Argungu Festival Symbolises Nigeria’s Unity, Resilience, Says Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has described the Argungu International Fishing Festival as a powerful emblem of national unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to supporting farmers and fishermen to ensure food security across the country.

Speaking on Saturday at the 2026 edition of the festival, held at the historic fishing arena in Argungu, Kebbi State, the President commended the organisers for sustaining the cultural event for over eight decades, noting that it has endured for 83 years despite social and security challenges.

“Today, this festival stands as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience and peaceful coexistence among our people,” Tinubu stated. “It reflects the richness of our culture, the strength of our traditions and the opportunities inherent in harnessing our natural and human resources for national development.”

A Gathering of National Solidarity

The President was received by a large crowd comprising residents, traditional rulers, fishermen, tourists, and government officials from across the country. He expressed gratitude to governors who travelled to attend the festival, describing their presence as a mark of national solidarity. He also acknowledged the Sultan of Sokoto, who was represented, and the Emir of Argungu, conveying his goodwill to other traditional rulers and custodians of culture in the region.

Security and Economic Assurance

Tinubu highlighted that the relative peace currently being enjoyed in Kebbi and neighbouring states is the result of sustained investments in security intelligence, coordination among security agencies, and community engagement.

“The peace we are witnessing today is not accidental. It is the outcome of deliberate and sustained efforts,” he said. “I assure you that the fight against banditry, insurgency and insecurity will be won. Our farmers, fishermen, traders and families will go about their lawful activities without fear.”

The President also reaffirmed his administration’s focus on youth and women empowerment, irrigation development, rural electrification, and agricultural productivity. He stressed that culture remains a unifying force capable of driving tourism and projecting Nigeria positively to the international community.

Kebbi Governor Highlights Developmental Strides

Earlier, Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris stated that his administration was determined to elevate the Argungu Fishing Festival to full international standards while pursuing development across critical sectors.

Governor Idris outlined major achievements, 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.

He further disclosed that 16 general hospitals had been rehabilitated and equipped, while 129 primary healthcare centres were at various stages of completion. The state has also constructed the largest veterinary hospital in Nigeria and completed the Argungu School of Midwifery.

“A total of 1,810 health workers, including doctors, nurses and pharmacists, have been employed,” the governor added. “We have also made giant strides in agriculture by distributing 50,000 tonnes of fertiliser, improved seeds and over 19,000 farm implements free of charge to farmers.”

On education, Idris said Kebbi State had adopted free education policies, constructed and furnished 2,100 classrooms under four mega schools, recruited 2,000 teachers, and sponsored students to study medicine abroad in countries including Ethiopia, Egypt, and India.

Festival Highlights and Winners

The festival’s main event, the fishing competition, saw Abubakar Usman from Maiyama Local Government emerge as overall winner with a 59kg catch. Abdullahi Garba from Argungu secured second place with a 40kg fish, while the third position was jointly won by Nasir Garba and another contestant, each with a 33kg catch.

Announcing the prizes, the Kebbi State Deputy Governor revealed that the winner would receive two Toyota cars donated by the Sokoto State Government, bags of WACOT rice, and a ₦1 million cash prize. The second-place winner received a car, a Hajj slot, and ₦1 million, while the joint third-place winners were awarded two motorcycles each and ₦750,000.

The Argungu International Fishing Festival, recognised as one of Africa’s oldest cultural events, continues to attract thousands of visitors annually, reinforcing its status as a major tourism and cultural heritage destination in Nigeria.