A: Fears over Argungu tival as river dries up
has put many farmers and fishermen into difficulties with a view to finding solution to it.”
A few weeks ago, during one of his public engagements Governor Bagudu said the past government had attempted to hold the fishing event, but had to cancel it and never bothered to host it again for several years, because of the security situation created by the insurgency in the northeast part of the country. He lamented that even though it was the wish of his administration to host the fishing festival this year because of its importance to the state, the country and the world, but it has to be cancelled and postponed because there are many things that need to be put in place before Kebbi could host the international fishing festival.
What is today known as the Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival started in 1931 during the visit of Sultan Hassan Dan-Mua’zu to Argungu, on the invitation of Emir Muhammadu Sama. Dan-Mua’zu was the first Sultan of Sokoto to sleep in Argungu to foster strong relationships between the Fulani and the Kabawa people. To entertain him, the emir gathered the Kabawa (his people) to enquire from them the best way to make the sultan’s visit a memorable one. At the meeting it was suggested that they should go to River Matan Fada to catch fish for him. It was reasoned that since the sultan already knew about traditional boxing, wrestling and other cultural entertainments, a fishing festival would make him happy.
According to historical accounts, on the day the festival was held to entertain the sultan many big fish were caught from the river. Moved by the spirit of the fishing event, the sultan stood by the bank of Matan Fada and prayed that the world would hear about what is today known as Argungu International Fishing Festival.
One of the farmers by the river bank, Jamilu Muhammed Argungu told our correspondent that it was sad to see the river which is giving the community joy and pride, drying up. He continued that the people of the community were not happy over the development, and they believe the river is drying and its fish were also dying because they because of the failure to hold the annual fishing festival for the past eight years now. He said “Every member of this community has strong attachment to River Matan Fada. As Argungu people, we see the river as our joy and pride. It has brought us fame and popularity throughout the country. Because of it people from different parts of the world come here every year to witness the fishing festival.” He said the authorities should find ways to see that the river is restored. “It is because of this river that we are known for our fishing festival, if it is allowed to dry up that will be the end of the great event.”