More than 50,000 fishermen on Saturday surged into the historic Matan Fada River in Argungu ahead of the scheduled arrival of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Grand Finale of the 2026 Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival (AIFCF).
The development disrupted the established ceremonial protocol as the enthusiastic fishermen, dressed in traditional fishing attire and armed with nets and calabashes, entered the water in anticipation of the much-anticipated fishing competition.
Some of the competing fishermen had been anxiously waiting at a stipulated competition stand point since 5:00a.m.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that as at the time of filing this report (12:45p.m.), Mr President, alongside Gov. Nasir Idris of Kebbi and other high-profile dignitaries, are still being awaited at the grand finale at the Matan Fada River.
According to the programme of event, Grand Fishing and Distribution of Prizes are supposed to commence from 8:00a.m to 2:00p.m.
NAN reports that efforts by security personnel and festival officials to manage the situation were unsuccessful, as the fishermen had already commenced the competition before the arrival of the special guests.
NAN further reports that, notwithstanding the absence of the President and other key dignitaries, the festival proceeded with the traditional fishing contest amid amazement from thousands of spectators who thronged the riverbank.
The 61st edition of the Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival attracted participants and tourists from across Nigeria and neighbouring countries, reinforcing its reputation as one of Africa’s leading cultural tourism events.
Dignitaries expected at the event included senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional rulers and captains of industry.
