Argungu Fishing Festival returns as thousands gather in Kebbi State
Thousands of fishermen surged into the milky waters of the Matan Fadan River in Argungu, northwestern Nigeria, as the renowned Argungu International Fishing Festival made its long-awaited return. The river, which winds through lush landscape in Kebbi State, is a designated UNESCO heritage site and remains closed to fishing throughout the year. It is overseen by a traditional authority known as the Sarkin Ruwa, or water chief, until the annual competition opens its waters to thousands of participants. On Saturday, President Bola Tinubu joined spectators to cheer on competitors battling for the largest catch, despite lingering security concerns that kept some visitors away. Tradition at the heart of competition Fishermen relied strictly on traditional tools — hand-woven nets and calabash gourds — while some demonstrated remarkable skill by catching fish with their bare hands. Canoes dotted the river as participants […]
