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The Kano State Government has reiterated its commitment to supporting cultural events aimed at preserving heritage and promoting tourism for economic growth. The State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, stated this on Thursday while receiving participants of the motor rally for the 61st Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival 2026. The motor rally, which commenced in Abuja, passed through Kano en route to Kebbi State, where the main festival will take place in Argungu. Waiya described the rally as a commendable initiative, particularly noting that all participating vehicles were assembled in Nigeria. Read Also: Kebbi Targets Foreign Investment Through 2026 Argungu Fishing Festival “The most interesting aspect of this motor rally is that all the vehicles being used are assembled in Nigeria. This shows love and support for our country and its economy,” he said. He assured the participants of the state government’s support and pledged security escort up to the Kano border as they proceed to Kebbi State for the grand finale of the festival. The Commissioner further disclosed that the Kano State Government has keyed into the campaign for patronage of locally assembled vehicles, revealing that the state recently procured Made-in-Nigeria vehicles for commissioners. Speaking earlier, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulaiman, who is in charge of transport for the festival in Kebbi State, said the motor rally forms part of activities lined up for the 61st edition of the Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival. He explained that this year’s rally is designed to promote the use of Nigerian-assembled vehicles and encourage patronage of locally manufactured products as a means of boosting economic empowerment. According to him, increased patronage of locally assembled vehicles would help Nigeria conserve foreign exchange spent on importing automobiles. “It is also about sightseeing and attracting attention as we move across states before converging in Argungu, Kebbi State, where the main festival will hold,” Sulaiman added. The rally attracted government officials and residents in Kano, who gathered to witness the convoy as it continued its journey to Kebbi State. Photos:

The Nigerian Amalgamated Traders/Artisans Welfare Development Association (AMATA) has declared its solidarity and support for Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, following his recent political realignment, describing the decision as patriotic and development-oriented. The position was contained in a statement signed by Sani Abba Yola, Director of Special Duties, Kano State Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs. The Chairman of the association, Alhaji Abdul’aziz Dalha Musa, made the position known when members of AMATA paid a courtesy visit to the Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs. Dalha Musa said the Governor’s decision demonstrates commitment to the overall development of Kano State, noting that the administration is currently executing meaningful projects across the state. He assured that traders and artisans would continue to support the government to ensure the successful implementation of infrastructural projects and the sustenance of peace and stability in Kano. Read Also: Nigeria Must Integrate Innovation, Policy, and Research for Growth — Bindir The AMATA Chairman also appealed to the state government to sustain its support for traders and artisans and to actively involve them in policies and programmes aimed at enhancing commercial activities across the state. Responding, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, described the Governor’s political realignment as a selfless and strategic move designed to prioritise the overall interest and development of Kano State above personal or sectional considerations. According to Waiya, the decision reflects the Governor’s commitment to fast-tracking development in line with global best practices where peace, unity and sustainable growth form the foundation of governance. He explained that the move aligns with the administration’s “Kano First” agenda, which places the collective interest of the people at the centre of governance. The Commissioner noted that residents of the state are witnesses to the Governor’s development drive, disclosing that about 900 projects are currently being executed across the 44 local government areas of Kano State. The projects, he said, cut across critical sectors aimed at improving the living standards of the people. Waiya further revealed that the Governor has declared the current year as one dedicated to the welfare and well-being of Kano residents, particularly the youth, assuring that traders and artisans would benefit from various policies and economic interventions.