Argungu: More than a fishing festival
As the first light of dawn broke over the undulating plains of Kebbi State on February 14, 2026, the atmosphere in Argungu was not merely one of a festival but of a spiritual homecoming. For Kabawa people, the Matan Fada river is not just a body of water, it is a repository of history, a […]
As the first light of dawn broke over the undulating plains of Kebbi State on February 14, 2026, the atmosphere in Argungu was not merely one of a festival but of a spiritual homecoming. For Kabawa people, the Matan Fada river is not just a body of water, it is a repository of history, a silent witness to centuries of conquest, peace-making and communal survival.
The 61st edition of the Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival (AFF 2026) served as a powerful reminder that despite the vagaries of modern life, the bond between a people and their ancestral waters remains unbreakable.
From February 11 to 14, the ancient town of Argungu was transformed into a global village. What began in the 16th century as a local rite of passage has blossomed into a UNESCO-recognised phenomenon.
Beneath the international prestige lies a gritty, pulsating reality of local fishermen who view this event as the pinnacle of their existence. This year’s festival was more than a series of competitions; it was a demonstration of national resilience, a showcase of agrarian potential and a platform for the highest level of diplomatic and political engagement in the country.
The Kabawa legacy: A journey through time
To understand the fervor of the 2026 festival, one must look back to the origin of Kabawa. The festival’s roots are buried deep in the 16th century tradition of the Kebbi Kingdom. Originally, the fishing festival was a celebration of the end of hostilities between the Sokoto Caliphate and the Kebbi Kingdom. It was a “peace treaty” written in the waters of the Matan Fada.
Over the centuries, the festival evolved. By the time it gained international recognition in the early 20th century, specifically following the visit of the Sultan of Sokoto in 1934, it had become a symbol of northern unity. Today, as seen in the 2026 programme of events, the festival has expanded to include a dizzying array of activities that celebrate every facet of Savannah life.
The 61st edition was a master-class in cultural preservation. The four-day itinerary was packed with events designed to test the limits of human endurance and skill. From the “Kabanci” water sports to the high-octane horse racing at the Birnin Kebbi Race Course, the festival provided a comprehensive look at the traditional North.
The heart of the festival remains the water. The “Kabanci” displays are not mere spectacles; they are tests of survival skills passed down through generations. On day three, the Matan Fada riverbank was a sea of spectators gathered to watch the “Save a Soul” swimming competition. In a region where river blindness and drowning were historically significant threats, the ability to rescue a fellow human from the currents is held in higher esteem than almost any other skill.
The water relay races and the boys’ canoe races showed the grooming of the next generation. These children, some as young as eight, handled their wooden vessels with a dexterity that left foreign tourists in awe.
However, the most anticipated of the preliminary water events was the “diving competition” and the “wild duck catching.” These events require a level of breath control and animal intuition that cannot be taught in schools; it is a knowledge absorbed through the skin, living by the river.
The competitive spirit often brings with it the sting of controversy. Weekend Trust discussed with some participants to get their insight. Abdullahi Ibrahim, a seasoned competitor who participated in the donkey race, reflected a sentiment shared by several others regarding the officiating of the various games.
“I came with high hopes, but despite my determination, it was not my day. Some participants did not follow the rules of the game. They started before the official signal, yet they were awarded first and second places. We (from Argungu) came last; and that is not fair,” Ibrahim told our reporter, his voice thick with the dust of the race track.
Such grievances, while painful for the participants, highlight the prestige associated with winning at Argungu. To win here is to have your name etched into the folklore of the North-West.
The grand fishing
The climax of the festival; the grand fishing, is an event that defies easy description. Imagine thousands of men, shoulders pressed against shoulders standing at the edge of the river. They carry the hocho (a hand net) and the buta (a large gourd used for buoyancy and storage). When the signal is finally given, the surge into the water is like a human tidal wave.
For Muhammadu Muda, a 70-year-old veteran of the river, this year’s festival marked a staggering milestone. “I began taking part in this festival when I was seven years old, and have continued. This marks 63 years of my life participating in the Argungu Festival,” Muda said, while meticulously mending his net.
Muda’s story is that of Argungu itself. He has seen the festival transition from a local gathering to a televised international event. The 2026 festival saw some of the largest catches in recent years, with massive Nile Perch (Giwan Ruwa) being hauled onto the banks, requiring multiple men to lift them.
Parallel to the fishing was the National Agricultural Show, a cornerstone of the AFF 2026. Kebbi State has long been nicknamed the “Land of Equity,” but in recent years, it has become the “Land of Rice and Fish.” The agricultural show was a vibrant display of this productivity.
A roadmap for peace and prosperity
During this year’s festival, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accompanied by the governor of Kebbi State and various ministers, including the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, noted, “It reflects the richness of our culture, the strength of our traditions and the opportunities that lie in increasing and harnessing our natural and human resources for national development,”.
“Socio-cultural event like this can only thrive and become a tourism attraction where the security atmosphere is conducive. I am pleased to note that significant progress has been made in combating insecurity across Kebbi and other parts of our nation.
“We are still working very hard through coordinated efforts among the federal government, the state government and security agencies. We have men and women in uniform who are putting their lives on the line to safeguard and protect our sovereignty and keep our peace. The relative peace we are witnessing today in this region is not accidental; it is the result of sustained investment in security, intelligence gathering and community engagement. I assure you that the fight against insecurity of any kind will be won.”
Addressing the economic future of the region, President Tinubu made several key promises regarding infrastructure.
He said, “I understand closely that along the Ilela-Sokoto-Kebbi road, we have significant amounts of dams we can use for irrigation, empowerment of our farmers and electricity. I promise you that we will return the love. The country will continue to bless you and support you. I assure you farmers that we will jointly, with the state government, continue to give you the necessary support. Kebbi State is noted for in its commitment to food security and agrarian cultivation. We will work together to make it a great economic success.”
In a final call for unity, he noted, “Let’s remember that culture is a unified force. The Argungu International Fishing Festival brings together people of different backgrounds, nations and beliefs in the spirit of friendship and healthy competition. It promotes tourism, showcases our heritage and projects Nigeria in a positive light to the rest of the world.”
Beyond the river: The socioeconomic impact
During the festival, our correspondent observed a massive spike in local economic activities. Every hotel in Argungu and neighbouring Birnin-Kebbi was booked to capacity months in advance; even the fishing village. Local artisans – from blacksmiths forging fishing hooks to weavers creating traditional mats – saw their yearly turnover eclipse in a single week.
The “durbar,” a spectacular display of horsemanship, drew thousands of spectators who marvelled at the intricately decorated horses and the prowess of the riders. This event, coupled with the National Polo Tournament at the NSK Polo Ground, highlighted the dual nature of Argungu: it is a place where the common fisherman and the elite polo player meet on equal ground, united by love for tradition.
However, the influx of people also put a strain on local infrastructure. The 2026 festival served as a reminder of the urgent need for the road developments mentioned by the president. The Ilela-Sokoto-Kebbi corridor is not just a transport route; it is the lifeblood of the northwestern trade economy.
One of the most striking features of AFF 2026 was the number of young people. Unlike many cultural festivals that struggle to remain relevant to Gen Z, Argungu has successfully integrated modern media. The presence of Trust TV and other major broadcasters ensured that the fishermen’s cheers reached millions of homes.
The youth did not just attend as spectators; they were competitors, social media influencers and entrepreneurs. The “Boys Bare Hands Fishing” competition was a fan’s favourite, proving that the traditional skills are being passed down effectively. As the president noted, the empowerment of youths and women remains a priority; and the festival provided a platform for this through various skills acquisition side events.
As the 61st Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival concluded with the distribution of prizes and the singing of the national anthem, the lyrics: “In brotherhood we stand” felt particularly poignant. In a time when the country faces various pressures, the festival stood as a “banner without stain,” a clean, vibrant celebration of what makes Nigeria great.
The 2026 festival did not just catch fish; it caught the imagination of a country. It proved that through culture, security can be bolstered, and through security, prosperity can be achieved.
What may linger for a while in the minds of the numerous spectators who converged on the ancient town of Kanta are the spirituality and uniqueness of the fishing event, which also attracted thousands of fishermen from Chad, Togo, Benin, Niger and a host of other countries, as well as states in Nigeria.
The festival, which also witnessed a tremendous cultural display, was first held in 1935 during the visit of a sultan to the ancient city.
This year witnessed a colourful display of traditional sports in archery, catapulting, camel racing, donkey racing, local wrestling and polo competition.
In Abuja, a colourful motor rally of over 30 vehicles was flagged off as part of activities to herald the takeoff of the festival. An investors’ forum for the event was also held in Birnin-Kebbi to showcase Kebbi State’s vast investment opportunities and economic potentials, alongside a quiz and debate competition at the Presidential Banquet Hall.
Traditional rulers across Nigeria and neighbouring Niger Republic, Togo, Chad and Benin Republic, were led by the custodian of the Argungu tradition and culture, Emir Samaila Muhammed Mera, to the festival arena at the Games Village, located around the Matan Fada river in the town. In attendance at the arena were tourists, cultural enthusiasts, journalists, content creators and bloggers from local, national and international communities.
Among the most cheered contests were local swimming with clay pots and the water relay race, which tested the endurance and skills of the local fishermen and the youth, highlighting a unique blend of athleticism and cultural artistry that define the Argungu spirit.
These events underscored the festival’s role in mentoring young people and ensuring that the tradition of the Matan Fada River is preserved for years to come.
In a remarkable display of local ingenuity, 18-year-old Abubakar Suleiman Hassan, captivated the local and international spectators and dignitaries with a locally-fabricated vehicle made by him.
The afternoon session of the three-day event transitioned into a sea of colour and royalty at the Fishing Game Village with the Kabi durbar, featuring a magnificent procession of decorated horses and riders that reflected the emirate’s martial history and equestrian excellence.
The curtains were drawn on the 61st Argungu Fishing Festival with prizes given to the winners of the competition. This year’s winner of the fishing competition, Abubakar Usman from Maiyama, who caught the biggest fish weighing 59kg, was presented with two saloon cars and N1 million. Abdullahi Garba from Argungu, who won the second position, caught a fish that weighed 40kg and was given a saloon car, N1 million and a Hajj seat slot, while, Danlansu Dankani from Jega, who caught a fish that weighed 33kg and came third, got a motorcycle.
Tourists’ views
Abdullahi Samaila Argungu, however, noted that the fishing festival, though a success, had poor arrangement.
He said, “We thank Allah that there were no security issues throughout the event, but I would like to say that the arrangement was poor compared to the previous events. I think it is because most of the people in charge of the arrangement were not indigenes of Argungu. The government should leave the arrangement of the fishing festival to us the indigenes next time. We own the culture and tradition; they should allow us to handle the event. It will go a long way in preventing some of the hitches witnessed during the just-concluded edition. But in all, the festival showcased Kabi tradition and culture and projected Kebbi State’s potentials, especially given the number of tourists from China, Japan, Britain and other countries,” he said.
Haruna Mai Nasara, a fisherman from the Maiyama area of the state, said it was his third time participating in the fishing event. His wish had always been to catch the biggest fish in the river, but he only caught 26 fishes that could not earn him a win in the competition.
“I hope that if Allah spares my life I will catch the biggest fish in the next festival. Many of us who took part in this competition are unhappy with the way we were treated. Some fishermen were beaten and their calabashes broken in the process by the people put at the river banks to oversee the fishing activities because some of us went into the river before we were told to do so. We saw some fishermen with blood on their heads and noises. This has never happened. The emir should help us to talk to them. This should not happen again.
“We thank the Argungu Emirate, particularly the emir, for allowing us to participate in the event. It is the only fishing festival many of us always look forward to participating in because it is very interesting to be in the river with thousands of other fishermen from different parts of the state, country and even beyond looking for the biggest fish to catch,” he said.
A tourist like Jos Hui, a Chinese national, said he read about the Argungu Fishing Festival some years back and had always hoped to witness it someday. His dream came true this year.
He said, “This is my first opportunity to come to Kebbi State in Nigeria to witness it. I came with other tourists. It is a wonderful experience. The crowd and many events that took place from the first day of the festival to the last day were good to watch. It was fun. I think the people of Argungu are good. They are rich in culture and tradition. We saw how they protect their culture and heritage. It is a nice thing they are doing for their culture.”
Tracing the origin of the festival to the visit of a sultan to Argungu in 1935 during its unveiling, Professor Muhammed Argungu said: “There should be a trade fair where investing companies can display their products. Institutes and the media should establish their base where they can reach the world. An institute on the Argungu Fishing Festival should be established to drive the event and state tourism potentials. All the needed people and performers, such as fishermen, farmers and partnering companies, should be carried along to sustain the festival.
According to him, the festival is an avenue for peacekeeping and cultural exchange between the state and people coming from neighbouring countries, such as Niger, Benin Republic, Burkina Faso, Mali, Senegal and others with links through the waters with Kebbi State.
Another speaker at the opening of the festival, Professor Bunza, said that in all the documentations in the world, it’s only in Argungu that a fishing festival is held annually.
He said, “The world attached importance to the Argungu Fishing Festival because of its cultural and traditional values. It is for this reason that the UNESCO included it as one of its world heritage sites.”