Events
59-Kilogram Monster Fish Steals the Show at Argungu International Fishing Festival
A 59-kilogram giant fish caught by local fisherman Abubakar Usman stole the spotlight at the 61st edition of the Argungu International Fishing Festival, which returned this year after a six-year hiatus due to insecurity in northwestern Nigeria.
Thousands of spectators, including women, children, and tourists from neighboring West African countries like Niger, Chad, and Togo, braved the scorching 39°C heat to witness the cultural extravaganza at the Matan Fada River. Fishermen competed using traditional round gourds, nets, and bare hands, trying to catch the biggest fish in murky waters while hundreds of spectators lined the riverbank cheering on the participants.
Historic Catch
Usman, from Maiyama Local Government Area, emerged victorious with the record-breaking 59-kg catch during the main competition. His haul earned him two brand-new saloon cars and a ₦1 million cash prize (approximately $739).
Second place went to Abdullahi Garba of Argungu with a 40-kg fish, while Nasir Garba and another contestant tied for third place with 33-kg catches each. Runners-up also received cash and material prizes, highlighting the festival’s spirit of celebration and competition.
A Festival with Deep Roots
The Argungu Festival, which began in 1934 under the traditional ruler of Argungu, Mohammed Sama, was originally intended to mark the end of a century-long hostility between the Kebbi Kingdom and the Sokoto Caliphate. Over the decades, it has grown into one of Nigeria’s most prominent cultural events, drawing international tourists and symbolizing unity, heritage, and local traditions.
The festival featured not only fishing but also traditional wrestling, cultural dances, music performances, and exhibitions of local crafts, creating a multi-day celebration of northern Nigerian culture.
Presidential Visit and Political Pageantry
President Bola Tinubu formally declared the festival open during his visit to Kebbi State, commissioning projects in the state capital, Birnin Kebbi. His visit coincided with the annual event, and the streets leading to the river arena were adorned with campaign billboards for both the president and Kebbi Governor Mohammed Nasir Idris, while supporters in blue T-shirts danced and drummed to celebrate their leaders.
Despite a false start around midday, contestants plunged into the river and resumed the competition once the president arrived two hours later, showing their dedication to the event and its traditions.
Cultural and Regional Significance
For the Emir of Argungu, Al-Hajji Samaila Mohammed Mera, hosting the festival this year was a triumph amid regional security challenges, including sporadic attacks attributed to militant groups. Visitors like Adeniyi Olugbemii, 56, from Sokoto, and Rukaya Ismaila, 23, from Kogi State, praised the festival for its rich cultural displays and the cooperative spirit among competitors.
The Argungu International Fishing Festival remains a unique blend of sport, culture, and tourism, highlighting Nigeria’s heritage while attracting local and international attention, with Usman’s record catch becoming the unforgettable highlight of this year’s return.
Follow BONA NAIJA for more
Events
PHOTOS:Selena Gomez Stuns in Ralph Lauren Wedding Gown as She Marries Benny Blanco
Singer-actress Selena Gomez and music producer Benny Blanco were married on September 27, 2025, in a private outdoor ceremony in California, the couple announced via social media.
The nuptials were held at a secluded estate in Santa Barbara County, attended by a close circle of family and celebrity guests, including Taylor Swift, Martin Short, Steve Martin and Ed Sheeran.
Gomez wore a custom Ralph Lauren bridal gown, and Blanco was outfitted in a classic black tuxedo from the same designer.
Gomez and Blanco’s romantic relationship evolved from their long-standing professional collaboration: they first worked together in 2015 and went public with their romance in late 2023. Blanco proposed in December 2024.
In her social media announcement, Gomez shared a series of Polaroid-style images capturing moments from the ceremony, including an intimate embrace and the couple’s first dance. Blanco commented under the post, “My wife in real life.”
PHOTOS Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco




Entertainment
VIDEO: AYRA STARR & REMA SHUT DOWN GLOBAL CITIZEN FESTIVAL 2025
Lagos to the world! Last night, Global Citizen Festival turned into an Afrobeats takeover when Ayra Starr pulled the ultimate surprise bringing out Rema mid set.
The crowd LOST it as the duo lit up the stage with an electrifying performance of Rema’s mega-hit “Calm Down.”
Fans sang every lyric, phones shot up in the air, and social media went WILD, instantly crowning the pair as the night’s highlight.
Fashion? On point. Energy? Unmatched. Chemistry?
Ayra and Rema didn’t just perform… they OWNED the festival. X formerly Twitter and Instagram are already dubbing it the Afrobeats shut-down of the year.
One fan screamed: “This is history! Afrobeats is running the world now!!”
Another joked: “At this point, Global Citizen should just rename it Global Afrobeats Festival.”
No lies detected. With moments like these, Ayra Starr and Rema are proving they’re not just stars they’re GLOBAL icons.
Watch Videos
Africa
Senator Sadiq Umar Calls on Youths to Lead Africa’s Trade Revolution at 2025 JCI AMESA Summit
Abuja, Nigeria – Senator Sadiq Suleiman Umar, representing Kwara North Senatorial District and Chairman of the Senate Committees on Trade & Investment and Rules & Business, has urged young Africans to take the lead in driving the continent’s trade and investment future under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

Delivering the keynote address at the 2025 Africa and Middle East Senate Association (AMESA) Summit hosted by Junior Chamber International (JCI) in Abuja, Senator Umar commended JCI’s global role in raising leaders and promoting active citizenship.
He emphasized Africa’s demographic advantage, stating:
“With 1.4 billion people and 60% under the age of 25, Africa holds the key to the future of global trade and innovation.”
Referencing World Bank statistics, Umar highlighted that AfCFTA could lift 30 million Africans out of poverty and increase incomes by $450 billion by 2035, provided countries commit to cross-border collaboration, trade missions, and youth-driven entrepreneurship.
On Nigeria’s role, he described the nation as a “gateway for investment and innovation”, citing its 220 million population, dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem, and recent policy reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
He further noted that Nigeria’s fintech sector has attracted over $2 billion in foreign investment within the last five years.
The Senator urged African governments and businesses to prioritize agriculture, renewable energy, digital trade, and infrastructure, stressing that trade must be viewed beyond goods and services.
“Trade is not just about goods and services; it is about the movement of ideas, opportunities, and hope,” he declared.
Senator Umar closed by reaffirming the Nigerian Legislature’s commitment to policies that unlock Africa’s untapped potential, challenging young Africans to lead with integrity, innovation, and service.
THE JCI AMESA SUMMIT – WAZOBIA 2025
The Junior Chamber International (JCI) Africa and Middle East Senate Association (AMESA) Summit 2025 officially opened in Abuja, bringing together leaders and changemakers from across the continent and beyond.
The four-day summit, themed “Rediscovering Africa’s Untapped Potential Through Regional Collaboration & Partnerships,” runs from September 18 to 21, 2025.
Organizers say AMESA 2025 promises to be a transformative event, serving as a platform for influential figures to drive progress, explore opportunities, and shape the future of Africa and the Middle East through united efforts and strategic cooperation.
Throughout the summit, participants will engage in dynamic discussions, exchange best practices, and build actionable frameworks aimed at fostering sustainable development, regional integration, and stronger partnerships.
By the end of the gathering, stakeholders are expected to outline a collaborative blueprint to unlock growth and innovation across Africa and the Middle East.
PHOTOS FROM THR OPENING CEREMONY
Events
Asake Announces “M$ney” African Tour Kicking Off This December
Nigerian Afrobeats star Asake has officially announced his highly anticipated “M$ney” African Tour, set to begin this December 2025.
So far, three cities have been confirmed: Lagos (Nigeria), Nairobi (Kenya), and Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire), with organizers teasing that more dates and destinations will be unveiled in the coming weeks.
The “M$ney” tour marks Asake’s return to the African concert circuit after a string of international performances that solidified his status as one of Afrobeats’ fastest-rising global voices. Known for his energetic stage presence and chart-topping hits, fans are already buzzing in anticipation.
While the exact venues and ticket sales information have yet to be released, industry insiders suggest that the shows will feature a blend of Asake’s biggest records, live collaborations, and surprise guest appearances.

The tour announcement comes on the heels of Asake’s continued dominance on streaming platforms, with his unique fusion of Afro-fusion, amapiano, and street-inspired sounds resonating across continents.
Fans are advised to stay tuned to his official channels for full tour details, ticketing updates, and additional city announcements.
Most Popular
Follow BONA NAIJA for more
Entertainment
VIDEO: Mohbad Fan Allegedly Storms Stage to Confront Naira Marley at Benin Republic Concert
Nigerian Afrobeats singer Naira Marley faced a tense moment during his concert in Benin Republic when an angry fan stormed the stage in what appeared to be an attempted attack.
Eyewitnesses said the fan, believed to be a supporter of the late singer Mohbad, rushed at Marley mid-performance before security quickly intervened. The incident briefly disrupted the show but Marley later returned to continue his set.
The intrusion has reignited public debate over Marley’s alleged involvement in Mohbad’s death in 2023. Although Marley was cleared in court of accusations linking him to the tragedy, the episode underscores lingering anger among some fans who remain unconvinced of his innocence.
Mohbad, a former signee of Marley’s Marlian Music label, died under controversial circumstances in September 2023. His death sparked nationwide protests and widespread accusations of abuse and intimidation within the industry.
Saturday’s concert clash highlights the ongoing tensions between Marley’s supporters and Mohbad’s loyal fan base, two years after the late singer’s passing.
However Naira Marly posted the video on his X handle clarifying that he was never attacked rather that the fan was aggressive.
Follow BONA NAIJA for more
-
Feature2 weeks agoHow Gospel Singer Ifunanya Nwangene Died After Snake Bite in Abuja
-
Sports3 weeks agoChampions League: Full List of Teams Qualified for Round of 16 and Knockout Phase
-
Entertainment3 weeks agoIShowSpeed Wraps 28-Day Africa Tour Across 20 Countries
-
News2 weeks agoWORO MASSACRE: Emir’s Wives, Children, Chief Imam, Teachers, Students Slaughtered as Terrorists Overrun Kwara Town
-
Music News3 weeks agoOmah Lay Celebrates First Grammy Nomination with Davido on ‘With You’
-
Music3 weeks agoLekaa Beats Drops “ANGELS” Featuring Omah Lay and Odumodublvck
-
News3 weeks agoVIDEO: Pastor Adeboye Dedicates Lavish Mansion for Ex-PDP Chairman Uche Secondus
-
Entertainment2 weeks agoTonto Dikeh and Ex-Husband Churchill Reunite with Son at Pastor Jerry Eze’s Home
-
Entertainment3 weeks agoGhanaian Pilot Saves IShowSpeed from Helicopter Accident During Ghana Visit
-
Business1 week agoFirst Bank Vs Nestoil: Igbo Community Stakeholders Raise Concern Over Commercial Disputes in Lagos













