The Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, has commended UNESCO for listing Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.Malam Adamu made the commendation today, February 22, 2017 when he received the Certificate of Inscription of Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity from the Ambassador/Permanent Delegate of Nigeria to UNESCO, Mrs. Mariam Y. Katagum, in his office.
Speaking after receiving the certificate, the Minister said that the Argungu Festival which started as a means of promoting peace among neighbouring communities has blossomed to its present size, drawing visitors from both within and outside Nigeria. He noted that the inscription of the festival would further enhance its image internationally, and boost this administration’s tourism drive as one of the major platforms for economy recovery.
The Minister also commended Mrs. Katagum and her team, including other stakeholders for their efforts towards making the inscription of Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity a reality.
Speaking earlier, the Ambassador/Permanent Delegate of Nigeria to UNESCO, Mrs. Mariam Y. Katagum, gave a brief of efforts she made to certify the Argungu Fishing Festival, said that the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, during its 11th Session held in Addis-Ababa, from 28th November – 2nd December, 2016 in Ethiopia, approved the inscription of Nigeria’s Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the first Nigeria’s cultural festival so listed.
According to her, by virtue of the inscription, the Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival will now enjoy a wider international recognition and feasibility, which will spur greater tourism potentials of the country.
Timothy Akpoili
Asst. Director
For: Director (Press & PR)
