2025 Argungu International Fishing Festival: Kebbi State Governor Inaugurates Committee

Governor Idris inaugurated the committee at the Council Chamber of Government House, in Birnin Kebbi.

The 21-member committee is to be Chaired by the State Deputy Governor, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida, while the former Head of Service and current Special Adviser to the Governor on Civil Service Matters, Alhaji Safiyanu Garba Bena, will serve as the Secretary and Director General.

In his inaugural remarks, Governor Idris expressed confidence in the committee, noting that its members have strong track records.

He charged them to ensure the festival’s success, drawing parallels to the successful organization of the recent Zuru Uhola and Yauri Rigatta Cultural Festivals.

Governor Idris highlighted the festival’s potential to boost both cultural heritage and revenue generation for the state.

In a statement by Governor Idri’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yahaya Sarki, he urged all committee members to work diligently, as the festival had not been held in recent years.

“This administration finds it necessary to organize the festival before we clock two years in office. I am confident that the Committee, under the leadership of the Deputy Governor, who is a son of the soil, will not disappoint the people of Kebbi State,” the Governor said.

The Argungu international fishing and cultural festival is recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity since 2016,.

The festival promotes peace and cultural exchange between Kebbi, Sokoto and communities around the country.

The festival however showcases traditional activities such as hand fishing, a display of local fishing skills, canoe racing, a thrilling competition among communities.