President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday declared the successful hosting of the 61st Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival as a definitive "testament to the return of stability and normalcy" in Northern Nigeria. Speaking at the grand finale in Kebbi State, the President pledged renewed federal commitment to agriculture and tourism as drivers of national prosperity.
The historic event reached its climax when Abubakar Usman, a fisherman from the Maiyama Local Government Area, emerged as the overall winner. Usman hauled a massive 59 kg catch from the Matan Fada River, securing a prize package that included ₦1 million and two brand-new cars. The second-place prize went to Abdullahi Garba of Argungu for a 40 kg fish, earning him ₦750,000, a car, and a Hajj seat.
Addressing a crowd of over 50,000 participants and spectators, President Tinubu emphasised that the festival’s 83-year history serves as a "powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence." He noted that the ability to host an international event of such magnitude reflects significant progress in the government's coordinated efforts to combat banditry and insurgency in the region.
"A socio-cultural event like this can only thrive and become a tourism attraction where the security atmosphere is conducive," the President stated. He attributed the current relative peace to sustained investments in intelligence gathering and community engagement, assuring farmers and fishermen that they would continue to work without fear of injury or disruption.
The President’s visit to the state began in the capital, Birnin Kebbi, where he commissioned several multi-billion naira infrastructure projects. These included the newly completed Bola Ahmed Tinubu State Secretariat Complex, a modern central motor park, and dualised road networks designed to stimulate local commerce and improve public administration.
Governor Nasir Idris, in his remarks, thanked the President for his presence, describing it as a validation of the state’s progress. The Governor highlighted his administration's recent distribution of free fertilisers and farm implements to local farmers, a move intended to align the state’s agrarian output with the Federal Government’s food security agenda.
The Emir of Argungu, Sama’ila Muhammad Mera, expressed profound gratitude for the President’s visit, noting that the traditional gunshot signalling the start of the fishing competition had been silent for nearly six years. The Emir linked the festival's themes of reconciliation and friendship to the President’s "Renewed Hope" agenda, specifically praising initiatives like the student loan fund and primary healthcare expansion.
Beyond the fishing competition, the four-day festival featured traditional wrestling, cultural dancing, and water displays.