Kogiflame
The wife of Kogi State Governor, Hajiya Rasheedat Bello has said the festival has been institutionalized by Governor Yahaya Bello led administration.
She equally promised more of the Government’s support towards ensuring the success of Cultural Activities in the State.
Hajiya Rasheedat gave the assurance at the main event of the 4th Edition of the Igu Koton-Karfe Cultural/Fishing Festival held at the Ohi-Ogbani pond in Kogi Local Government Area of the State.
She stressed that the progress of the culture of the people matters a lot.
She explained that the Igu Koton-Karfe Cultural/Fishing Festival is a beauty to behold, noting that the government will not relent in playing her role towards ensuring the sustenance of the heritage of the people of the Area.
While commending the Ohimegye Igu of Koton-Karfe, Alhaji Abdulrazak Sanni Isah Koto for his efforts at sustaining peace in the Area, she charged the people to continue to show their support to the traditional ruler to enable him to succeed.
“Your Royal Majesty, we are very grateful for your fatherly role in protecting the image and heritage of the great people of Igu Koton-Karfe Kingdom and for ensuring peace in your domain”
“The Igu Koton-Karfe Cultural/Fishing Festival is indeed a beauty to behold and we cannot but commend the organization of this special event”
“As a government, we will continue to play our role that will serve as a morale boost to the people of this Area”
“I sponsored the 4th Edition of this Igu Koton-Karfe Cultural/Fishing Festival because of the love and passion of my husband, the Executive Governor of our dear State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello led administration’s commitment towards the development of the sector”
“This Igu Cultural/Fishing Festival cannot be allowed to go into extinction, together, we will ensure that the world will hear, know and crave to be a part of it in the nearest future” she said.
Hajiya Rasheedat Bello appreciated dignitaries who travelled from both far and near to the event, urging them to sustain their commitment towards reviving the culture of the people.
On his part, the Ohimegye Igu of Koton-Karfe, Alhaji Abdulrazak Sanni Isah Koto, described the event as a right step toward reviving the cultural heritage of the people of the Area.
Alhaji Abdulrazak noted that the people of the Area are well known for their engagement and commitment to Fishing, stressing that the festival has again encouraged the people of the Area on the relevance of their culture.
He commended the facilitator of the festival, Barr. Muhammed Musa Tanko Osuku and his wife, Hajiya Halimat Tanko for their efforts in ensuring the success of the cultural/fishing festival, praying to Allah to continue to protect and strengthen them at all times.
Thousands of both young and old men and women from within and outside Kogi Local Government Area took part in the historic fishing festival where varieties of fishes were caught and showcased.