By MUHAMMAD LAWAL

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 kilograms.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 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.

“It reflects the richness of our culture, the strength of our tradition and the opportunities that lie in harnessing our natural resources for national development.

“Let me once again commend the government and the people of Kebbi for successfully hosting this year’s festival, the organisation, security arrangements and internal outlook of the event demonstrate what is possible when leadership is purposeful and inclusive.

“Thank you Mr Governor, you are a team leader and you are demonstrating it. A socio-cultural event like this can only thrive and become a tourist attraction when the security atmosphere is conducive.

“I am pleased to note that significant progress has been made in combating insecurity across Kebbi and other parts of our nation.

“We are still working hard through coordinated efforts between the Federal Government, state government, and security agencies,” he said.

The President eulogised Gov. Nasir Idris for the landmark achievements recorded and appreciated him for naming the Ultra-Modern State Secretariat after him.

Tinubu assured that the fight against insecurity would be won so that people would go about their normal businesses peacefully without hindrance.

“This festival is a testament to the return of stability and normalcy, we will continue to support it and encourage it,” he assured.

In his speech, Kebbi Governor appreciated Tinubu for honouring his invitation to not only witness the Argungu International Fishing Festival but also his benevolence to commission some developmental projects in the state.

He said the present administration had recorded giant strides across key sectors of Kebbi development in just less than three years, adding that his administration had fulfilled over 80 per cent of its campaign promises.

He listed some of the achievements to include 25,000 capacity Bola Ahmed Tinubu Ultra-Modern State Secretariat, construction of three lane Super Highway on Emir Haruna Way, reconstruction of three lane dual carriageway from Abdullahi Fodio Roundabout to City Gate, and construction of carriageway from Ambursa to Sir Ahmad Bello International Airport.

Others, according to him, are reconstruction of 87-kilometre Koko-Dabai-Zuru Road, total renovation and upgrade of 16 general hospitals, construction of the biggest veterinary hospital in Nigeria, provision of 50,000 tones of fertiliser to farmers free, provision of power tillers, CNG pumping machines and other farming inputs, among others.

He noted that the state government was up to date in the payment of salaries, gratuity, pension and death benefits to all categories of workers.

Responding, the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Muhammad Sama’ila-Mera, apologised to Tinubu and other distinguished personalities for the breech of protocol that happened before the President’s arrival.

NAN recalls that more than 50,000 fishermen surged into the historic Matan Fada River in Argungu ahead of the scheduled arrival of the President.

Some of the competing fishermen had been anxiously waiting at a stipulated competition standpoint since 5:00a.m.

The Emir said the fishing festival was not just a fishing celebration but an event that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Kebbi people.

He reminded the president that the Federal Government had, in 2020, commenced the construction of a permanent fishing centre, being a centre recognised by UNESCO.

The Emir, however, lamented that the construction work had been abandoned since 2022. (NAN)

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