By NAN
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, says the Argungu International Fishing, Cultural Festival will position Nigeria on the global tourism map and promote positive narratives about Nigerians’ cultural heritage.
Idris stated this at the Official Open Day of the 61st Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival in Abuja on Wednesday.
The minister, who was represented by the Director of Public Relations in the Ministry, Dr Suleiman Haruna, described the festival as one of Nigeria’s oldest cultural celebrations bring people together in peace, unity, and shared heritage.
“First held in 1934, it has grown over many decades into an event of national pride and international recognition.
“As we celebrate this Official Open Day, we also celebrate the potential of Nigerian cultural tourism.
“The festival showcases our traditional practices, which include, fishing, canoe racing, music, dance, and other cultural forms that reflect the rich diversity of our nation.”
The minister recalled that in 2016, the festival was added to the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
“This recognition highlights the unique cultural significance of Argungu and underlines its role in preserving community identity, fostering social cohesion, and promoting cultural understanding.
“The festival will also position Nigeria on the global tourism map and promote positive narratives about our people and cultural heritage,” Idris said.
The minister further explained that cultural festivals like Argungu are not only celebrations of tradition; they are also important economic drivers.
“According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, Nigeria’s travel and tourism sector is projected to contribute nearly 14.8 billion dollars (around N9.55 trillion) to the national economy in 2024,
He added that this represented about 3.9 per cent of Gross Domestic Product and supporting over two million, seven hundred thousand jobs.
“Domestic tourism spending, which includes cultural events, plays a major role in this contribution.
“Festivals across the country, such as the Calabar Carnival, Durbar in Kano, and Argungu itself, help draw visitors and generate economic activity.
“These events boost local businesses, support jobs in hospitality and retail, and reinvigorate traditional arts and crafts in host communities.
“Studies have also shown that cultural tourism increases spending in hotels, restaurants, transport, and services, expanding economic opportunities in both urban and rural areas,” Idris said.
He noted that Nigeria’s sizeable domestic tourism market demonstrates strong growth potential, with approximately three million domestic trips taken in 2023 and international arrivals reaching over one million visitors.
According to him, these figures show rising interest in our culture, heritage, and leisure offerings, even as we continue to build infrastructure and improve visitor experiences.
“The Argungu Festival itself creates opportunities for local farmers, fishermen, artisans, performers, and market traders.
“It drives business activity and creates jobs in the host region, contributing to local income and community development.
“This festival is a showcase of our cultural wealth and an important platform for national and international engagement,” he said.
Idris commended the Kebbi State Government for its preparation and vision in organising the 61st edition of this festival.
“I encourage all stakeholders in government, the private sector, and our international partners to support efforts that strengthen cultural tourism and promote sustainable economic benefits for Nigerians”.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event brought together Officials from the Ministries of Culture, Arts, Tourism, and Creative Economy, and Livestock Development, Government of Kebbi State and other relevant stakeholders across the country.
NAN also reports that the participants were entertained with cultural dances and display by troupe from Benue, Kebbi, Niger, Plateau, Gombe and Katsina States.
While the Official Open Day celebration was held in Abuja, the event proper would hold in Argungu, Kebbi State. (NAN)
