By Sola Ayanwola
Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival is one of the most famous cultural events in Nigeria. Held annually in Argungu; a small riverine community in Kebbi state northwest Nigeria, the festival attracts thousands of spectators from neighbouring communities and hundreds of tourists from within and beyond the country’s borders.
According to local history, the first fishing festival in Argungu was held in 1934 as part of the activities marking then Sultan of Sokoto Hassan Dan Muazu’s visit to the town.
The visit, was the first by a sitting Sultan to the town, helped in Building relations between the people of KEBBI KINGDOM and their neighbors in Sokoto ; the seat of the caliphate.
The festival has since grown in stature to become an international tourism brand and now enjoys sponsorship from some leading Nigeria brands. The event is customarily held within the first quater of every year.Through its 7- decade history the festival’s basic format has been largely retained. The main attraction remains the traditional fishing festival in which hundreds of fishermen charge into the Sokoto River armed with traditional equipment in the hope of returning with the largest catch. Since the fishermen are not allowed to use boats during the main contest, they either float around on their storage gourds; paddling with their hands or wade through the murky waters in search of fish.
To the awe of spectators the fishermen frequently dive into the waters and emerge with fish of varying sizes, while praise singers chant jubilantly . Cultural dances accompanied by singing and drumming add to the carnival- likr atmosphere as the fishermen strive to reel in the biggest catch and claim the competition ‘s star prize. Quite often the winning catch is a Nilr perch weighing in excess of 50kg.
As with fishing competitions in many parts of Nigeria and indeed the world, fishing is prohibited in the river during the months leading up to the event. This is to allow the replenishment and maturity of the fish population towards an exciting contest.
The annual event also provides an avenue for natives of the region who are ardent farmers by nature to display their produce and court new markets.
While the sight of countless fishermen floating about on gourds is now the the trademark images of the Argungu festival, spectators at the annual event are also treated to othet attractions such as traditional wrestling, hunting expeditions, swimming contests, canoe races and exhibitions of local arts and crafts.
Moreso, an equally important attraction, though yet to be exploited to its full potential, is the Argungu Motor Rally. With additional development and adequate promotion, the rally may become as internationally renowned as the Dakar Rally in the near future.
