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BIRNIN-KEBBI – Governor Nasir Idris has expressed his administration’s commitment to revitalising Kebbi State’s tourism sector, leveraging its rich cultural heritage and natural resources.
According to Abdulllahi Idris Zuru, special adviser to the governor on communication and strategy, the state hosts several annual festivals, including the Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival, Rigata Cultural Festival, Uhola International Cultural Festival, and Horse Racing competition in the four Emirates of Gwandu, Argungu, Yauri and Zuru.
He further said that to boost the tourism and investment sectors, Governor Idris has created three new critical ministries and an Agency
focused on solid minerals, animal health, digital economy, and investment promotion in addition to securing the federal government’s approval for a Naval Base in Yauri, situated along the corridor of the river Niger.
Zuru noted that Governor Idris also strived relentlessly to initiate partnerships with both indigenous and foreign investors during his periodic visits to Europe and Asia in search of credible investors with technical knowledge and required capital to harness and substantially utilise the abundant agricultural, livestock, and solid mineral resources that abound across the state.
“Although successive administrations, from the old North Western state to the last Kebbi state administration, had made remarkable efforts in attracting investors to invest in the sector, the desired results have not been achieved.”
The decision, however, to deploy different strategies in getting maximum economic benefits for the state was based on his conviction of the sector’s potentialities of generating the much-needed internal revenue and creating employment opportunities.
Meanwhile, the 2026 Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival, the first among the series of festivals to be hosted this year, is scheduled between 11th and 14th February, 2026.
He added that the main organising committee, led by the Deputy Governor Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida and ably supported by the Emir of Argungu Alhaji Samaila Muhammad Mera and the Director General of the festival Alhaji Safiyanu Garba Bena, has, within the last two months, worked dedicatedly in ensuring the complete overhaul of the dilapidated structures and upgrade of the facilities at the various events centres in Argungu.
Among the major events of the festival are the display of agricultural products, a variety of livestock and solid minerals, traditional and cultural performances, and above all, the grand fish.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, governors, traditional rulers, tourists, and prominent politicians and business tycoons from within the country and beyond are expected to attend the historic festival.
