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Argungu Fishing Festival: Alhaji Lai Mohammed Becomes “Kakakin of Kebbi”

Published

6 years ago

March 4, 2020

Joel Ajayi

The Emir of Argungu in Kebbi State, Alhaji Samaila Mohammed Mera, has bestowed the traditional title of ‘Kakakin Kebbi’ (Ambassador of the Kebbi Culture) on the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.

The Emir announced the conferment of the title on the Minister in Abuja on Tuesday at a press conference to unveil the programmes lined up for 2020 Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival, which comes up 11-14 March.

While reading out the letter of conferment, the Emir said: “Our decision (Argungu Emirate Council) is based on the recognition of your efforts to project the cultural heritage of the diverse peoples of Nigeria to the world and create jobs, income and positive awareness for our youths through Festivals, Arts and Cultural Exhibitions.

“We admire your loyalty to our country and your fearless defence of our national identity and integrity through the discharge of the responsibilities of your office.”

The Emir said it was under the watch of Alhaji Mohammed that the Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

“I don’t know of any individual outside the Emirate who has shown so much enthusiasm towards working with us to achieve success,” he said.

While thanking the Emir for the honour bestowed on him, the Minister expressed delight at the revival of the Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival, considering the fact that it is one of the most widely attended festivals in Nigeria and the oldest festival of its kind, dating back many generations.

Alhaji Mohammed said his Ministry will ensure that the festival receives global visibility and publicity.

“For us at the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, we attach a great importance to this festival, just like many of our great festivals nationwide. This explains why we are leaving no stone unturned in ensuring the maximum publicity for the forthcoming festival.

”We are going to Argungu next week with a battery of journalists from here in order to help raise the profile of the festival. We will be using the new and traditional media to put the 2020 Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival on the national and international map. The festival deserves no less,” he said.

The Minister disclosed that the Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival has been included in the Calendar of Nigerian Festivals, which will enable tourists to plan their attendance of the various festivals in the country with ease.

For his part, Alhaji Samaila Yombe, the Deputy Governor of Kebbi State, who is also, the Chairman of the Organising Committee listed some of the events slated for the festival as Grand Fishing, Kabanci Display, Agric Show, Cultural Display, Catapulting, Archery,
Traditional Boxing and Traditional Wrestling.

Others are Sharo, Motor Rally, Bicycle Race, Donkey Race, Camel Race, Durbar and Polo.

Cultural troupes from Kebbi and Niger States entertained guests at the press conference.

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Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support

Published

1 week ago

September 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is poised to make history as it seeks to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, a monumental opportunity that promises to transform the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and global standing.

More than a sporting spectacle, the Games would serve as a catalyst for development across multiple sectors, leaving behind a legacy of national pride and sustainable growth.

The benefits of hosting the Games extend far beyond the sports arena. Nigeria stands to gain both empirical and non-empirical advantages, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that will touch every corner of society. Infrastructural development will take center stage, with new facilities such as indoor sports halls, conference centers, and improved road networks reshaping urban landscapes while strengthening the nation’s capacity to host future international events.

Economic growth is another significant dividend. Over 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, spanning construction, facility management, event planning, and tourism services.

The hospitality industry will undergo major improvements as hotels and resorts are upgraded to meet international standards, while local restaurants, lounges, and tourist attractions will see a surge in patronage from international visitors. Small and medium enterprises, particularly in the transport, finance, and food service sectors, will become some of the greatest beneficiaries, as the Games generate new demand and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Commonwealth Games will also accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s sports industry.

Investments in training facilities, coaching, and talent development will inspire a new generation of athletes, ensuring long-term benefits that extend beyond 2030, a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
At the same time, the process of preparing for the Games will create opportunities for Nigerians to learn new crafts, acquire technical skills, and engage in global-standard event management, thereby strengthening human capacity and innovation across industries.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General, have been widely recognized for their tireless and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s sporting sector.

Their commitment to facilitating infrastructural development and strengthening grassroots sports development has laid the foundation for Nigeria’s bold bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Under their leadership, the NSC is fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation in sports administration, they have demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stage an event of such global magnitude.

Beyond the tangible gains, the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games carries profound symbolic value. It would be a moment of unity and pride, a chance for Nigeria to showcase its cultural richness, resilience, and excellence to the world.
As a centenary edition, the Games would stand as a historic milestone not just for the Commonwealth but for Nigeria itself, cementing its place on the global stage as a capable, ambitious, and forward-looking nation.

The gains from hosting the Commonwealth Games can never be undermined or overemphasized. This is Nigeria’s time to step forward and show the world our resilience, and excellence. We call on every Nigerian, across sectors and communities, to support this noble aspiration.

Nigeria’s pursuit of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a vision for transformation, a blueprint for national development, and a legacy project that will inspire generations to come.

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