The Emir of Argungu, Kebbi state, Alhaji Samaila Mohammed Mera, has bestowed the traditional title of ‘Kakakin Kebbi’ on the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed.
The emir announced the conferment of the title on the minister in Abuja on Tuesday at a press conference to unveil the programmes lined up for the 2020 Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival, coming up next week.
Reading the letter of conferment, the traditional ruler said, “Our decision is based on the recognition of your efforts to project the cultural heritage of the diverse peoples of Nigeria to the world and create jobs, income and positive awareness for our youths though festivals, arts and cultural exhibitions.”
“We admire your loyalty to our country and your fearless defence of our national identity and integrity through the discharge of the responsibilities of your office.”
The emir said it was under the watch of the minister that the Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
“I don’t know of any individual outside the emirate who has shown so much enthusiasm towards working with us to achieve success,” he said.
In his response, the minister expressed delight at the revival of the festival, considering the fact that it is one of the most widely attended and one of the oldest in Nigeria.
According to him, “For us at the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, we attach a great importance to this festival, just like many of our great festivals nationwide. This explains why we are leaving no stone unturned in ensuring the maximum publicity for the forthcoming festival.
”We are going to Argungu next week with a battery of journalists from here in order to help raise the profile of the festival. We will be using the new and traditional media to put the
2020 Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival on the national and international map. The festival deserves no less.”
He disclosed that the festival was included in the Calendar of Nigerian Festivals to enable tourists to plan their attendance of the various festivals in the country with ease.
Chairman of the festival’s organising committee and deputy governor, Kebbi
state, Alhaji Samaila Yombe, said the festival will feature fishing, kabanci, agric show, cultural display, catapulting, archery, traditional boxing and traditional wrestling.
