The 61st Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival marked a significant return in Kebbi State after a six-year hiatus, symbolizing renewed stability and confidence in the region. President Bola Tinubu graced the grand finale as a special guest, emphasizing the festival's importance and the Federal Government's unwavering commitment to peace and development across Nigeria.

President Tinubu reiterated his resolve to combat all forms of insecurity, including banditry and insurgency, across the nation, declaring that the fight would be won. He attributed the relative peace observed in the region to sustained collaboration between federal and state authorities, coupled with strategic investments in security, intelligence gathering, and community engagement. The impressive turnout and the seamless organization of the four-day event, which attracted over 50,000 fishermen from Nigeria and neighbouring countries, were highlighted as clear indicators of improved security and renewed public confidence, showcasing the potential of purposeful and inclusive leadership.

The President also reaffirmed his administration's dedication to supporting agriculture, tourism, food security, and rural development. He underscored Kebbi State's vital role in Nigeria's rice production and inland fisheries, assuring continued federal government support for farmers and fishermen through relevant interventions to foster economic success. This commitment, he noted, aligns with his 'Renewed Hope agenda,' which also focuses on empowering youth, women, and rural communities, alongside significant investments in student loan programs, primary healthcare, expanding access to life-saving vaccines, and major public works like the coastal highway and Ilela-Badagry highway.

The historic festival, which has endured for 83 years since its inception in 1934 to commemorate peace between the Sokoto Caliphate and the Kebbi Kingdom, proudly showcased Nigeria's rich cultural heritage. Beyond the eagerly anticipated fishing competition at the Matan Fada River, attendees enjoyed a diverse array of activities, including vibrant cultural displays, thrilling water competitions, traditional boxing, spirited dancing, music performances, and exhibitions of local crafts. The Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammad Mera, expressed profound delight at the festival's return, describing it as a powerful testament to the community's capacity to choose courage over conflict and friendship over feud, embodying core values essential for national cohesion and progress.

The highlight of the festival was undoubtedly the main fishing competition, where Abubakar Usman from Maiyama Local Government Area emerged as the overall winner with an impressive 59-kilogram fish catch. His achievement earned him the top prize of N1 million, two brand-new vehicles, and other items. Abdullahi Garba from Argungu secured second place with a 40kg fish, receiving N750,000, a car, and a Hajj seat. Third place was jointly claimed by two contestants from Jigawa and Kogi states, each landing a 33kg fish, and awarded N1 million and a motorcycle each. All four winning fish were respectfully presented to President Tinubu as souvenirs.

Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris received commendation from President Tinubu for the successful organization and robust security arrangements that enabled the safe hosting of the festival. Governor Idris, in his remarks, thanked the President for honoring the state with his presence and reaffirmed his administration's commitment to sustaining the festival as a crucial platform for cultural preservation, tourism development, and economic empowerment. He further highlighted the state government's sustained investments in critical sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, and agriculture, emphasizing Kebbi's strong alignment with the federal government's shared development goals and the 'Renewed Hope agenda.'

Prior to attending the festival, President Tinubu inaugurated several key infrastructure projects in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital. These included the Bola Tinubu Secretariat Complex, a New Modern Motor Park, a three-lane dual carriageway, the Kauran Gwandu College of Nursing and Midwifery Sciences in Ambursa, and the new dualised Old Argungu By-Pass Road.

The 61st Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival, with its triumphant return and high-profile attendance, not only celebrated Nigeria's vibrant heritage but also served as a powerful symbol of national unity, resilience, and the tangible progress being made in securing peace and fostering development across the country.