President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s determination to defeat insecurity, including banditry and insurgency, assuring Nigerians that farmers, fishermen, traders, and families will soon live without fear or injury.
The President gave the assurance on Saturday at the 61st Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival in Kebbi State. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said Tinubu described the festival as a testament to the “return of stability and normalcy” in Kebbi and across Nigeria.
Tinubu pledged sustained Federal Government support for tourism, agriculture, food security, and rural development. He commended the Kebbi State Government for successfully organizing the historic cultural event, which attracted over 50,000 fishermen from Nigeria and neighboring countries.
“Congratulations. Well done. Very good show. Remarkable history. This festival has endured for 83 years and stands as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence among our people,” the President said.
He praised the security arrangements that enabled the festival to be hosted safely, noting that the relative peace in the region was the result of sustained investment in security, intelligence gathering, and community engagement. “I assure you that the fight against insecurity of any kind, including banditry and insurgency, will be won. Our farmers, including the fishermen, traders, and families, will be able to go about their lives without fear or injury. This festival is a testament to the return of stability and normalcy,” he added.
Highlighting the Federal Government’s commitment to agriculture, Tinubu reaffirmed support for farmers and rural communities. “Working jointly with the state government, we will continue to give our farmers the necessary support. Kebbi State is noted for its commitment to food security and agrarian cultivation. We will work together to make it a great economic success,” he said.
Before attending the festival, Tinubu commissioned key infrastructure projects in Birnin Kebbi, including the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Secretariat Complex, a new modern motor park, a three-lane dual carriageway, the Kauran Gwandu College of Nursing and Midwifery Sciences, Ambursa, and the dualised Old Argungu By-Pass Road.
Governor Nasir Idris thanked the President for honoring the state with his presence and reaffirmed Kebbi’s commitment to sustaining the festival as a platform for cultural preservation, tourism development, and economic empowerment. He outlined achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, and public works, including the rehabilitation of 16 general hospitals, construction of over 120 primary healthcare centers, and recruitment of more than 1,800 health workers.
The fishing competition saw Abubakar Usman from Maiyama Local Government Area emerge overall winner with a 59kg catch, earning N1 million and two brand-new cars. Other winners received cash prizes, vehicles, motorcycles, and a Hajj seat. The winning fish were presented to President Tinubu as souvenirs.
The Argungu Festival, which has endured for over eight decades, continues to serve as a symbol of Nigeria’s cultural heritage, unity, and resilience.
By Mathew Dadiya, Abuja
