. It offers us the opportunity to harness the state’s natural resources,” the President said.
He also praised the security arrangements for the event.
“Kebbi security architecture arrangement for the event was superb. Special arrangements are ongoing between the federal, state government and security agencies to boost security in Kebbi and other states of the nation,” he added.
According to him, the improvement in the nation’s security is a result of his administration’s commitment and community engagement, enabling farmers to carry out their activities without hindrance.
“This festival is about unity and peace. We will support it. We are deliberately investing in programme that includes women and youth development,” Tinubu said.
The President further disclosed that his administration had identified irrigation opportunities around Ilela in Sokoto State to strengthen agricultural programmes in both Kebbi and Sokoto.
“I have identified the irrigation opportunity around Ilela in Sokoto; it will be used to support and strengthen Kebbi and Sokoto agriculture programmes. That’s our commitment,” he said.
Earlier, Governor Nasir Idris described the festival as a symbol of unity and peace, noting that it projected the image and economic potential of Kebbi State and Nigeria.
“I’m happy the President is in Kebbi not only to witness the Argungu fishing festival but to commission the ultra-modern Secretariat that has the capacity for 25,000 civil servants and a modern central motor park,” the governor said.
He added that the festival had consistently made Kebbi a meeting point for multinational organisations and Africans who come to witness the cultural event and boost the state’s economy.
In his remarks, the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Muhammed Samaila Mera, apologised to the governor over minor hitches recorded during the event. He said the fishing event was over 500 years old but became competitive 83 years ago.
Governors of Jigawa, Borno, Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina and Kaduna states were in attendance. Also present were the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi; the Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo; and former INEC Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega.
At the end of the competition, Abubakar Usman from Maiyama, who caught a 59kg fish, emerged overall winner and was presented with two saloon cars and N1 million cash prize.
Abdullahi Garba from Argungu, who caught a 40kg fish, came second and received a saloon car, N1 million and a Hajj slot, while Danlansu Dankani from Jega, who caught a 33kg fish, secured third position and went home with a motorcycle.
