The 61st Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival has ended in Kebbi State, drawing national attention as one of Nigeria’s most enduring cultural and tourism events.
The four-day celebration culminated in a dramatic grand fishing competition, where hundreds of fishermen plunged into the historic Matan Fada River to compete for top honours.
The event, widely regarded as a symbol of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, attracted visitors from across the country and beyond, reinforcing its growing status on the national tourism calendar.
Beyond the fishing contest, the festival featured a vibrant array of traditional activities including durbar displays, canoe racing, diving contests, swimming and water relay competitions, as well as horse racing and polo matches.
The colourful performances showcased Nigeria’s cultural diversity and highlighted the country’s potential for cultural tourism development.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who declared the festival open, joined governors, ministers, traditional rulers, business leaders and other dignitaries from different parts of the country to witness the grand finale.
The President described the festival as a powerful symbol of unity, progress and national development, noting that cultural heritage remains a key driver of tourism and economic growth.
Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining and expanding the festival, emphasizing its importance in promoting Nigeria’s tourism sector and empowering local communities.
Chairman of the Central Planning Committee and Deputy Governor of Kebbi State, Alhaji Umar Tafida, expressed appreciation to stakeholders whose contributions ensured the success of the event, describing the festival as a collective national asset.
In the keenly contested fishing competition, Abubakar Usman from Maiyama emerged winner after catching a massive 59-kilogram fish.
He was rewarded with two vehicles donated by the Kebbi State Government and WACOT Rice, along with a cash prize of one million naira.
Abdullahi Garba from Argungu secured second place and received a car, a Hajj seat and seven hundred thousand naira, while two contestants who tied for third position were each presented with a motorcycle.
The Emir of Kebbi, Alhaji Samaila Muhammad Mera, expressed delight at the continued preservation of the centuries-old tradition, describing the festival as a proud reflection of Nigeria’s cultural identity and a unifying platform for the nation.
With its successful conclusion, this year’s Argungu Festival has once again reinforced its position as a major cultural event capable of boosting domestic tourism, strengthening national cohesion and projecting Nigeria’s heritage to the world.
Victoria Ibanga