Argungu: Mr Abubakar Usman from Maiyama Local Government Area of Kebbi on Saturday claimed the iconic award in the famous Argungu International Fishing Festival with the biggest fish-catch weighing 59 kilogrammes. According to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the winner smiled home with two brand new Toyota vehicles donated by Sokoto State Government and N1million cash.
NAN also reports that the second position went to Abdullahi Garba from Argungu Local Government Area of Kebbi, who caught a fish weighing 40kg and was rewarded with one brand new Toyota saloon car donated by WACOTT Rice Miles Limited and N1million. The third position went to Danlansu Dankani from Jega with one other person who tallied by presenting two fishes weighing 34kg each and went home with N1million and a motorcycle each.
Speaking at the grand finale of the event, the Special Guest of Honour, President Bola Tinubu, described the event as a remarkable history and a festival that remained a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence amongst Nigerians. He noted that it reflects the richness of Nigerian culture, the strength of tradition, and the opportunities in harnessing natural resources for national development.
The President commended the government and people of Kebbi for successfully hosting the festival, emphasizing the organisation, security arrangements, and internal outlook of the event as demonstrations of purposeful and inclusive leadership. He acknowledged significant progress in combating insecurity across Kebbi and other parts of the nation through coordinated efforts between the Federal Government, state government, and security agencies.
In his speech, Kebbi Governor appreciated Tinubu for honouring his invitation to witness the festival and his benevolence to commission developmental projects in the state. The governor highlighted achievements such as the 25,000 capacity Bola Ahmed Tinubu Ultra-Modern State Secretariat, construction of a three-lane Super Highway on Emir Haruna Way, and reconstruction of major roads, among others.
The Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Muhammad Sama’ila-Mera, acknowledged the festival as a showcase of the rich cultural heritage of Kebbi people and reminded the president of the Federal Government’s commitment, initiated in 2020, to construct a permanent fishing centre recognized by UNESCO.