On Saturday 14 February, 2026, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu visited Kebbi State for the 61st Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival, where he described the event as “more than a festival”, saying, he witnessed a “people reclaiming their peace”.
The Argungu Fishing Festival had more than “50,000” fishermen converge at Matan Fada as the communities “celebrated without fear”.
The President said, the Festival is a “proof that stability is gradually returning”, and, that efforts towards ensuring security are bearing fruits.
President Tinubu posted: “Today in Argungu, I witnessed more than a festival. I witnessed a people reclaiming their peace.
“The 61st Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival is proof that stability is gradually returning, that normalcy is taking root, and that our investments in security are yielding results.
“Over 50,000 fishermen gathered at Matan Fada. Culture flourished. Competition thrived. Communities celebrated without fear.”
President Tinubu said, the “safety” in the Northwestern State is “not accidental”, adding, it is a result of “coordinated security efforts”; he also said, farmers in the country “must” live and work safely.
The President said, the Festival help Nigerians remember that “culture is commerce” and “Agriculture is prosperity”, as he assured to always support Kebbi State in food security and youth empowerment.
He further posted: “This is not accidental. It is the product of coordinated security efforts, intelligence work, and community partnership. We will win the fight against insecurity. Our farmers, fishermen, traders, and families must live and work in safety.
“Argungu is also a reminder that culture is commerce. Tourism is opportunity. Agriculture is prosperity.
“We will continue to support Kebbi State and every state committed to food security, rural development, youth empowerment, and infrastructure growth.”
Prior to joining the Argungu Fishing Festival, President Tinubu commissioned crucial projects in Birnin-Kebbi, the Capital of Kebbi State.
He commissioned the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Secretariat Complex, a new modern motor park, dual carriageways, a college of nursing, and critical road infrastructure.
The President promised, his administration will bolster support for agriculture, tourism across the country.
President Tinubu posted: “Development must touch lives directly.Kebbi’s progress in agriculture, healthcare, education, and civil service welfare demonstrates what purposeful leadership can achieve when federal and state governments work together.
“From fertiliser support to hospital rehabilitation, from classrooms to road networks, the foundation for long term prosperity is being laid.
“We will deepen our support for agriculture, tourism, food security, and rural communities across the federation.”
The Argungu Fishing Festival
The Argungu Fishing Festival is a yearly four-day cultural event that takes place in Kebbi State. The Northwestern State is comprised of fertile river areas of Matan Fada with much irrigation and orchards. Majority of dwellers are Muslim fishermen.
There is a place named Kanta Museum, a main historical centre in Argungu for tourists across the world who travel to Argungu just to witness the Festival.
The main aim of the Argungu Fishing Festival is for Fishing and Unity. Winners in the event are graded based on the weight of the fish caught.
The Festival held last in 2020 during the administration of Muhammadu Buhari, 7th and 15th President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, it was the 60th edition of the Festival.
More Photos
Photos: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Argungu Fishing Festival in Kebbi State as over “50,000” fishermen join the quest to catch the weightiest fish
