The 61st Argungu International Fishing Festival officially commenced on Saturday at the historic Mata Fada River, drawing thousands of fishermen, tourists, and cultural enthusiasts from across Nigeria and neighboring West African countries.
The highlight of the event came when Abubakar Usman from Maiyama Local Government Area landed a massive 59 kilogram fish, the largest catch recorded at this year’s competition. His victory immediately became the defining moment of the festival.
The Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, confirmed the record in a statement on Saturday afternoon, noting that the biggest fish caught weighed 59 kilograms.
Usman received two new saloon cars and one million naira in prize money. Abdullahi Garba from Argungu secured second place with a 40 kilogram catch, earning a car, a Hajj slot, and one million naira. Nasir Garba and another contestant tied for third position with 33 kilogram fish each. Both winners received motorcycles and 750,000 naira.
Excitement surged across the riverbank as large numbers of the expected 40,000 participants entered the water shortly after noon, even before the formal opening ceremony began. Many spectators gathered hours earlier despite intense heat and security concerns in northern Nigeria.
President Bola Tinubu attended the festival after commissioning two major infrastructural projects in Birnin Kebbi, including the newly constructed State Secretariat and the upgraded Central Motor Park. He later proceeded to Argungu to officially inaugurate the cultural event, signaling federal support for the revival of one of Nigeria’s most iconic heritage festivals.
Established in 1934, the Argungu Fishing Festival originally marked peace between the Sokoto Caliphate and the Kebbi Kingdom. Over time, it evolved into a globally recognized cultural spectacle that features traditional wrestling, music performances, agricultural exhibitions, and water sport displays, culminating in the grand fishing competition.
Participants used only traditional fishing methods, including hand woven nets and calabash gourds. Some demonstrated exceptional skill by catching fish with their bare hands. The Mata Fada River remains closed throughout the year and opens only during the festival under the supervision of the Sarkin Ruwa, the traditional custodian of the river.
Beyond the competition, the festival stimulated the local economy. Hundreds of smaller catches were sold at temporary markets near the arena, providing income for families and traders. Fishermen from Niger, Chad, and Togo also joined the event, reinforcing regional cultural ties.
Despite past interruptions due to insecurity and infrastructure challenges, the return of the Argungu Fishing Festival reflects renewed efforts to strengthen cultural tourism in Kebbi State and across Nigeria. For many residents, the event represents unity, resilience, and the enduring strength of African tradition.
