Kebbi Fisherman Wins Argungu Festival with 59kg Catch, Bags Vehicles and N1m Prize

Abubakar Usman from Maiyama Local Government Area has won the 61st Argungu International Fishing Festival with a 59-kilogram catch, the largest at the competition held at Matan Fada River in Kebbi State on Saturday. Abdullahi Garba from Argungu secured second place with a 40kg fish, while Nasir Garba and another contestant tied for third with 33kg catches each.

The winner will receive two vehicles, a cash prize of N1 million, and other items. The festival, dating back to 1934, originated as a peace symbol between the Sokoto Caliphate and Kebbi Kingdom. President Bola Tinubu formally declared the festival open and commissioned projects in Birnin Kebbi.

Key Points:

The N1 million prize and two vehicles provide life-changing economic uplift for the winner and his family.
The festival boosts local tourism, hospitality, and trade, benefiting thousands of participants and vendors.
Usman gains financial security and recognition, while the festival reinforces cultural heritage and unity.
This signals the enduring appeal of traditional festivals as platforms for economic opportunity.
The timing, with presidential attendance, underscores the event’s national significance.

Usman’s historic catch highlights the Argungu Festival’s continued relevance as both a cultural celebration and a pathway to economic empowerment.

Sources: The Cable, Sunday Dare/X (Twitter)