More than 50,000 fishermen surged into the Matan Fada River in Argungu on Saturday, hours before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was expected at the grand finale of the 2026 Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival.
The excited fishermen, dressed in traditional attire and carrying nets and calabashes, entered the river ahead of the official start of the competition.
Their early rush disrupted the planned ceremony, as organisers had anticipated the fishing contest to begin only after the arrival of the President and other distinguished guests.
Some competitors had reportedly been waiting at the designated area since 5 am, eager for the event to commence.
By 12:45 pm, President Tinubu, Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris, and other top dignitaries had yet to arrive at the riverbank for the closing ceremony.
According to the event schedule, the grand fishing contest and prize distribution were to run from 8 am to 2 pm.
However, security officials and festival organisers were unable to hold back the crowd, as the fishermen had already begun the competition before the arrival of the invited guests.
Despite the absence of the President and other key personalities, the traditional fishing contest proceeded, with thousands of spectators watching from the riverbank.
The 61st edition of the festival attracted participants and tourists from across Nigeria and neighbouring countries, cementing its status as one of Africa’s premier cultural tourism events.
Senior government officials, diplomats, traditional rulers, and business leaders were among those expected to attend.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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