Abubakar Usman, a fisherman from Maiyama Local Government Area in Kebbi State, stole the spotlight at this year’s Argungu International Fishing Festival by landing a massive 59-kilogram fish, earning him the title of overall champion.

For his remarkable catch, Usman was awarded two brand-new Toyota vehicles by the Sokoto State Government, along with a cash prize of N1 million.

Second place went to Abdullahi Garba of Argungu Local Government Area, whose 40-kilogram fish secured him a Toyota saloon car donated by WACOTT Rice Mills Limited and N1 million in cash.

The third-place position was shared by Danlansu Dankani of Jega and another contestant, each presenting 34-kilogram catches. Both received N1 million and a motorcycle.

The festival’s grand finale, held in Argungu, drew a large audience and high-profile guests, including President Bola Tinubu, who served as the Special Guest of Honour.

Tinubu praised the festival as more than a competition, calling it a celebration of unity, cultural pride, and peaceful coexistence, while highlighting its potential to drive economic growth through tourism and natural resources.

The President also commended the Kebbi State Government for ensuring security and smooth organisation, applauding Governor Nasir Idris for his development initiatives.

Tinubu expressed gratitude for having the state’s ultra-modern secretariat named after him and promised continued federal support to boost peace and tourism in the region.

Governor Idris, in his address, cited key achievements of his administration, including expanded road networks, rehabilitation of health facilities, distribution of agricultural inputs, and timely payment of workers’ salaries, asserting that the government has fulfilled a significant portion of its campaign promises within three years.

Meanwhile, the Emir of Argungu, Muhammad Sama’ila-Mera, addressed a minor disruption that occurred before the President’s arrival, when more than 50,000 fishermen reportedly entered the Matan Fada River ahead of schedule.

The monarch underscored the festival’s cultural importance and urged the federal government to revive the stalled permanent fishing centre project, previously recognised by UNESCO.

The Delta State Government has carried out renovations on more than 400 dispensaries across the state, alongside upgrades of several general and cottage hospitals, in a move aimed at improving access to quality healthcare.

Commissioner for Information, Charles Aniagwu, revealed that a new Specialist Hospital is currently under construction in Osubi, Okpe Local Government Area. The facility, when completed, will complement existing tertiary health institutions in Asaba, Oghara, and Warri, further expanding the state’s medical capacity.

He noted that beyond infrastructural improvements, the administration has invested in modern medical equipment for public hospitals. This includes advanced diagnostic machines such as MRI scanners, which were previously available mainly in private health facilities.

Aniagwu stressed that the government is not only focused on building structures but also on equipping them with up-to-date technology and strengthening the workforce required to manage them effectively.

According to him, the Oborevwori administration’s emphasis on grassroots infrastructure, improved healthcare access, and human capital development is part of a broader strategy to enhance living standards and promote inclusive growth across Delta State.

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has been recognized by partners of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) for her impactful interventions in girl-child education and hygiene.

The recognition, which took place during the 29th and 30th Ordinary General Assemblies of OAFLAD in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, was conferred in her absence, with the Vice President’s wife, Hajiya Nana Shettima, receiving the honour on her behalf.

This is made known in a statement signed by Kwapchi Bata Hamman, Special Assistant to The President on Media & ICT, Office of The Vice President on Sunday in Abuja.

OAFLAD partners, including Auda-NEPAD and the Susan Thompson Buffet Foundation, also acknowledged Senator Tinubu’s efforts in reducing maternal and child mortality and her broader contributions to the welfare of mothers and children.

The Organization of African First Ladies for Development, under the “We Are Equal” campaign, has consistently promoted gender equality, women’s economic empowerment, and education across Africa. The meeting underscored the need for African nations to unite in tackling challenges facing women and children, particularly in conflict-affected areas.

First Ladies in attendance, including Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, Chairperson of OAFLAD, and Lordina Mahama, praised Senator Tinubu for her advocacy and initiatives advancing women’s causes in Nigeria and across the continent. Dr. Bio emphasized that sustainable development and peace are deeply linked and that women’s rights cannot be fully realized in unstable environments. Similarly, the First Lady of Ghana highlighted the importance of investing in girl-child education and supporting women artisans to build sustainable livelihoods.

The recognition reflects Senator Tinubu’s continuing role as a vocal advocate for women and children, strengthening welfare initiatives and promoting gender equality across Nigeria and Africa.