The Federal Government of Nigeria through the Ministry of Information and Culture and the Kebbi State Government have perfected plans to host the world in the 2020 edition of the Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival.
This was disclosed during the International Press Conference held for the event at NTA Arena, NTA Headquarters, Abuja on Tuesday.
The Minister for Information and Culture, Alh. Lai Mohammed expressed the happiness and readiness of the Federal Government and Kebbi State Government to hold a greater edition of the festival between Wednesday 7 and Saturday 11 March 2020.
Alhaji Mohammed, who described the festival as the oldest, dating back many centuries, noted that his Ministry would raise the profile of the festival.
He also disclosed the readiness of the Ministry to use both the traditional and new media to promote the festival.
The Minister then revealed the plans of the Ministry of Information and Culture to publish the Calendar of festivals in the country which, according to him, would help both local and foreign tourists to plan their trips tours.
Kebbi State Governor, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu assured participants in the festival of their safety and security, describing Kebbi as one of the safest states in the country.
Represented by the Chairman, Argungu Fishing Festival, Col. Sama’ila Yombe Dabai, mni, Governor Bagudu who noted that the festival, which dates back to before Nigeria’s independence started in honour of the visiting Sultan of Sokoto disclosed that everything has been put in place to ensure a grand outing for the event this year.
List of Activities for 2020 Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival
*Essay Writing Competition For Kebbi State Secondary Schools
*Seminar and World Press Conference
*International Catapult Competition
*International Archery Competition
*Horse Race
*Camel Race
*Donkey Race
*National Polo Tournament
*Interstate Cultural Display Competition
*Agricultural Show
*Agric Produce Quality Competition
*Goat Skinning Competition
*Tug of War
*Sarkim Noma (Best Farmer of the Year) Competition
*National Bicycle Rally Competition-Live Coverage Streaming
*International Traditional Boxing Championship: Heavy Weight & Light Weight
* International Traditional Wrestling Championship: Heavy Weight & Light Weight
*International & Selected International Artiste Dance Music Night Event
Others include:
Kabanci Display
*Men Bare Hand Fishing Competition
*Boys Bare Hand Fishing Competition
*Two Men Canoe Race
*Men Swiming with Clay Pots Balanced on their Heads
*Water Relays
*Swiming on Gourd
*Boys Canoe Race
*Diving Competition
*Save their Souls Competition
*Motor Rally Arrival
*Power Bike Race
*Kabi Grand Durbar
*Final State Competition: Cultural Dance, Music, Drama & Poetry
*Grand Fishing Event
*National Polo Tournament Finals
The Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival is considered a contributor to participant sense of identity and is also used as a means of maintaining peace between the Argungu and neighbouring Sokoto community by enjoying shared cultural practices together.
Knowledge passed on within participating chieftaincy-holding families by the Sarkin Ruwa (who manages the river’s sanitation levels) and Homa (chief of the Argungu fishermen) concerning the river’s water quality and fish stocks, has been an important factor in the festival’s continuity.
Skills involved in festival activities are transmitted to younger generations formally and informally. Training occurs, for example, via apprenticeship particularly in the case of specific fishing techniques or within families by demonstration.
