61st Argungu Festival Begins With Investment Push, Tourism Drive
The 61st Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival has officially commenced with a strong investment-focused agenda, as the Kebbi State Government convened an Investors’ Forum aimed at attracting both local and international partners to boost tourism and economic development.
Speaking at the official launch in Birnin Kebbi, the Deputy Governor of Kebbi State, Senator Umar Tafida, said the forum highlights the commitment of both the Federal Government and the Kebbi State Government to ensure the festival meets global standards while expanding its economic potential.
Tafida, who also serves as Chairman of the Central Planning Committee of the festival, described the investors’ forum as a historic curtain-raiser designed to reposition the Argungu Festival as a major tourism asset and a catalyst for economic growth.
He explained that the festival, which began over 500 years ago as a local fishing celebration, transformed into a nationally and internationally recognised cultural event in 1934 following a historic reconciliatory visit by the Sultan of Sokoto to the Argungu Emirate.
According to him, the festival gained global recognition in 1970 when it attracted the presence of Nigeria’s then Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, alongside the President of the Republic of Niger, adding that successive Nigerian leaders have continued to support and participate in the event.
Highlighting the festival’s historic milestones, Tafida noted that the Argungu Festival was featured on the Nigerian N50 banknote and hosted the country’s first Motor Safari Rally in 1972. He further stated that the event received international recognition during the Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC ’77) and was inscribed by UNESCO in 2016 as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The deputy governor also revealed that the festival was identified as a flagship tourism product in Nigeria’s 2012 National Tourism Master Plan, describing the event as more than a cultural celebration.
He said the festival serves as a platform for tourism promotion, cultural diplomacy, and creative enterprise, while also providing opportunities for investment and economic expansion across sectors.
Tafida disclosed that the 2026 edition of the festival features a variety of activities designed to showcase the cultural heritage and economic potential of Kebbi State. These include an Agricultural and Industrial Trade Fair, Motor Racing competitions, Polo Tournament, Archery contests, Water Sports, Cultural Durbar, Cultural Night, as well as motorcycle, horse, and camel races.
The events are expected to culminate in the globally recognised grand fishing competition, which remains the highlight of the festival and attracts participants and tourists from across Nigeria and beyond.
He expressed optimism that the festival would further strengthen Kebbi State’s position as a leading cultural tourism destination while stimulating investment opportunities in agriculture, commerce, and hospitality.
The deputy governor thereafter formally declared the 61st Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival open, marking the beginning of weeks of cultural displays, sporting competitions, and business engagements expected to draw visitors from across the world.
The Argungu Festival remains one of Nigeria’s oldest and most celebrated cultural events, symbolising unity, heritage preservation, and economic advancement through tourism and cultural exchange.