Tinubu commits to sustaining Argungu Fishing Festival for national unity, agriculture

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged to sustain the annual Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival as a platform to promote Nigeria’s unity, peace, and agricultural development.

He assured that farmers in Kebbi State would continue receiving support, emphasizing the commitment of local farmers to advancing agriculture under his administration, while the federal government would assist the state in achieving its food security objectives.

The president, who attended the 2026 festival, commended Governor Nasir Idris, the Emir of Argungu, local fishermen, and international participants for the event’s success. He highlighted that the festival, now 83 years old, provides an avenue to harness the state’s natural resources and strengthen agriculture programs in Kebbi and neighboring 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. Kebbi’s security arrangements for the event were superb. Special collaborations are ongoing between the federal and state governments and security agencies to boost security in Kebbi and other states of the nation,” Tinubu said. He added that improvements in national security were partly due to his administration’s commitment to community engagement, allowing farmers to carry out their work without disruption.

“This festival is about unity and peace. We will support it. We are deliberately investing in programs that include women and youth development. I have identified irrigation opportunities around Ilela in Sokoto; it will be used to strengthen Kebbi and Sokoto agriculture programs. That is our commitment,” the president said.

Governor Nasir Idris described the festival as a symbol of unity, peace, and economic potential, noting that it attracts multinational attention and contributes to the state economy. He also commissioned an ultra-modern secretariat capable of accommodating 25,000 civil servants and a central motor park.

Emir Muhammed Samaila Meta, custodian of Argungu culture, acknowledged minor hitches during the festival and traced the origins of the fishing event to over 500 years ago, noting that it became a competitive event 83 years ago.

The festival attracted governors from Jigawa, Borno, Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, and Kaduna, as well as ministers including Dave Umahi and Bello Goronyo, and former INEC chairman Professor Attahir Jega.

Abubakar Usman from Maiyama emerged the overall winner with a 59kg catch, receiving two saloon cars and N1 million.

The second position went to Abdullahi Garba from Argungu with a 40kg catch, earning a saloon car, N1 million, and a Hajj slot, while Danlansu Dankani from Jega secured third place with a 33kg catch, winning a motorcycle.