By Shuaibu Zubair Tatu ,Birnin Kebbi
President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday said reinstatement of Argungu fishing festival is a clear testimony of peace and security in Nigeria.
Buhari, made the statement during an agricultural show as part of the line off events for the grand Argungu Fishing and Cultural festival in Kebbi State.
” Am happy over the reinstatement of the fishing festival that was suspended for the last 10 to 11years over the problem of insecurity, the reinstatement of Argungu fishing festival is a clear testimony that peace and security had been restored in this part of the country ”, he said.
He described the pyramids of rice displayed in Kebbi state as a clear testimony on the progress made by Nigeria as a nation in feeding itself, saying six years ago nobody can believe that rice production could attained such unprecedented volume of production.
“The way many products were displayed here are proof of progress that we have made as a nation in feeding ourselves. The farming, fishing and postoral communities have truly embraced our programmes and it is proven that we can produce what we need ”, said
President said ” Just six years ago, no one is expected to see paddy pyramids or multimillion naira rice mill in any part of rural Nigeria, today Argungu and many other agrarian towns have such mills and I am told many more are coming up.
He said government would continued to support agro-enterprenuers with a view to promote their competitiveness .
Buhari further stated that federal government would continued to give the necessary support for the Argungu fishing festival and all other festivals in country in order to boost tourism.
” We are committed to diversifying the economy through industrialisation and tourism sector and I also commended emir of Argungu , Alhaji Muhammad Saila Mera ,Minister of Information and Tourism, Alhaji Lai Muhammad and other private sector for supporting this program in the State “, he added.
In his remark, the Kebbi State governor, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku Bagudu has commended president Buhari for introducing Anchor Borrower Program which improved the life of farmers in State .
Bagudu said President Buhari has reviving the spirit of Nigerians in believing in themselves, saying five years ago Nigeria was relied on other nations for food but in span of five to six years through the commitment of Mr. President the narrative was past changing.
“Mr. President has lived up to his campaign promises. Years back the festival could not be celebrated because of insecurity but with the help of God and determination of the president, we are not only showcasing the fishing festival this year after 10 years of absence but also the progress .Ade in agriculture.” he said.
