Access Bank Reaffirms Support For Cultural Heritage, Economic Growth

Access Bank has restated its commitment to supporting initiatives that preserve the nation’s heritage and create economic opportunities.

Speaking against the backdrop of the successful hosting of the 2026 Argungu International Fishing Festival, which spotlighted the growing impact of strategic public-private partnerships, with Access Bank and Kebbi State jointly reinforcing efforts to promote cultural heritage, tourism development, and local economic growth following the globally attended celebration in Argungu.

For instance, at the grand finale, President Bola Tinubu praised the festival’s enduring national significance, describing it as a powerful expression of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence.

He stated that the festival represents a remarkable history and remains a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.

However, speaking at the festival, the executive director of the Commercial Banking Division of Access Bank, Hadiza Ambursa, emphasised the institution’s long-standing commitment to supporting initiatives that preserve heritage and create economic opportunities.

“We actively support cultural development through initiatives like this festival and collaborations such as our partnership with the National Theatre to promote Nigerian arts and heritage. Across states, especially in the public sector, where we do quite a lot, we work with governments on priorities that matter to them.

“Tourism holds enormous potential, and while we have supported several hotels with expansion financing, we remain open to working with partners interested in developing the sector further,” she said.

Reports indicated that more than 50,000 fishermen entered the historic Matan Fada River during the competition. The overall winner, Abubakar Usman from Maiyama local government area, secured victory with a 59-kilogramme catch, earning vehicles donated by Sokoto State and a cash prize.

Other top contestants from Argungu and Jega also received vehicles, motorcycles and monetary rewards, including sponsorship support from WACOT Rice Limited.