The Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samaila Mera, on Thursday said Argungu Fishing Festival would hold in 2020, to promote peace and culture.
Mera said this when he paid a courtesy visit to Otunba Segun Runsewe, the Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), in Abuja.
According to him, government has approved for the festival to hold between March 4 and 8, 2020, after its suspension for many years.
“Argungu Festival is as old as the kingdom.
“The festival started in 1934 to celebrate and promote peace irrespective of tribe and religion.
“The festival is an event that showcases talent and cultural diversities among others.
“It is therefore, imperative to synergise with NCAC in the upcoming event,” he said.
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Mera said that UNESCO was also partnering with them to ensure that the festival met certain standards as the festival was viewed globally.
He added that the 2020 festival would feature quiz competition and essay writing for all secondary schools in the state to encourage youths to embrace culture and understand the need for unity.
The Emir said that the festival would feature about 34 events, including polo tournament, boxing and wrestling, among others.
He promised that 2020 Argungu Fishing Festival would be better as there were plans to have advanced facilities put in place to ensure thrilling and exciting moments for audience.
The Emir, therefore, appealed the NCAC to rebuild the fish house in the site which was in bad condition.
Runsewe said that festival had been used for the development of people irrespective of religious and cultural diversities.
He said that the festival was a village-of-a-life-time and the biggest in Africa, adding that the Emir had used the festival to awaken the consciousness of people that Nigeria belonged to all.
Runsewe said that Nigerians must respect each other’s culture to promote peace and harmony.
He said “Posterity will not forgive anyone that allows Argungu Festival to die.
“We shall use Argungu Festival to connect all together.”
Runsewe said that NCAC would partner with the Emir in the upcoming festival, and also sponsor the quiz and essay writing competition and rebuild the dilapidated Fish House.
The Director-General appreciated the Emir and his council by endowing them with cultural ambassador. (NAN)
