On Saturday, February 14, 2026, the dusty plains of Kebbi State transformed into a sea of vibrant colors and thunderous cheers. The world-renowned Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival made its long-awaited return.
After a grueling six-year hiatus forced by regional insecurity and funding challenges, the 61st edition of this UNESCO-listed event proved that the spirit of the Matan Fada River remains unbroken.
The highlight of the grand finale was the extraordinary feat of local fisherman Abubakar Usman. He emerged from the murky waters hauling a staggering 59-kilogram (130-pound) “monster” catch.
His victory was more than just a personal achievement; it served as a powerful symbol of the resilience of northwestern Nigeria and the enduring legacy of a festival that has promoted peace for nearly a century.
The Grand Finale: A Spectacle of Skill and Endurance
The final day of the festival began under a blistering 39°C (102°F) sun. Despite the heat, an estimated 50,000 fishermen from across Nigeria and neighboring West African nations including Niger, Chad, and Togo—lined the banks of the Matan Fada. They stood shoulder-to-shoulder, clutching traditional hand-woven nets and large, hollowed-out gourds (calabashes) used for flotation.
The atmosphere reached a fever pitch when the official signal was given. In a coordinated surge that turned the brown river into a frothing mass of activity, the contestants plunged into the water.
Unlike modern industrial fishing, Argungu maintains a strict “traditional-only” rule. No motorized boats or sophisticated sonar are allowed. Success depends entirely on a fisherman’s ability to:
- Read the water currents.
- Hold their breath for extended periods.
- Use bare hands and simple nets to wrestle giant Nile Perch from the riverbed.
The Winning Moment: Rewards for Abubakar Usman
Abubakar Usman, a seasoned fisherman from the Maiyama Local Government Area, spent nearly an hour navigating the deepest sections of the Matan Fada. When he finally locked his net around the 59kg prize, it took the assistance of several fellow competitors to haul the thrashing giant to the official weighing station.
For his historic catch, Usman was showered with life-changing rewards:
| Reward Type | Description |
| Vehicles | Two brand-new saloon cars (donated by the Sokoto State Government) |
| Cash Prize | 1 million naira (approximately $739 USD) |
| Supplies | Corporate sponsorships, including agricultural supplies and high-grade rice |
The second and third-place winners, Abdullahi Garba (40kg) and Dan Lanso (34kg), also received significant cash prizes and household goods. This ensured that the bounty of the river benefited multiple families within the local community.
A Legacy of Peace: 1934 to 2026
The Argungu Fishing Festival is not merely a sporting event; it is a profound diplomatic ritual. It was first staged in 1934 by the traditional ruler of Argungu, Muhammad Sama. The inaugural event was designed to mark the end of a century-old history of hostility and distrust between his people and the Sultanate of Sokoto.
Over the decades, the festival evolved from a local peace treaty into a global tourism draw. In 2016, it was officially inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
For the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samaila Muhammad Mera, hosting the event in 2026 was a strategic victory against the shadow of insecurity. Portions of Kebbi State have recently faced sporadic attacks attributed to the Lakurawa terror group. By successfully gathering tens of thousands of people in peace, the Emirate sent a clear message: the culture of Argungu is stronger than the forces of instability.
The Human Experience: Travelers and Traditions
The 2026 edition saw a massive influx of visitors who had waited years for this moment. For many, the journey to Argungu is a pilgrimage of heritage.
“The famous Argungu that we’ve been told about since primary school is finally back,” said Rukaya Ismaila, 23, who traveled over 850 kilometers from Kogi State. “It is worth all the excitement. Seeing the fishermen help each other even while competing shows the true meaning of the festival.”
The event was preceded by four days of intense cultural activity, including:
- The Grand Durbar: A magnificent procession of hundreds of decorated horses and riders.
- The Abuja-to-Argungu Motor Rally: A modern addition bringing urban youth and corporate sponsors to the rural north.
- Traditional Sports: Wrestling and archery competitions that test physical prowess.
- Camel Racing: A high-speed display of desert survival skills.
Political Undertones and the Presidential Visit
The 2026 festival served as a major platform for national politics. The arrival of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was the focal point of the final day. However, his schedule led to an unintended moment of tension.
Anxious contestants, having waited hours in the scorching sun, mistakenly believed a signal had been given around midday. Thousands plunged into the river in a false start, only to be called back by security forces. The true competition did not restart until nearly two hours later when the President arrived at the grandstand.
The streets of Argungu were lined with political billboards supporting the re-election bids of both President Tinubu and Kebbi State Governor Mohammed Nasir Idris. In his address, the President praised the festival as a “shining example of the unity and diversity that makes Nigeria great.”
Conclusion: A Sustainable Future for Argungu
As the 2026 edition comes to a close, organizers are already looking toward the future. The success of the 59kg catch has sparked conversations about conservation. Environmentalists are working with the Argungu Emirate to ensure the Matan Fada River is protected from overfishing during the off-season.
The Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival has officially returned. With it, a sense of pride and stability has been restored to the northwest. Abubakar Usman’s 59kg victory will be told in primary schools for years to come—a story of a man, a net, and a river that refused to be silenced.
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