Malam Abubakar Ya’u from Augie Local Government Area of Kebbi who came first among the 50,000 fishermen that participated in the 2020 Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival in Kebbi State, on Saturday got N10 million, two new cars and two Hajj seats.
Ya’u, who was adjudged the best for catching the biggest fish weighing 78 kilogrammes at the 2020 Argungu fishing festival.
Malam Bala Yahaya-Bagaye clinched the second position with his fish which weighed 75 kilogrammes, while Malam Maiwake Sani came third for catching a fish weighing 70 kilogrammes.
The Chairman, Northern Governors Forum, Governor Simon Lalong, donated N3 million to the first position, N2 million to the second position, while N1 million went to the fisherman that clinched the third position.
Dr Hassan Bello, Executive Secretary, Nigeria Shippers Council, presented N1 million to the first position, N750,000 to the second position, and N500,000 to the third.
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 the first position, while Dr Zainab Bagudu, wife of Kebbi State Governor, also donated a brand new car to him. NAN reports that Maltina Nigeria Limited donated KEKE NAPEP and motorcycles for the second and third prize winners respectively.
Speaking at the event, the Special Guest of Honour and the Senate President, Dr Ahmed Lawal described the festival as a demonstration of Nigeria’s rich culture.
His words: “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 within this country.
“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.
“We will not get tired of making sure that you have a good working environment.
“This is an international event that drew people from neighbouring countries; this is a bond that must be sustained.”
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.
On his part, Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State described the event as “historic and worthy of celebration” by people of the state and beyond.
Bagudu said: “It is a celebration of historic people; we must celebrate what unites us more than what divides us.
“Today, we are happy to host many dignitaries who converged here to celebrate with us.
“It is a celebration of equitable competition where fishermen come from all over both from within and outside Nigeria. This certainly is a symbol of unity. This is a challenge for all of us as Nigerians.
“As people of Kebbi, we are very proud to have you here and we pray Almighty God will take each one of you back home safely,” he said.
Earlier in a 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.
Mera 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.”
The festival drew dignitaries from far and near. Dignitaries at the occasion included the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Minister of Justice, Alhaji Abubakar Malami, Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Maigari Dangyade, Leader of the Senate, Sen. Yahaya Abdullahi, and Sen. Kabiru Gaya.
Also in attendance were Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, Gov. Sani Bello of Niger State and Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau State. Others included the Sultan of Sokoto, Dr Sa’ad Abubakar III, Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Emir of Gwandu, Muhammad Bashir, the Emir of Gombe, Abubakar Abubakar III, King Alfred Dietue-Spiff from Bayelsa and other traditional rulers.
