By Amofokhai Williams
President Bola Tinubu on Saturday used the 61st edition of the Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival to send a strong political message that security gains are restoring normalcy in northern Nigeria.
He said his administration will deepen investments in agriculture, tourism and rural development.
Addressing thousands at the grand finale in Argungu, the President described the historic festival as “a testament to the return of stability and normalcy” in Kebbi State and across the country, linking its successful hosting to improved security architecture.
“This festival has endured for 83 years and stands as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence among our people,” Tinubu said.
The four-day cultural spectacle attracted over 50,000 fishermen from Nigeria and neighbouring countries, featuring water competitions, traditional boxing, dance displays and cultural exhibitions. The event’s revival follows years of security disruptions that had forced previous suspensions.
Tinubu praised the state government’s security coordination, insisting that socio-cultural tourism can only thrive in a conducive environment.
“The organisation, security arrangement, and internal outlook of the event demonstrate what is possible when leadership is purposeful and inclusive,” he said.
Reaffirming his administration’s resolve to tackle insecurity, the President declared:
“The relative peace we are witnessing today in this region is not accidental. It is the result of sustained investment in security, intelligence gathering, and community engagement. I assure you that the fight against insecurity, including banditry and insurgency, will be won.”
He tied the security gains directly to economic opportunity, pledging continued federal backing for farmers and fishermen in Kebbi, a state widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s agricultural hubs.
“Working jointly with the state government, we will continue to give our farmers the necessary support… We will work together to make it a great economic success,” he said.
Before arriving in Argungu, the President commissioned multiple infrastructure projects in Birnin Kebbi, including a new secretariat complex, dual carriageways and a modern motor park, underscoring what aides described as a broader rural transformation agenda.
Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris thanked the President for attending, highlighting investments in healthcare, road infrastructure, education and agriculture, including the recruitment of over 1,800 health workers and rehabilitation of 16 general hospitals.
The Emir of Argungu, Sama’ila Muhammad Mera, described the President’s presence as symbolic of national cohesion and praised ongoing federal initiatives in healthcare and infrastructure.
The festival climaxed with the traditional fishing contest at Matan Fada river, where Abubakar Usman from Maiyama Local Government Area emerged overall winner with a 59kg catch, receiving N1 million and two cars.
