Kebbi to revive Argungu International Fishing Festival

The state wished to exploit its tourism potential.

The Kebbi State Government on Friday said it would revive the Argungu International Fishing and Cultural festival to further boost tourism and revenue generation in the state.

The Commissioner for Commerce, Industries and Tourism, Sani Rukubalo, said in Birnin Kebbi that the state planned to generate N1.5 billion annually from tourism.

Mr. Rukubalo, who expressed concern over the decline in tourism activities, said the state government also proposed the construction of a five-star hotel. He said that the ongoing construction of an international airport was part of the efforts to boost tourism sector adding that government had constituted a committee that would reverse the trend.

According to Mr. Rukubalo, the committee is expected to identify historical sites and monuments, traditional and cultural festivals and natural attractions for upgrading as tourists attractions.

He listed some of the monuments as the Abdullahi Fodio tomb at Gwandu; the Kanta museum in Argungu; the Girmache shrine in Zuru; and Queen Amina ruins in Birnin-Yauri.

Other are Dambo Gomo Spring water in Zuru, the Barkasa Hill and spring water in Kamba and the unique mountains of Dakingari and Kamba.

He said modalities were being worked out for involvement of the private sector to make tourism viable.

(NAN)