By Umar Faruk Birnin Kebbi
Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has inaugurated the Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival Committee, comprising 21 members, to oversee the organization of the renowned festival. Deputy Governor Umar Abubakar Tafida will chair the committee, with Safiyanu Garba Bena serving as Secretary and Director General.
The Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity since 2016, promotes peace and cultural exchange between the Argungu and Sokoto communities . The festival showcases traditional activities such as:Hand Fishing, a display of local fishing skills. Canoe Racing, a thrilling competition among community members. Wild Duck Catching, a showcase of traditional hunting techniques.
These activities highlight the local customs and skills passed down through generations. Governor Idris emphasized the festival’s potential to boost cultural heritage and revenue generation for the state, citing the successful organization of recent cultural festivals in Zuru Uhola and Yauri Rigatta.
The festival is typically held over four days between late February and March . With the committee in place, preparations are underway to revive this significant cultural event, which had been absent in recent years.
In a related development, Governor Idris also inaugurated the Land Use Act Allocation Committee, to be led by Kabiru Usman, with the Deputy Director Lands serving as Secretary. The governor charged the committee to ensure justice in land allocation, emphasizing that illegal acquisition of people’s farm lands is no longer tolerated, and justice must be served to all. Governor Nasir warned.
