By Abdullahi Lukman
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, says the agric exhibition at the 61st Argungu International Fishing Festival demonstrates President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to reducing poverty and strengthening food security in Nigeria.
Kyari, represented at the event in Argungu, Kebbi State, by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Tanko Sununu, described the festival’s agric show as a strategic platform for showcasing Kebbi’s and Nigeria’s rich agricultural and cultural heritage.
He said the event serves as an economic, cultural and social vehicle that promotes peace, unity and prosperity through agriculture.
The minister commended the collaboration between the Federal Government and Kebbi State Government in boosting agricultural productivity and attracting investment, noting that the peaceful atmosphere surrounding the festival enhances investor confidence.
Kebbi State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Alhaji Shehu Mu’azu, said the exhibition highlighted the state’s vast agricultural potential and reaffirmed agriculture as the backbone of its economy.
He described the festival as a celebration of cultural heritage, agricultural strength and sustainable development.
Mu’azu stated that Kebbi remains Nigeria’s largest rice producer, the second-largest producer of onions and a major hub for cattle and fish production.
He attributed these achievements to the enabling environment created by Governor Nasir Idris’s administration.
He noted that the state hosts major agro-industrial firms, including WACOT Rice Mill, producers of Big Bull Rice, and GB Foods, described as Nigeria’s largest tomato paste producer, alongside Labana Rice, Lolo Rice and Gano Rice mills.
According to the commissioner, the Kaura Agricultural Development Agenda, introduced by Governor Idris two years ago, was designed to harness resources, attract investment and improve farmers’ livelihoods.
He said the initiative has reduced farming costs through the free distribution of agricultural inputs and equipment, including 10,000 solar-powered pumps, 10,000 CNG pumps, 5,000 power tillers and over 500 trucks of fertiliser.
Mu’azu added that the prominent rice pyramid displayed at the exhibition symbolised the programme’s success and the administration’s commitment to agricultural transformation.
Governor Idris, who toured the exhibition stands, expressed satisfaction with the display of farm produce.
The Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samaila Muhammad Mera, other traditional rulers, government officials and participants from across the country attended the event.
Highlights of the festival included goodwill messages from traditional rulers, the flag-off of a national bicycle race, finals of international boxing and wrestling competitions, farm produce exhibitions, farmers’ processions and award presentations.
Mu’azu was turbanned as Sarkin Noma, while Hajiya Zuwaira Argungu was named Gimbiyar Noma of the 2026 edition of the festival.
