On Saturday, February 14, President Bola Tinubu visited the famed Argungu fishing festival in Kebbi State.
He cited the 83-year-old cultural event as an example of peaceful coexistence, unity, and persistence.
According to Tinubu, the event showcased Nigeria’s cultural legacy, the strength of its traditions, and prospects for developing the country’s natural and human resources.
14 things you probably did not know about the Argungu Fishing Festival
It is a four-day celebratory fishing festival held in either February or March in Argungu, Kebbi State, on the banks of the Sokoto River (Matan Fada)
The event began in 1934 as a peace gesture between the Sokoto Caliphate and the Kebbi Kingdom
It received UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage classification in 2016
More than 50,000 fishermen from Nigeria and overseas took part in the grand finale staged at the Matan Fada River in Argungu town.
Participants are always chosen from the 19 northern states and republics of Niger, Benin, Mali, Chad, and Liberia
The participants would assume fishing positions early in the day, around two kilometers from the river, and then entered the competition following a signal from the head priest of water (sarkin ruwa) at around midday
On the eve of the event, the Sarkin Ruwa (river custodian) and other elders would sacrifice a goat, hens, fruits, and vegetables at the river in order to seek protection and prosperity
During the event, aquatic cultural shows such as canoe races, swimming with gourds or clay pots on the head, diving contests, wild-duck hunting, hand-fishing, and water relays will take place at the Kabanci location
Non-aquatic events such as wrestling, boxing, archery, a motor rally, agricultural and craft exhibitions, and traditional music and dance troupes will perform in the township stadium and other venues during the festival
Thousands of men would queue up at the Matan Fada river, and at a gunshot signal, these men would dive in using only traditional nets and gourds (no modern gear) at the Grand fishing tournament
The purpose of the Grand fishing competition is to catch the heaviest Nile perch within one hour; the winner can collect cash awards up to US $7,500 and local recognition
The Sarkin Ruwa, also known as Hussaini Makwashe, would invite fish from connected rivers to calm crocodiles and ensure the river’s safety during the ceremony of invitation contest
However, the fishing festival was discontinued from 2009 to 2019 owing to regional insecurity, but it returned in 2020
It draws approximately 50,000 fishermen and thousands of tourists, including camel racing, food stalls, and displays of rice pyramids and other agricultural goods
The Argungu Festival is a four-day cultural event in Kebbi State, Nigeria, held annually in February or March
It’s a celebration of the region’s history, culture, and traditions, featuring a grand fishing competition, traditional music and dance, and a display of local crafts and cuisine
The festival attracts thousands of visitors from across Nigeria and beyond, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Argungu people