Argungu Fishing Contest Returns After Years of Hiatus in Nigeria

Thousands of fishermen gathered at the Matan Fadan river in northwestern Nigeria’s Argungu for the annual international fishing festival. The event, which took place on Saturday, featured traditional fishing methods and drew President Bola Tinubu as a spectator. Competitors used hand-woven nets and calabash gourds to catch fish, with some demonstrating their skills using bare hands.

The river, a UNESCO heritage site, was closed throughout the year due to its protected status. The festival marked the pinnacle of the event, which also included cultural displays such as traditional wrestling and musical performances. Aliyu Muhammadu, a 63-year-old fisherman who participated in the competition, expressed his gratitude for participating, stating that he was happy to have something to bring home to his family.

The fishing contest resulted in a champion landing a 59kg croaker fish, winning a cash prize. Other participants sold their catch, contributing to the local economy. The festival has a long history, dating back to 1934, and was initially intended as a symbol of unity between the Sokoto Caliphate and the Argungu emirate.

The event resumed after a brief pause in 2020 and again this year following security concerns that had deterred attendance in previous years. Hussein Mukwashe, the Sarkin Ruwa of Argungu, noted that while the festival’s return was seen as a sign of stability by some, it also represented restored community pride for many others.

Source: Al Jazeera