The 61st edition of the Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival ended on Saturday evening at the traditional fishing arena, Matan Fada River, in the ancient city of Argungu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

The Argungu Fishing Festival, which began in 1934, was originally established to promote peace and friendship between the Sokoto Caliphate and the Kebbi Kingdom. What started as a local fishing event later evolved into a major cultural festival, attracting participants from across Nigeria and tourists from around the world.

Following the end of Nigeria’s civil war, the Federal Government adopted the festival as a symbol of national unity, bringing together fishermen and cultural performers from diverse backgrounds.

Beyond the fishing competition, the festival featured rich cultural displays, including Kabanci performances, local wrestling, boxing, canoe racing, swimming, traditional music and dance, and animal-skinning competitions, among others.

In 2016, the festival was officially recognized by UNESCO and inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The festival was suspended for nearly a decade but was successfully revived by the Governor of Kebbi State, Nasir Idris (Kauran Gwandu).

At the conclusion of this year’s competition, Abubakar Usman from Maiyama Local Government Area emerged as the overall winner with the biggest catch, weighing 59 kilograms. Abdullahi Garba from Argungu Local Government Area came second with a catch weighing 40 kilograms, while Dan Lanso from Jega Local Government Area placed third.

In appreciation of the winners outstanding performance, the Governor of Sokoto State, Ahmed Aliyu, donated a saloon car to the first-place winner, a hajj seat, to the second-place winner while the two third place winners received a motorcycle each

The 2026 edition of the Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival was attended by President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Ahmed Aliyu, the Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, the Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, the Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, the Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmad Fintiri, the Governor of Gombe State Inuwa Yahaya, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, Senator representing Sokoto North Senatorial District, Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, and the Minister of State for Works, Barr. Bello Goronyo.

Other dignitaries in attendance included the Speaker of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Tukur Bala Bodinga, members of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, the APC State Chairman, Isa Saddiq Achida, the Secretary to the State Government, Muhammad Bello Sifawa, commissioners, special advisers, senior special assistants, traditional rulers; and members of the business community, among others.

The 2026 edition recorded an unprecedented turnout, which observers attributed to renewed enthusiasm following the festival’s revival after nearly a decade of suspension.

The successful revival of the Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival has undoubtedly had a positive socio-economic and political impact on the people of Kebbi State, particularly the host community of Argungu.

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