Reporting by Channels TV on February 14, 2026, indicates that the historic Argungu International Fishing Festival has officially commenced in Kebbi State. The festival, which had seen intermittent pauses in previous years due to security and logistics, returned with a grand opening ceremony attended by traditional rulers and international tourists.
The event features various cultural competitions, including the famous grand fishing contest where thousands of fishermen dive into the Matan Fada River to catch the largest fish using traditional nets. The Governor of Kebbi State, during the opening, highlighted the festival’s role in promoting peace, unity, and the state’s potential as a premier destination for cultural tourism in West Africa.
Further validation from Vanguard and Daily Trust showcases the economic impact on the region. Vanguard noted that “hotels in Argungu and Birnin Kebbi are fully booked for the four-day event,” while Daily Trust quoted a festival organizer: “This year’s edition is the largest in a decade, showcasing the best of Kebbi’s hospitality and heritage.”
Echotitbits take: Beyond the cultural spectacle, the Argungu festival is a major boost for the local economy and a sign of improved security in the Northwest. The success of this event could encourage the return of other dormant cultural festivals across Nigeria.
Source: Channels TV – https://www.channelstv.com/2026/02/12/photos-argungu-international-fishing-festival-kicks-off-in-kebbi/, February 14, 2026
Photo credit: Channels TV
Tag: Kebbi State
-
Argungu International Fishing Festival Kicks Off in Kebbi State
-
Schools Reopen in Kebbi and Kwara After Successful Security Review
Reporting by The Punch indicates that the governments of Kebbi and Kwara states have ordered the reopening of several public schools that were previously shut down due to banditry threats. The decision follows a ‘successful security review’ and the deployment of the ‘Safe Schools Initiative’ guards in vulnerable border communities. Parents have been urged to return their children to classes as the new academic term begins.
In Kebbi, where students were recently abducted from a federal college, the government has built new perimeter fences and installed solar-powered CCTV cameras in several boarding schools. In Kwara, the reopening is focused on the northern districts where ‘bandit incursions’ from neighboring states had caused a temporary halt in educational activities late last year.
Further reporting from Channels TV and Daily Post validates the resumption. Channels TV reported that ‘local vigilantes have been integrated into the school security architecture,’ while Daily Post quoted a Kebbi educator: ‘The children have lost too much time; we are happy to have them back.’
Echotitbits take: Reopening schools is a major ‘psychological victory’ against bandits. However, ‘perimeter fences’ are only as good as the response team that monitors them. The real test will be whether the government can sustain the funding for these security guards beyond the first few months of the term.
Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/kwara-directs-school-to-reopen-monday/ January 5, 2026Photo Credit: The Punch