By Laiatu Augustine Bamaiyi.
The build-up to the 2026 Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival has intensified, with key stakeholders across Nigeria and beyond rallying support for the globally acclaimed cultural event scheduled to commence February
As part of preparations, a high-powered delegation of the Festival’s Central Planning Committee, led by the Jarma of Kabi and former Deputy Governor of Kebbi State, Dr. Suleiman Mohammed Argungu, on Tuesday held a strategic meeting with the management of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) in Abuja.
The delegation was received by the Director-General of NADDC, Otumba Oluwemimo Joseph Osamopin, where discussions centred on partnership and collaboration in areas of mutual interest aimed at enhancing the success of the festival.
Speaking during the visit, Dr. Suleiman conveyed the goodwill of Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, to the Council and traced the history of the Argungu Fishing Festival to its origins in 1934, noting that it has since grown into an internationally recognised cultural celebration.
He further disclosed that, in recognition of its cultural value and global relevance, the festival was inscribed by UNESCO in 2016 as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Dr. Suleiman stressed the need for strong collaboration between NADDC and the festival organisers to promote shared interests, national cohesion, and sustainable development.
He identified motor rally activities as one of the areas through which the Council could contribute meaningfully to the overall success of the festival.
In his response, the NADDC Director-General, Otumba Osamopin, welcomed the proposal for collaboration and underscored the importance of leveraging cultural festivals as platforms for promoting unity and national development.
He noted that cooperation among institutions has become indispensable in the collective effort to build a stronger and more inclusive Nigeria.
Otumba Osamopin assured the delegation of the Council’s readiness to support the Argungu Fishing Festival and pledged NADDC’s commitment to ensuring a smooth and hitch-free event.
Members of the delegation included the Director-General of the Main Planning Committee, Alhaji Safiyanu Garba Bena; the commissioers, Usman Abubakar Ladan; Ambassador Usman Baraya; Group Captain Hamidu Usman (Rtd); Alhaji Nasir Ali the Special Adviser to the Deputy Governor on Media and Publicity, Alhaji Ibrahim Argungu; and the Secretary of the Main Planning Committee, Alhaji Nasir Hassan amongst others.
