By: Sani Dutsinma
ARGUNGU, KEBBI STATE — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the Argungu International Fishing Festival as a powerful symbol of Nigeria’s unity, resilience and peaceful coexistence, declaring that culture remains one of the nation’s strongest bonds.
Speaking at the historic 61st edition of the 2026 festival held at the iconic Matan Fada arena in Argungu Local Government Area, the President said the 83-year-old cultural fiesta stands as proof that Nigeria’s diversity is its strength.
Addressing a massive crowd of residents, traditional rulers, fishermen, tourists and dignitaries from across the country, Tinubu applauded the organisers for sustaining the globally celebrated festival for over eight decades despite social and security challenges.
“This festival represents our shared heritage and enduring unity. It shows that beyond politics and differences, we are one people with a rich culture that binds us together,” the President said.
He assured farmers and fishermen of sustained federal support aimed at guaranteeing food security, agricultural productivity and safety across the country. According to him, investments in irrigation, rural electrification, youth and women empowerment will remain central to his administration’s development agenda.
Tinubu also attributed the relative peace being enjoyed in Kebbi and neighbouring states to sustained investments in security intelligence, improved coordination among security agencies and strengthened community engagement.
The President thanked governors who travelled to attend the colourful event, describing their presence as a mark of national solidarity. He acknowledged the Sultan of Sokoto, who was represented, and the Emir of Argungu, urging traditional institutions to continue promoting peace and cultural preservation.
Earlier in his address, Kebbi State Governor Dr. Nasir Idris pledged to elevate the festival to full international standards while sustaining aggressive development across critical sectors.
The governor highlighted key achievements of his administration, including the construction of a 25,000-capacity ultra-modern Secretariat, dual carriage highways, city road networks and the reconstruction of over 87 kilometres of federal roads linking Koko to Zuru.
In the health sector, he disclosed that 16 general hospitals had been rehabilitated and equipped, while 129 primary healthcare centres were at various stages of completion. He also noted the construction of what he described as the biggest veterinary hospital in Nigeria and the completion of the Argungu School of Midwifery.
The festival’s high point was the thrilling fishing competition that drew cheers from thousands of spectators. Abubakar Usman from Maiyama Local Government emerged overall winner with an impressive 59kg catch. Abdullahi Garba from Argungu secured second position with a 40kg fish, while Nasir Garba and another contestant jointly claimed third place with 33kg each.
Announcing the results, the Kebbi State Deputy Governor said the champion would receive two Toyota cars donated by the Sokoto State Government, bags of WACOT rice and a ₦1 million cash prize. The runner-up went home with a car, a Hajj slot and ₦1 million, while the joint third-place winners received two motorcycles each and ₦750,000.
As drums rolled and cultural troupes dazzled spectators, the 2026 Argungu festival once again reaffirmed its place as one of Africa’s oldest and most iconic cultural gatherings — a tourism jewel projecting Nigeria’s heritage proudly to the world.
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