THE Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, on Saturday led his colleagues from the region to attend the grand finale of the 61st Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival in Kebbi State.
The colourful and globally renowned fishing festival, held at the historic Matan Fada riverbank in Argungu, was attended eminent personalities led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, alongside governors, ministers, members of the National Assembly, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional rulers, captains of industry, and thousands of local and international tourists.
Steeped in over 500 years of history, the Argungu Fishing Festival is one of Africa’s most iconic cultural events.
In his address, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu described the festival as a powerful instrument for national cohesion, cultural preservation, tourism development and economic growth, noting that Nigeria’s diversity remains its greatest strength.
He emphasized that cultural festivals such as Argungu provide a unique platform for promoting peace, mutual understanding, and unity among Nigerians, while also serving as a catalyst for job creation and community-based economic activities.
President Tinubu reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to boosting tourism, safeguarding Nigeria’s cultural heritage, and supporting programmes that will enhance food security, local enterprise and sustainable development.
He commended the Kebbi State Government for sustaining the festival over decades and elevating it to global prominence.
The highlight of the festival was the fierce fishing contest, which saw over 40,000 fishermen plunge simultaneously into the Matan Fada river, transforming the waters into a breathtaking spectacle of swirling nets, calabashes and synchronized movements, in a dramatic display of strength, speed, endurance and skill.
At the end of the thrilling contest, Abubakar Usman from Maiyama Local Government Area of Kebbi State emerged as the overall winner, hauling in a massive 59-kilogram fish.
He clinched the coveted star prize of a brand-new car and cash rewards, to thunderous applause from the jubilant crowd.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya, while interacting with fellow governors and dignitaries, described the festival as a celebration of Nigeria’s shared identity and a reflection of resilience of its people, stressing the need to continue leveraging culture and tourism as strategic tools for economic diversification, youth empowerment, and national integration.
