Tag: Festival

The 2026 edition of the Argungu International Fishing Festival delivered exactly what it has promised for decades;  spectacle, heritage, and a winner whose name will now be etched into the festival’s modern history.

This year, that name is Mayama Abubakar Usman.

Competing alongside hundreds of fishermen in Argungu, Usman secured first place after landing a massive 59-kilogram fish, a catch heavier than a standard bag of cement and the defining image of this year’s competition.

Representing Maiyama Local Government Area in Kebbi State, Usman’s 59kg catch stood unmatched at the final weigh-in.

His reward reflected the scale of the achievement: ₦1 million in cash, Two brand-new cars and Official recognition as the 2026 champion.

The moment he hoisted the giant fish before cheering spectators quickly became the standout visual of the festival; a reminder of why Argungu remains one of Africa’s most iconic cultural sporting events.

The festival was attended by President Bola Tinubu, alongside state officials, traditional rulers, and thousands of visitors.

In a development that drew public attention, the first, second, and third-place fish were presented to the President during the ceremony. Event coverage indicated that the fish were to be handed over to Her Excellency, Remi Tinubu, to prepare what was described as “a special meal.”

While the winners retained their official prizes, the ceremonial presentation of the top fish added a symbolic layer to the event; blending sport, state presence, and cultural celebration.

The Argungu International Fishing Festival is not just about who catches the biggest fish. It is a longstanding cultural showcase that highlights northern Nigeria’s riverine traditions, boosts tourism in Kebbi State, and reinforces community identity.

For Mayama Abubakar Usman, it was a personal victory. For Argungu, it was another chapter in a tradition that refuses to fade.

Kebbi State is set to welcome visitors from across Nigeria and the world as preparations intensify for the 2026 Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival. Slated to take place from February 11 to 14, 2026, this iconic festival promises to be a celebration of tradition, culture, and community, offering a vibrant showcase of Nigeria’s heritage to global audiences.

A Historic Celebration of Culture and Fishing

The Argungu Festival, held annually in the historic town of Argungu, is one of Nigeria’s most famous cultural events. Recognized by UNESCO on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the festival has grown from a local fishing competition into an international tourism and cultural event.

Central to the festival is the bare-hand fishing competition held in the Matan Fada River, where skilled fishermen race against time to catch the largest fish without nets or hooks. The competition, however, is just one element of a broader cultural celebration. Visitors can also expect:

• Canoe races and water sports, showcasing the agility and teamwork of local participants.
• Traditional music and dance, featuring performers in vibrant cultural attire.
• Wrestling, boxing, and other athletic displays, reflecting the competitive spirit of the local communities.
• Agricultural and trade exhibitions, highlighting Kebbi State’s farming innovations and local products.

For the 2026 edition, the Kebbi State Government has set ambitious plans to position the festival as a hub for tourism, culture, and investment. The Kebbi Investment Promotion Agency (KIPA) is leading the preparations, working on logistics, accommodation, security, and promotion to ensure the festival meets international standards.

Federal agencies, including the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), and the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), have pledged support for the event. Their involvement aims to not only attract tourists but also to foster economic growth and cultural exchange.

Visitors attending the 2026 festival can anticipate four days of excitement and cultural immersion. Each day is expected to be packed with activities, from early morning fishing competitions to evening concerts and cultural displays. The festival also serves as a platform for entrepreneurs, artisans, and local farmers to showcase their products to a diverse audience, creating opportunities for trade and collaboration.

For Kebbi State, the festival is also a strategic tool for economic development. Tourism, hospitality, and local businesses all experience a surge during the festival, while the global spotlight helps attract investment in agriculture, trade, and cultural initiatives.

Each year, the city of Port Harcourt transforms into a colourful playground of taste, sound, and street-style celebration and it’s all thanks to the Bole Festival. What started as a small food fair in 2016 has become one of Nigeria’s most anticipated cultural events. And in 2025, the Bole Festival returns even bigger, brighter, and bolder.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a long-time attendee, here’s everything you need to know about the 2025 edition of the Port Harcourt Bole Festival — from the food and music to the cultural vibes and commercial impact.

When and Where?

The 2025 Bole Festival is set to take place on August 30–31 at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Elekahia, Port Harcourt — a venue now synonymous with the Bole spirit. With over 35,000 guests expected, the stadium will once again become a hub of culinary explosions, music stages, art zones, and vendor booths.

The Food: Bole and Beyond

At the heart of the festival is Bole — roasted plantain, often served with spicy pepper sauce, roasted fish, yam, or potatoes. But the food lineup doesn’t stop there. You’ll find:
– Creative twists on bole — think plantain tacos, bole burgers, grilled suya wraps
– Local delicacies — from Rivers-style native soup to ukodo and nkwobi
– Snacks & sweets — chin chin, puff puff, local candy, palm wine
– Refreshing drinks — zobo cocktails, chapman, and cold brews
Whether you’re a foodie or a curious explorer, the Bole Festival offers a plate (or two) for everyone.

The Music: Live Vibes and Amapiano Heat

In true Port Harcourt fashion, music at the BolèFestival is loud, live, and unapologetically Nigerian. Over the years, stars like Ruger, Cavemen, and Nasboihave graced the stage. For 2025, expect:
– Top-tier Nigerian artists
– Rising Port Harcourt talents
– Live bands & DJs
– Dance battles and crowd contests
From Afrobeats to Amapiano, and highlife to street hop — the energy never dips.

The Culture & Commerce: More Than Just a Festival

Beyond food and music, the Bolè Festival has evolved into a cultural marketplace — a place where commerce meets creativity:

• 100+ Small Vendors: Food vendors, artisans, clothing brands, skincare startups, and creatives showcase and sell their work.
• Cultural Showcases: Indigenous dance troupes, street artists, spoken word poets, and fashion parades.
• Community Vibes: Face painting, body art, kids’ games, DIY crafts, and local folklore storytelling.
• Corporate Brand Experiences: From branded chill zones to drink lounges and interactive games hosted by sponsors like MTN, Tecno, La Casera, and Budweiser.

It’s a one-stop shop for expression, entrepreneurship, and entertainment.

What Should You Wear?

Come as you are, but come to slay. Expect to see streetwear drip, bold Ankara fits, and plenty of fashion statements. The Bolè Festival is an open runway — and Port Harcourt always delivers style with substance.

The Bolè Festival is more than just a food event — it’s a celebration of Southern Nigerian identity. It shines a spotlight on Port Harcourt’s vibrant street culture, supports local businesses, gives small vendors a platform to thrive, and offers youth an inclusive space to express themselves through food, fashion, music, and art.

In a country full of festivals, the Bolè Festival has carved its own lane — authentic, energetic, and proudly rooted in local flavour.

Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) has announced dates for the 2024 GTCO “Food and Drink Festival,” which is scheduled to take place from Friday, April 26 to Sunday, April 28 at its GTCentre, Oniru, Victoria Island, Lagos. The countdown to the Seventh (7th) edition of the much anticipated culinary festival in Nigeria and Africa at large has begun.
The GTCO Food and Drink Festival is widely regarded as the largest food and drink festival on the continent, bringing millions of food enthusiasts and entrepreneurs in a dynamic celebration of flavours, scents, and cultures that honour Africa’s rich and varied culinary tradition.

Through the duration of the three days, guests will be treated to a wide variety of delicious culinary services, ranging from creative global fusion cuisines to classic African food. The festival will also have hundreds of food entrepreneurs displaying an extensive variety of appetizing goods, live culinary demos, and tasting sessions.

Talking about the 2024 GTCO Food and Drink Festival, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, Segun Agbaje, said, “We are delighted to bring to our customers, exhibitors, and food lovers from across Africa and beyond, another edition of an event that is a celebration of not just food, but of the rich tapestry of cultures and traditions that make African cuisine so unique. Our vision for curating this consumer-focused event is unchanging, particularly in light of the pressures that individuals and businesses are facing at this time. We hope to consistently create memorable moments for everyone, whilst providing a free, vibrant, and commercially viable platform for small food businesses in Nigeria to grow and thrive.”

The GTCO Food and Drink Festival is widely recognized for its family-friendly atmosphere in addition to its gastronomic options. The festival will be a memorable occasion for the whole family thanks to the organizers’ careful selection of kid-friendly events this year. The little ones will be occupied with games, interactive displays, and other activities in a specially created play area. A brand-new, exciting addition to the fair will be a children’s baking workshop. This will provide young, budding cooks a fantastic chance to learn about the pleasures of baking while also encouraging their creativity and self-assurance in the kitchen. In an enjoyable and encouraging setting, kids can let out their inner chef and learn essential cooking skills by creating their own special delicacies or decorating cupcakes and more.