The Great Argungu Fishing Festival Holds Again in Nigeria

- By Nneka Egbuna.

There was a time in Nigeria when looking out for festivals and tourist destinations were the order of the day. A time when the excitement to travel, visit and experience the beauty of Nigerian cultures, was the norm. A time before the 2009 insurgent attacks that the present generation - GenZ and GenAlpha - can only discover in stories, books, films or social media.

Such a time was when Kebbi State's Argungu festival was held annually. After some years of hiatus due to attacks, last week, the festival kicked off again. More than showcasing Kebbi's rich tradition and cultural heritage, the festival is also said to be a symbol of unity and peace, marking the historic peace treaty between the Sokoto Caliphate and Argungu emirate in the 1930s. It boosts local economies through tourism and fishing trade, attracting visitors from Nigeria and beyond. Hopefully it has come to stay.

I miss the way things were in the past. Terrorism has dealt a huge blow on Nigeria's tourism potential. I hope for peace and security and a time when the numerous festivals will be revived and more people can travel, visit and experience these cultures without the fear of losing their lives.

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