We’ll Revive Argungu Fishing Festival–Gov Idris
From Ayodele Ajoge, Birnin-Kebbi
To revive the age long abandoned famous Argungu International Fishing Festival in Kebbi State by previous administrations in the State, has captured the mind of the Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris, who has put machineries in motion through the deployment of professionals in water engineering to design a concept that would allow uninterrupted flow of water to the tributary of ‘Matan Fada River’, venue of the fishing festival.
In a press Statement made available to newsmen by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ahmed Idris expressed that an embankment constructed at Gurbin Manu at Garin Dabai in Augie Local Government Area had obstructed the normal inflow of water into the river.
This according to him had led to the shrinking of Matan Fada River and the water ways passing through communities in seven local government areas of the State with negative impact on agriculture, fishing and domestic chores including human and animal consumption.
This was sequel to a complaint tendered by the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammad Mera which prompted a swift action by the governor.
Gov. Idris according to him despatched four Commissioners under the leadership of the Commissioner for Environment, Alhaji Musa Muhammad Tungulawa in company of the Magajin Garin Kabi, Engineer Aminu Musa who represented the Emir of Argungu to accompany water engineers to the spot of the embankment for inspection prelude to designing appropriate concept for a permanent solution to the problem.
This is with a view to restoring free flow of water to the tributary supplying Matan Fada river and Mala river in Argungu which also extends to Dukku river in Birnin Kebbi and Bunza river direct to the River Niger.
Other Commissioners with Enviroment Commissioner were Commissioners for Agriculture, Alhaji Shehu Mu’azu, Commissioner for Water Resources, Alhaji Bello Abdullahi Kaoje as well as Commissioner for Home Affairs and Security, Alhaji Sama’ila Yakubu Augie.
The Consultant Engineer made it clear that the source of the water emanated from Goronyo river in Sokoto State flowing to the tributary serving Argungu and several other towns and villages, but the diversion of water has affected the livelihood of hundreds of farmers, fishermen and households.
