Every February is always a month many tourists and visitors across the globe look forward to visit Kebbi State of Nigeria. It is the month of the UNESCO recognized Argungu International Fishing Festival in the state. History of the Festival has it that ”After the Hausa state of Kebbi was conquered by the Fulani Empire in 1808, Kebbi’s rulers fled to Argungu to found a new state”. According to history, ”The Argungu International Fishing Festival dates back to pre – independence period of Nigeria. It is considered a contributor to participants’ sense of identity and is also used as a means to building a peaceful relationship between Argungu and neighbouring Sokoto community by enjoying shared cultural practice together. The Festival runs for four days between late February and early March. It features cultural events like kabanci, a series of water competitions including hand fishing which is the major attractions of the festival; canoe racing and boat regatta. Furthermore, the Festival is a way of life for the people of Kebbi State and it preserves tradition and promotes Conservation.
The Four day Cultural Festival begins with an agricultural show / exhibition, water Sports displays, traditional kabbawa entertainments and ends with the spectacular fishing competition in the Mata Fadan River. It is Africa’s biggest Fishing celebration. More than 30,000 fishermen take part in the festival annually. The festival’s main activity is fishing contest where the fishermen make use of only fishing nets and traditional gourds made with calabash. Before the Festival begins, the custodian of the River, known as ‘Sarkin Ruwa’ ensures the River is safe for fishing by performing sacrifices to the River Oracle to seek its permission for fishing. Furthermore, to ensure the River is safe for fishing, he dispels the crocodiles resident in the River and invites all the fishes in the rivers connected to the Mata Fadan river. Without the consent of the ‘Sarkin Ruwa’, no fish can be caught in the river. The fisherman who catches the biggest fish win a prize of $7,500. A fish weighing 75 kg is the biggest fish that has been caught in the festival till date. The festival attracts visitors and tourists from other African countries, Europe, America, Asia annually and it’s usually a commercial success for the sleeping and quiet town of Argungu.
