Idris Ahmed, Lokoja

The people of Igu Koton Karfe, Kogi local government area of Kogi state have been urged to continue their unrelenting efforts towards warding off criminals like bandits, kidnappers and armed robbers

Paramount Traditional Ruler of Igu Koton Karfe Kingdom and Chairman Kogi/Lokoja Traditional Area Council, His Royal Majesty, Alhaji Abdulrazaq Sanni Isah-Koto, made the call on Friday in his palace at Koton-Karfe while presenting prizes to the best fish catches during the 2022 edition of the annual Igu Koton Karfe Cultural and fishing festival held on 31st March.

The Monarch said the wake up call became necessary in view of the plan of the government of Kogi state to take over the festival and promote it to international standard, adding that such great foresight can only be achieved under peaceful atmosphere and harmonious coexistence among the citizens.

He called for watertight vigilante and security network in and around the entire Kogi local government area with the full cooperation of the traditional rulers, youth groups and all security agencies, stressing that security is everyone business.

His Royal Majesty Isah-Koto said the festival has a lot of potentials in mining, Agriculture and fishing as over hundred ponds can be located across the length and breadth of the local government area.

While revealing that the traditional area council plans to organize training for the youths on fishing, the Paramount Traditional Ruler also enjoined women to brace up to the challenge by contributing their quota to fishing industry as preservers, marketers, fish catchers or transporters among other things.

The Ohimegye therefore commended the wife of Kogi state Governor, Mrs Rasheeda Bello, who sponsored this year’s edition of the cultural and fishing festival, calling on Nigerians to emulate her patriotism which if properly handled will lead to economic boom from tourism and investment.

Alhaji Abdulrazaq Sanni Isa-Koto, poured encomium on the former Administrator of Kogi local government council, who is now the Chairman Kogi state Civil Service Commission, Barr. Muhammed Tanko Musa, for facilitating the festival not only for this year, but since 2017, when he administered the local government area.

Deep freezers, electricity generating sets and cash gifts were presented to over 80 fishermen who participated and made reasonable catches.

One of the biggest catch was made by an 80 years old Abubakar Dangana, who is also a traditional title holder in the palace of the Ohimegye Igu Koton-Karfe.