Nigeria's Argungu Fishing Festival back after six years

"Nigeria's Argungu Fishing Festival was officially back in action for its 61st iteration on Saturday in Argungu town in northwestern Kebbi state. The UNESCO-listed festival has not taken place for the past six years due to regional insecurity and funding shortages. Parts of Kebbi state have experienced jihadist attacks in recent years, with analysts blaming the Lakurawa terror group for the deadly violence."

"Local media reported that some 40,000 participants defied the scorching 39 degree Celsius heat (102 Fahrenheit) to take part in the festival that was first staged in 1934. Since then, it has grown into one of Nigeria's biggest cultural events, bringing in visitors from around the world. Nigeria's Punch newspaper reported that just minutes after noon, excited fishermen plunged into the murky waters of the Matan Fadan river, even before the formal opening ceremony and the arrival of President Bola Tinubu."

"Using traditional methods and aided by hand-woven nets and large calabash gourds, they were buoyed by the cheers of thousands of onlookers. Abubakar Usman hauled out the day's biggest fish a 59-kilogram monster that earned him two new saloon cars donated by the Sokoto state government, several bags of rice, and a 1-million-naira cash prize (about $739 or 622). Hundreds of smaller fish caught on the day were taken to a nearby makeshift market."

Argungu Fishing Festival returned for its 61st edition in Argungu town, Kebbi state, after a six-year hiatus caused by regional insecurity and funding shortages. The UNESCO-listed event drew about 40,000 participants despite 39°C heat, continuing a tradition first staged in 1934 and attracting international visitors. Parts of Kebbi state have seen jihadist attacks blamed on the Lakurawa group. Fishermen plunged into the Matan Fadan river, often before the formal opening, using hand-woven nets and large calabash gourds amid chants and drumbeats. Abubakar Usman landed the largest catch, a 59-kilogram fish, and received cars, rice and a 1-million-naira cash prize. Hundreds of smaller fish were sold at a makeshift market.

Read at www.dw.com