The 61st Argungu International Fishing Festival has kicked off in Kebbi State with a massive 59-kilogram fish emerging as the biggest catch of the competition. Thousands of participants stormed the river in Argungu shortly after noon, setting the tone for one of Nigeria’s largest cultural gatherings.
Who Won the Competition
Abubakar Usman from Maiyama Local Government Area landed the record 59kg fish to claim first place.
Other top finishers:
- Abdullahi Garba — 40kg (second place)
- Nasir Garba and another contestant — 33kg each (joint third place)
Prizes Awarded
Officials announced major rewards for winners:
- Winner: Two Toyota vehicles, ₦1 million, and WACOT rice
- Second place: A car, Hajj slot, and ₦1 million
- Third place: Two motorcycles each and ₦750,000
Festival Atmosphere
The river filled rapidly as thousands entered the water even before the official opening ceremony. The event attracted fishermen, tourists, and cultural enthusiasts from across Nigeria and beyond.
President Bola Tinubu visited Kebbi to commission infrastructure projects before inaugurating the festival.
Why the Festival Matters
The Argungu Fishing Festival dates back to 1934. It was created to celebrate peace between the Sokoto Caliphate and the Kebbi Kingdom.
Today, it has grown into a global cultural attraction featuring:
- Fishing competitions
- Traditional wrestling
- Music and dance
- Crafts and exhibitions
The Bigger Picture
Beyond competition, the festival promotes tourism, culture, and local economy in Northern Nigeria. Each year it brings international attention to Kebbi State and preserves one of Africa’s oldest traditional sporting events.
