Khafijat Saidu, Birnin Kebbi
ABUBAKAR Yau from Augie Local Government Area of Kebbi State yesterday emerged winner at the Argungu fishing festival. He caught the biggest fish weighing 78 kilogrammes.
He went home with N10 million, two new cars and two Hajj seats. His catch was rated the best among the fishes caught at the Matan Fadah river with about 50,000 fishermen who participated in the annual cultural festival held in Argungu local government area of Kebbi State.
Malam Bala Yahaya-Bagaye came second with 75 kilogramme fish while Malam Maiwake Sani Silami from Sokoto State came third for his fish weighing 70 kilogrammes.
The Chairman, Northern Governors Forum, Mr. Simon Lalong of Plateau State, donated N3 million to the first position, N2 million to the second position, while N1 million went to the third position winner.
Dr Hassan Bello, Executive Secretary, Nigeria Shippers Council, presented N1 million to the winner, N750,000 to the second, and N500,000 to the third place winner.
Gov. Aminu Tambuwal donated N3 million, N2 million and N1 million to the first, second and third positions respectively, and a Hajj seat for the third position.
West African Cotton Company Limited (WACOT) donated a new car, N1 million and Hajj seat to first position, while Dr Zainab Bagudu, wife of Kebbi State Governor, also donated a brand new car to him.
Maltina Nigeria Limited donated KEKE NAPEP and motorcycles for the second and third prize winners respectively.
Speaking at the occasion, the Senate President, Dr Ahmed Lawan, who is also the special guest of honour said the festival was a demonstration of Nigeria’s rich culture.
He said, “When I looked at the fishing pond, I said ‘oh God we are blessed’; what we only need is for us to harness the resources that we are endowed with.
“The history of the festival is long, dating back to 1934. I learnt that the celebration could not hold for over 10 years due to insecurity. We have to thank God for making it possible and commend our armed forces for their efforts to secure our nation.
“This is an international event that drew people from neighbouring countries,” he added.
While congratulating the winners, the Senate President urged those who did not win not to be discouraged, urging them to redouble efforts for a more competitive challenge in subsequent years.
He announced a donation of N5 million to be shared among all participants to give all a sense of belonging.
In his remarks Governor Atiku Bagudu described the event as “historic and worthy of celebration” by people of the state and beyond.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sama’la Mera, appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari for paving way for relative peace that culminated into organising the fishing festival.
He said: “We have been waiting for this event for the past 10 years. We are grateful to Almighty God for making it possible for us to witness the 60th event.”
Dignitaries at the occasion are the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Minister of Justice, Alhaji Abubakar Malami, Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Maigari Dangyade, Senator Kabir Gaya and the Leader of the Senate, Sen Yahaya Abdullahi,.
Others are Governor Badaru of Jigawa State, and Governor Sani Bello of Niger State. The royal fathers who attended include the Sultan of Sokoto, Dr Sa’ad Abubakar III, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Emir of Gwandu, Muhammad Iliasu Bashir, the Emir of Gombe, Abubakar Abubakar III, the Emir Of Borgu, and King Alfred Diete-Spiff from Bayelsa State and other traditional rulers across the country.
About 50,000 fishermen participated in the grand finale of the 2020 Argungu International Fishing Festival.
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