Kebbi Govt Lights Up Argungu Ahead International Fishing Festival
Preparatory to the staging of the 2026 Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival, Kebbi State Government, has begun the installation of solar powered street lights in the ancient city.
The beautification of the town is part of the ongoing urban renewal of the incumbent administration of Governor Nasir Idris.
The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Hayatu Bawa Jega, in company of the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Yakubu Ahmed Birnin Kebbi, monitored the progress of work in Argungu, on Thursday.
Hayatu said governor Idris gave the approval to convert the existing electric street lights into solar, as antidote to power outage.
“Already, the installation of solar street lights in the state capital, Birnin Kebbi, is a success story.
“The government is now in Argungu in continuation of its urban renewal programme, a total of 282 poles are being calibrated to suit solar powered street lights”,
“The existing poles are stronger in structure which are being redesigned into solar-based for longevity”,
“After Argungu, the government will spread the modernisation programme to other urban centres of Kebbi”, Hayatu said.
The Commissioner for Information and Culture, Yakubu Ahmed Birnin Kebbi, affirmed that the objective of the urban renewal projects initiated by the governor was to give major towns in the state a proper facelift.
“The solar street lights being installed in Argungu will beautify the ancient town with illumination, promote social interaction and economic activities as well as enhance security of the area.
“The government remains appreciative of the support of the people of Argungu; they should enjoy the scenery and protect the project from vandalisation”, the Commissioner said.
The inspection team visited the temporary workshop for the calibration and conversion of the poles from electric to solar power, where both commissioners expressed satisfaction with the standard and quality of work.
In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of Argungu Local Government, Aliyu Sani Gulma, expressed appreciation to Governor Idris for the show of love to the people of Argungu Emirate.
“We are happy with the installation of the solar powered street lights. Less than two weeks when the governor promised to execute the project, it’s now a reality, we shall continue to pray for his success.
“The local authorities are warning the people not to tamper with these lights, we must guard the project against vandalisation, report anybody attempting any act of misdemeanour,” Gulma said.
