Tinubu embarks on one-day visit to Kebbi

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will headline the 61st edition of the 2026 Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival as the special guest of honour during his visit to Kebbi State on Saturday.

This was announced in a statement by the special adviser to the President on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Friday.

According to the statement, the President will also during the one-day visit inaugurate some projects completed by Kebbi governor, Nasir Idris.

The statement reads “President Bola Tinubu will on Saturday embark on a one-day official visit to Kebbi State to inaugurate some projects executed by the state Governor, Dr Nasir Idris.
 
“While in the state, the President will also headline the 61st edition of the 2026 Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival as the special guest of honour.
 
‘The festival is one of Africa’s most celebrated cultural events.
 
“It is staged by the riverside of the historic Matan Fada, recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of Humanity.
 
The Kebbi Government had rescheduled the 61st Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival from Feb. 2025 to Feb. 2026 after due consultations with all critical stakeholders.

Deputy Governor, Sen. Umar Abubakar-Tafida who is also the Chairman of the 2025 Festival Committee, said the decision to reschedule the festival was necessitated by the dire need to carry a befitting and permanent repairs of the structures at the festival’s venues.

“The decision is sequel to the ongoing road dualisation and a myriad of other developmental projects in Argungu township.

“The decision also followed other peculiar reasons, hence, forcing the shifting of the festival to 2026.

“The state government is firmly committed to organising the best fishing and cultural festival, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the people of the state in 2026,” he assured.

The dep. governor appreciated the understanding and cooperation of the public, stakeholders and participants in that regard.

“Let us continue to work towards a brighter future for Kebbi,” the deputy governor pleaded.