4th Igu Koton-Karfe Cultural/Fishing Festival Commences, Barr. Tanko, Ondaki Ogbani, Others Grace Occasion
Pre-fishing activities for the Fourth Edition of the Igu Koton-Karfe Cultural/Fishing Festival has commenced in Kogi Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The fishing festival, initiated by a legal luminary, Barrister Muhammed Musa Tanko Osuku, a former Administer of the Area, is aimed at promoting the rich Culture of the people of the Area, promote unity and as well, place the Area among Committee of States in the culture and Tourism sector.
The Fourth Edition of the Festival, sponsored by the Wife of the State Governor, Hajiya Rasheedat Bello, is scheduled for three days, beginning from Wednesday, 30th March to 1st April, 2022 in the Area.
Speaking at the event, the facilitator of the Festival, Barr. Muhammed Musa Tanko Osuku, expressed joy over the commencement of the event.
Barr. Tanko noted that the festival, aimed at promoting peace, unity and as well engage youths in profitable ventures, will go a long way at fast tracking rapid development to the Area.
He explained that Kogi LGA is blessed with able bodied and enterprising youths who are eager to turn the fortunes of the water bodies to better their lots, stressing that the people of the Area are known for their skillfulness in fishing.
Barrister Tanko, who is the Chairman, Kogi State Civil Service Commission, appreciated the State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello for his commitment at promoting the rich Culture of the people of the State, describing him as a culture friendly Governor.
The legal luminary stated that the 4th edition of the festival, has enjoyed the support of the State Government through the Governor‘s Wife, Hajiya Rasheedat Bello as she serves as the sole sponsor of the event.
He commended the Governor Yahaya Bello led administration in the State for lavishing unquantifiable love on the people of the Area, promising that the people of Kogi Local Government will continue to make him proud.
Barr. Tanko also appreciated the Ohimege-Igu of Koton-Karfe, Alhaji Abdulrazak Sanni Isah Koto (Agabaidu), for his fatherly role at ensuring that the festival see the light of the day, noting that the royal father provided the DUMEZ and Ohi-Ogbani ponds as venues for the 4th Edition of the festival.
He said the Ohimegye’s commitment at keeping the people of the Area together as one cannot be overemphasized, calling for more support of the people to enable the traditional ruler succeed.
Barrister Tanko commended participants for their love and passion for the promotion of the Culture of the people of the Area, describing such as a good omen.
On his part, the Ondaki Ogbani of Koton-Karfe, (HRH) Alhaji Mikailu Dauda, expressed happiness over the event, stressing that it was a reflection of the Culture of the people of the Area.
Alhaji Dauda noted that youth restiveness and other vices will be reduced to the barest minimum when youths are engaged in profitable ventures as the fishing competition, calling for the sustenance of the festival.
A participant of the fishing competition, Abdulazeez Usman, said he was excited to have taken part in the competition, saying that the fishing Festival has again afford them opportunities to showcase their skills.
Usman also called for the sustenance of the festival, stressing that youths in the Area are ready to showcase their fishing skills at all times.
Other dignitaries at the opening ceremony includes the Treasurer of the Area, Alhaji Abdullahi Yusuf Ohikura, Prince Musa Nasiru, among others.
