The Main Committee of the Argungu International Fishing Festival has resumed preparations for the successful hosting of the globally acclaimed cultural and tourism event slated for February 2026.
Director General of the Festival, Alhaji Sufyanu Garba Bena, announced this at a press briefing in Birnin Kebbi.
Alhaji Sufyanu explained that the committee, chaired by the Deputy Governor of Kebbi State, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida, reconvened in line with the directive of Governor Nasir Idris, also known as Kauran Gwandu.
He said the governor had given a marching order for immediate and sustained preparations ahead of the 2026 festival, and the Committee deliberated extensively on issues of paramount importance to its success.
Bena recalled that the Main Committee was inaugurated on October 9, 2024. However, due to infrastructural requirements and other considerations, the festival was rescheduled from 2025 to 2026.
According to him, a review of earlier estimates presented by the Technical Committee was also discussed. While the first estimate stood at about ₦7.8 billion, the Due Process Committee, under the directive of the Governor, reviewed it to about ₦3.8 billion.
The main Committee further resolved to study the estimates with the aim of reducing costs while also exploring innovative strategies for revenue generation to support government’s efforts.
Alhaji Sufyanu Garba Bena stressed that the main committee would make the 2026 edition look unique, reflect in its grandeur and cultural significance as well as also emphasise on self-sustainability through improved revenue generation.
He assured that subsequent meetings would provide more updates as preparations progress, and reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to delivering a befitting Argungu International Fishing Festival in 2026.
COV/SANI DUTSINMA
