Every year in the north-west of Nigeria, communities gather to participate in the Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival near the Matan Fada River.
The Argungu fishing and cultural festival in northwest Nigeria has returned after a ten-year hiatus due to instability in the region.
The festival was originally founded to encourage peaceful co-existence among the people of Sokoto and Kebbi, after a prolonged conflict between the inhabitants of both towns that lasted for 100 years. In the post-independence era, the festival was aimed at unifying Nigeria and promoting peaceful co-existence and understanding amongst its people.
The four-day festival, which runs between late February and March, features kabanci – a series of water competitions including hand fishing, canoe racing, wild duck catching – as well as other traditional practices, such as the local style of wrestling and boxing.
Men and boys participate in the contests, while women provide the encouragement of performing songs and dances. The Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival considered a contributor to participant sense of identity. Skills involved in festival activities are transmitted to younger generations formally and informally. Training occurs, for example, via apprenticeship particuarly in the case of specific fishing techniques or within families by demonstration.
