ARGUNGU FESTIVAL RETURNS IN GRAND STYLE AFTER SIX-YEAR HIATUS.
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu
From Abuja
Democracy Newsline – February 12, 2026.
The historic Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival has returned in grand style after a six-year suspension, drawing thousands of local and international visitors to the ancient town of Argungu in Kebbi State.
The colourful revival began with a series of traditional sporting events, including archery competitions, camel races, and donkey races, setting the stage for the much-anticipated grand fishing contest scheduled as the climax of the celebration.
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Democracy Newsline gathered that Argungu town was filled to capacity as tourists, cultural enthusiasts, and competitors from across Nigeria and neighbouring Niger Republic thronged the venue, reaffirming the festival’s status as one of Africa’s foremost cultural celebrations.
The suspension of the festival since 2020 was attributed to a combination of factors. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic led to global restrictions on large gatherings, forcing state authorities to suspend the event in compliance with public health directives.
Insecurity in parts of the North-West region, particularly threats posed by banditry along riverine communities, also raised safety concerns for participants and visitors.
Additionally, economic constraints and budgetary realignments by the state government during the post-pandemic recovery period contributed to the delay in reviving the globally acclaimed event.
Sources within the state’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism confirmed that extensive consultations, improved security architecture, and financial restructuring were undertaken before the festival could be safely reintroduced this year.
The Argungu Fishing Festival, which dates back over six decades, was originally conceived as a peace-building initiative between the people of Argungu and neighbouring Sokoto after historic conflicts. Over time, it evolved into an internationally recognized cultural and tourism event, symbolizing unity, heritage, and economic prosperity for the people of Kebbi State, popularly known as Kabawa.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Sarkin Ruwan Kebbi (River King of Kebbi), the traditional custodian of the state’s rivers, emphasized that the festival has historically served as a platform for fostering peace, unity, and economic growth.
He cautioned participating fishermen against entering the river before the official commencement of the fishing competition, stressing strict adherence to laid-down rules to ensure fairness and safety.
The opening day witnessed intense competition in the traditional archery contest, with participants from Niger State, Yauri and Argungu in Kebbi State, as well as Sokoto, Zamfara, and Katsina States showcasing remarkable skill.
1. First position:Niger State contingent,
2. Second Position: Argungu team (Kebbi State)
3. Third Position: Sokoto State team.
In the camel race event, competitors from neighbouring Niger Republic demonstrated exceptional mastery:
1. First Position (Camel Race): Maradi Emirate, Niger Republic.
2. Second Position: Yauri Emirate, Kebbi State
3. Third Position: Zamfara State team.
The donkey race equally thrilled spectators:
1. First Position (Donkey Race): Argungu local riders
2. Second Position: Katsina State team
3. Third Position: Sokoto State team.
Cash prizes, trophies, and special recognition awards were presented to the winners amid loud cheers from the crowd.
As of the time of filing this report, anticipation is building for the grand fishing competition, where hundreds of fishermen will plunge into the Matan Fada River armed with traditional gourds and nets to compete for the ultimate prize.
While the event attracted prominent personalities, including Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State, the Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, royal fathers, and emirs from neighbouring Niger Republic, keen observers noted the absence of the state’s three serving senators.
Efforts to confirm whether the senators were officially invited were inconclusive. However, sources close to the National Assembly indicated that two of the senators were engaged in legislative assignments in Abuja, while the third was reportedly attending to pressing political consultations outside the state.
Their absence sparked mixed reactions among attendees, with some stakeholders expressing disappointment that federal representation from Kebbi State was not visibly present at such a culturally significant event.
Beyond the senators, several prominent sons and daughters of Kebbi State were also not physically present. Political analysts attribute this to a blend of political differences, scheduling conflicts, and what insiders described as “low-key official coordination” in the planning stages.
Some dignitaries who spoke off record hinted that invitations were either delayed or not formally extended through appropriate protocol channels, which may have contributed to their absence.
Despite the festival’s international reputation, observers noted that it did not receive the level of publicity traditionally associated with previous editions.
Sources within the Government House suggested that Governor Nasir Idris opted for a modest approach in light of prevailing economic challenges in the country. The administration reportedly chose to prioritize essential spending while focusing on security and logistics rather than large-scale media promotion.
However, critics argue that greater publicity could have attracted more international tourists and investors, thereby maximizing economic gains for the state.
In his remarks, Governor Idris commended security agencies, traditional rulers, and organizing committees for their resilience in restoring the festival after years of interruption. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining the festival as a vital cultural and economic asset.
Commendations Amid Economic Challenges
Several participants and visitors praised the Kebbi State Government for reviving the festival despite prevailing economic constraints.
Local traders reported brisk business, with hotels fully booked and markets experiencing increased patronage.
Cultural troupes, artisans, and food vendors described the event as a lifeline that has re-energized the local economy.
As activities continue in the coming days, all eyes remain on the grand fishing contest—the heart of the Argungu Festival. Beyond competition, the event stands as a renewed symbol of resilience, unity, and cultural pride.
After six years of silence along the historic riverbanks, the splash of paddles and cheers of spectators once again echo across Argungu—signaling not just the return of a festival, but the revival of a people’s enduring heritage.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, FEBRUARY 12TH 2026)
