President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that his administration will consolidate the progress made in restoring security across the country, particularly in areas previously troubled by banditry and kidnapping.
The President made this known on Saturday at the grand finale of the 61st Argungu International Fishing Festival in Kebbi State, describing the event as evidence of improved safety in the North-West region.
He said the peaceful atmosphere surrounding the festival demonstrated that deliberate investments in security were yielding tangible results.
“The peace citizens of the country are witnessing in the North-West is not accidental. It is the result of sustained investment in security, intelligence gathering, and community engagement.
“My administration is still working very hard through coordinated efforts with the state government and security agencies. We have men and women in uniform who are putting their lives on the line to safeguard our sovereignty and maintain our peace.
“Let me reiterate my administration’s determination in the fight against any form of insecurity and, Insha Allah, it will be won.
“Our farmers, including the fishermen, traders and families, will be able to go about their lives without fear,” the President said.
Tinubu commended security personnel for ensuring that the internationally recognised cultural festival was conducted in a safe and orderly manner. He also praised the organisers and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to peace, economic empowerment, food security and infrastructure development.
In his address, Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris expressed appreciation to the President for attending the event, describing his presence as a strong endorsement of the state’s cultural heritage and development efforts.
The Governor stated that his administration remained committed to preserving the festival as a vehicle for tourism growth, cultural promotion and economic inclusion.
He listed several interventions undertaken by his government, including the free distribution of fertilisers, improved seedlings, agrochemicals and farm tools to boost agricultural productivity and support the Federal Government’s food security drive.
Idris also highlighted reforms in the civil service, noting improvements in workers’ welfare, implementation of the new minimum wage and consistent payment of salaries, pensions and gratuities.
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According to him, the state government has constructed and equipped thousands of classrooms and mega schools across the emirate zones, recruited teachers and sustained scholarship schemes for students studying within and outside Nigeria.
Earlier, the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammad Mera, welcomed the President and described his attendance as symbolic.
“Your presence today, Mr President, is not an ordinary honour. It is a profound identification with these core values, courage, reconciliation, peace and friendship.
“These are the values that guide national cohesion, good governance and progress, which are pillars of Mr President’s Renewed Hope agenda,” the Emir noted.
He commended the President’s Renewed Hope agenda, describing it as aligned with the ideals promoted by the festival.
The Deputy Governor of Kebbi State and Chairman of the Organising Committee, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida, later announced the winners of the fishing competition.
Abubakar Usman from Maiyama Local Government Area emerged overall champion with a 59kg catch, receiving N1 million and two brand-new cars.
Abdullahi Garba from Argungu came second with a 40kg catch and was rewarded with N750,000, a brand-new car and a Hajj seat.
Two contestants from Jigawa and Kogi states jointly secured third place with 33kg catches each and were presented with N1 million and a motorcycle apiece.
