By Ahmad Maitangaran
Gov Umar Namadi of Jigawa has pledged to expand aquaculture and boost food production in the state.
Namadi stated this while speaking at 2026 Annual Kalgwai Fishing Festival in Auyo Local Government Area.
He highlighted the expansion of aquaculture investment as a key in improving livelihoods and increasing fish production.
The governor stressed that the event goes beyond tradition and plays a vital role in the state’s development agenda.
“For us, the Annual Kalgwai Fish Festival goes beyond cultural or historical celebrations. It is a bold initiative to ensure that fisheries development receives the highest priority,” the governor said.
According to him, the state is already making steady progress in the fisheries sector through targeted interventions.
“A number of the water bodies in the state have been restocked in addition to the production of millions of fingerlings and support to fishermen through training and provision of modern fishing equipment.”
“These efforts are aimed at increasing fish production, improving livelihoods, and ensuring sustainable management of our aquatic resources,” Namadi added.
Namadi also emphasized the importance of sustained investment, pointing to his administration’s commitment towards that in the current fiscal year.
According to the governor, to sustain the momentum of progress, substantial provisions have been made in the 2026 approved estimate for all aspects of livestock development, noting that the gesture reflects his administration’s unwavering commitment to transforming the sector through infrastructure development, capacity building and strategic partnerships.
The governor further used the occasion to point out the broader importance of the festival in fostering unity among communities.
“The vibrant celebrations of the festival also signify and promote a strong sense of unity among our people, whether as fishermen, herders, or farmers,” he said.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Prof. Abdurrahman Salim, described the festival as both a cultural and economic milestone for the state.
Salim sqid the festival is not only a celebration of the state rich cultural heritage, but also a powerful reflection of our collective commitment to sustain the livelihood, food security, and economic prosperity of our dear state.
The commissioner highlighted ongoing initiatives within the fisheries sector to include restocking of water bodies, capacity building for youth and women, as well as expanded fish production programmes.
According to him, the initiatives included the ongoing approval given by governor to hatch five million fingerlings to boost fish production in the state and plans to distribute modern fishing equipment to cooperatives and fishermen.
Salim also emphasized the state’s natural advantage in fisheries development, saying that the state is endowed with over 243 water bodies that are rich in commercially viable fish, which remain critical to employment, nutrition, and income generation.
The Kalgwai Fishing Festival, first introduced in 2003 and revived by the present administration, continues to serve as a platform for promoting fisheries development, strengthening community ties and advancing economic opportunities acros the state.
The event, held at the Kalgwai Barrage Waterfront on Saturday, brought together fishermen, farmers, community leaders, and stakeholders in a celebration that combined cultural heritage with economic focus.
