All eyes on Argungu as journalists flood Kebbi for historic fishing festival

2026-02-08 - 13:38

By Victor Ahiuma-Young All arrangements have been concluded for the accreditation of journalists ahead of the 2026 Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival, scheduled to commence on February 11, 2026, as Kebbi State prepares to host media organisations from across Nigeria and around the world. In readiness for the historic event, a dedicated 24-hour Secretariat and Accreditation Desk has been established at the Fishing Village in Argungu to cater for local, national and international journalists interested in covering the globally acclaimed festival. The facility is expected to ensure seamless accreditation and coordination for media professionals throughout the duration of the festival. According to the organisers, all duly accredited journalists will be issued official identification tags, while necessary logistical and professional assistance will be provided to guarantee smooth, effective and hitch-free coverage of the festival’s activities. The Chairman of the Sub-Committee on Information and Publicity for the festival, who also serves as the Commissioner for Information and Culture in Kebbi State, Yakubu Ahmed Birnin Kebbi, disclosed that the committee has intensified preparations following a series of strategic meetings. He said members have been fully mobilised to ensure successful media coverage of the festival, which is expected to attract global attention. Ahmed also urged members of the press to uphold the highest standards of professional ethics in the discharge of their duties before, during and after the event, noting that responsible reportage would further enhance the image of the state and the festival on the global stage. An Accreditation Committee has been constituted to oversee the process, under the chairmanship of the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Kebbi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Sarki. Other members of the committee include the State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Alhaji Bello Sarki; the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Idris; Yahaya Dan Jada, SSA to the Deputy Governor; the Director of Information, Umar Rasheed Gulma; the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Murtala Mu’azu Gotomo; and Aisha Samaila Mera. Journalists seeking further information or correspondence have been advised to contact the Accreditation Committee through the designated phone numbers: 09070090134, 07033076858, and 08038033158. The Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival remains one of Africa’s most iconic cultural events, showcasing rich heritage, traditional fishing competitions and cultural displays that draw thousands of visitors annually. With the media spotlight firmly fixed on Argungu, Kebbi State is set to once again take centre stage in the global cultural calendar.