How Governor Idris’ renewed agenda revitalizing Kebbi tourism sector

By Abdullahi Idris Sadaukin Zuru

Comrade Governor Nasir Idris is revitalizing Kebbi State’s tourism sector, leveraging its rich cultural heritage and natural resources.
The state hosts several annual festivals, including the Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival, Rigata Cultural Festival, Uhola International Cultural Festival, and Horse Racing competition.
To further boost the tourism and investment sectors, Governor Idris has created three new critical ministries and an Agency
focused on solid minerals, animal health, digital economy, and investment promotion in addition to securing the federal government’s approval for a Naval Base in Yauri, situated along the corridor of the river Niger.
Governor Idris also strived relentlessly initiated
partnerships with both indigenous and foreign investors during his periodic world wide search for investors to harness and substantially utilise the abundant agricultural, livestock, and solid mineral resources that are abound across the state.
Although successive administrations, from the old North Western state to the last Kebbi state administration, had made remarkable efforts in attracting investors to invest in the sector and the desired results have comparatively not been achieved.
The decision to deploy different strategies in getting maximum economic benefits for the state was based on his conviction of the sectors potentialities of generating the much needed internal more revenue and creating employment opportunities.
Meanwhile, the 2026 Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival, the first among the series of the festivals to be hosted this year, is scheduled for between 11th and 14th February, 2026.
The main organising committee led by the Deputy Governor Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida and ably supported by the Emir of Argungu Alhaji Samaila Muhammad Mera and the Director General of the festival Alhaji Safiyanu Garba Bena has within the last two months worked dedicatedly in ensuring the complete overhauled of the dilapidated structures and upgrade of the facilities at the various events centres in Argungu.
Among the major events of the festival include the display of agricultural products, a variety of livestock and solid minerals, traditional and cultural performance, and above the grand fish. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, governors, traditional rulers, tourists, and prominent politicians and business tycoons from within the country and beyond are expected to attend the historic festival.

Zuru is Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy to Kebbi State Governor