Fishermen in Matan Fada StreamThe Argungu Fishing Festival is the culmination of a four-day cultural event in the north-western Nigerian state of Kebbi. Thousands of fishermen line up, like an ancient army, carrying their traditional nets and gourds into the muddy Matan Fada stream, in teams of two; one carrying gourds to help them float, the other with a fishing net in each hand. They begin to scour the waters for huge freshwater fish. At the sound of a gun, they pound towards the narrow river and leap into the water. They have just one hour to catch the biggest fish.
Fishermen racing into the waterTheir brown and white hand nets flap over the waters of this tributary of the
Fishermen grasp a slippery 1.2-metre
The Matan Fada river is small, but it is well stocked. Fishermen only come here once a year on the day of the festival. The competitors stagger up the stone steps to have their fish tagged and weighed. At stake is a brand new bus and one million Naira ($7,500, £4,000).
A man lies on his calabash used for flotation and fish storageHundreds of state and federal government officials, including the guest of honour, President Olusegun Obasanjo, turned up for the event.
A prime catch
Photos by the New Gong
The annual Argungu fishing festival is an event which
The festival has already benefited the local economy in Kebi State.
A noisy night market operates throughout the event - which includes donkey and camel racing and water sports.
More Information
Kebi StateNigeria Fishing Festival
EmoticonEmoticon