President Bola Tinubu looked on in awe on Saturday as the biggest catches of the 61st Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival were brought to the scales in Argungu, Kebbi State, spotlighting one of Nigeria’s most storied cultural events.

Held at the Matan Fada River, the festival drew thousands of fishermen, tourists and cultural enthusiasts from across Nigeria and beyond, all keen to witness the annual battle for the largest fish catch — a prized tradition that has made Argungu a globally recognised celebration of cultural heritage.

Record Catch Steals the Show

The main fishing competition saw Abubakar Usman from Maiyama Local Government Area haul in a 59-kilogram fish, the largest of this year’s event — a feat that generated excitement among onlookers and prompted applause from the President himself as the beast-sized catch was weighed before the crowd.

The second-heaviest catch — a 40kg fish — was recorded by Abdullahi Garba, while two other participants both landed 33kg fish to share third place.

Prizes and Festivities

Winners were rewarded with a mix of cash and material prizes, including multiple vehicles, rice and other incentives, with the biggest catch taking home top honours and substantial rewards from sponsors and state officials.

In a symbolic gesture, all four winning fish were presented to President Tinubu as souvenirs during the festival.

Celebration of Culture and Unity

The Argungu Festival, which dates back to 1934, was originally conceived to commemorate peace between the Sokoto Caliphate and the Kebbi Kingdom. Over the decades it has grown into a major cultural tourism attraction that blends traditional fishing techniques — including the use of gourds, nets and even bare hands — with music, dance, wrestling and craft displays.

Thousands of competitors waded into the river at the sound of a gunshot, vying to secure the biggest catch under rules that celebrate both skill and endurance.

Tinubu’s Presence and Message

President Tinubu, who also commissioned key infrastructure projects in the state earlier in the day, described the festival as a powerful symbol of Nigeria’s cultural richness and unity, reflecting the resilience and peaceful coexistence of the nation’s diverse peoples.

His presence underscored the federal government’s support for cultural preservation and tourism development in the region, even as organizers and officials hailed the event as a boost to local economic activity.

The festival continues through the week with a full slate of cultural performances and community engagements, reinforcing Argungu’s position as a beacon of Nigerian heritage and communal pride.