Thousands of fishermen gathered at the Matan Fada River in northwestern Nigeria as the renowned Argungu International Fishing Festival made a vibrant return after a six-year hiatus caused by insecurity in Kebbi State.
Participants plunged into the river with nets and gourds, competing for honours in a spectacle that blends sport, culture and tradition. The festival, one of Nigeria’s most iconic cultural events, drew large crowds of spectators, with colourful displays, music and local festivities adding to the atmosphere.
“This year, things went peacefully, and there was a bigger crowd than last time and also we caught a hundred percent more fish,” said participating fisherman Ticha Sherma, reflecting renewed optimism among locals.
The revival of the festival is seen as a sign of improving security in the region and a boost to tourism and the local economy, as visitors and participants alike celebrate the return of a cherished cultural tradition. Outside the arena on the edge of the river, chants, drumbeats and cultural displays further enriched the atmosphere, underscoring the heritage that has turned Argungu into a global tourism attraction.
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