标签： Africa

Northern Nigeria witnessed the spectacular revival of its renowned Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival last weekend, marking the event’s triumphant return following a six-year suspension due to pandemic restrictions and security challenges. Tens of thousands of participants and spectators gathered along the banks of the Matan Fada River in Kebbi State, where the ancient fishing competition resumed with unprecedented enthusiasm.

The festival commenced with traditional ceremonies presided over by the Sarkin Ruwan (Custodian of the River), who performed sacred rituals to bless the waters and participants. Drummers from the Kabawa ethnic group established the rhythmic backdrop as fishermen positioned themselves along the riverbanks, their nets poised for the signal to begin.

This year’s event gained particular significance with the attendance of President Bola Tinubu, highlighting the government’s endorsement of cultural preservation and regional stability. The main fishing competition saw participants plunging into the river with large gourds serving as both buoyancy aids and containers for their catch. Fishermen navigated chest-deep waters, dragging nets along the riverbed in pursuit of the largest specimens.

The competition culminated in an extraordinary catch—a massive croaker fish weighing 59 kilograms (130 pounds) secured by the grand prize winner, who received two automobiles and 1 million naira (approximately $740) in prize money. Judges meticulously weighed and verified each catch on traditional scales, with numerous other substantial fish being presented throughout the competition.

Beyond the primary fishing event, the four-day festival featured diverse cultural activities including traditional archery, dambe (a indigenous combat sport where fighters wrap rope around their striking hand), wild duck-catching competitions, and bare-handed fishing demonstrations by younger participants. The event also showcased vibrant musical performances that echoed throughout the celebration grounds.

With historical roots extending back a century, the Argungu Festival formally began in 1934 as a peace-building initiative between the Kebbi Kingdom and Sokoto Caliphate. UNESCO has recognized the festival as an intangible cultural heritage event, attracting international visitors from neighboring countries and beyond. Local organizers emphasized the festival’s role in promoting cross-cultural understanding and celebrating northern Nigeria’s rich traditions.

Dubai authorities have imposed a substantial 50,000-dirham vehicle impound release fee following the interception of minors operating a recreational motorbike on public thoroughfares. The incident, occurring this week, prompted immediate intervention from traffic patrols to safeguard both the young riders and other road users.

Major-General Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei, Assistant Commander in Chief for Operations Affairs at Dubai Police, confirmed the guardian’s subsequent summons and the motorcycle’s confiscation. The supervising adult reportedly pleaded ignorance of traffic regulations, though officials emphasized this defense holds no legal validity.

Legal proceedings have been initiated under Wadeema’s Law, legislation specifically criminalizing actions that expose children to hazardous situations or compromise their physical and psychological welfare. The statute explicitly prohibits guardians from permitting minors to engage in activities threatening their safety.

Al Mazrouei elaborated on the grave risks involved, noting children’s developmental limitations in navigating complex traffic environments. Their typically underdeveloped physical coordination, risk assessment capabilities, and emergency response mechanisms create potentially fatal scenarios when operating vehicles among regular traffic.

Authorities clarified that recreational motorcycles are strictly designated for controlled, enclosed areas with professional supervision—not public roads shared with commercial and passenger vehicles. The police statement urged parents to uphold their legal and ethical obligations through vigilant supervision and adherence to licensing age requirements.

The case has reignited public awareness campaigns about parental responsibilities, with officials reminding communities that child protection constitutes a collective societal duty originating within households. Dubai Police encourage citizens to report similar endangerment incidents via their 901 call center or through the Police Eye digital service.

This enforcement action aligns with broader regional road safety initiatives, following recent advisories about e-scooter restrictions in educational zones and warnings after seven motorbike accidents injured nine individuals in Abu Dhabi.

Dubai-based Indian philanthropist Firoz Merchant has transformed thousands of lives through his extensive humanitarian initiatives, primarily focused on releasing debt-ridden prisoners across the UAE. Since launching his mission in 2008, Merchant has secured the freedom of over 20,000 inmates who were detained primarily due to financial constraints rather than criminal behavior.

The humanitarian effort operates year-round but gains significant momentum during Ramadan, a period Merchant describes as particularly blessed for charitable work. During the current holy month, his foundation has already facilitated the release of 497 prisoners, with additional cases being processed. The program operates in coordination with UAE authorities and in partnership with the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, ensuring structured and effective implementation.

Merchant’s approach addresses what he identifies as victims of circumstance—individuals who encountered financial difficulties and could not repay debts rather than hardened criminals. Beyond clearing financial obligations, his initiative frequently covers repatriation costs, providing complete rehabilitation for those released.

Expanding his philanthropic vision, Merchant is now directing significant resources toward supporting cancer patients struggling with astronomical treatment costs. Having previously contributed Dh1 million for dialysis treatments through the Dubai Charity Association, he now plans to allocate between Dh500,000 to Dh700,000 specifically for cancer care in 2026, potentially increasing to Dh1 million if necessary.

‘Treatment is prohibitively expensive,’ Merchant noted during an interview at his Jumeirah Lakes Towers office. ‘Many patients are elderly or children, and families often exhaust their savings before assistance can be arranged. I stand where the need is greatest, and currently that includes cancer patients who cannot afford treatment.’

Complementing these efforts, Merchant is undertaking an ambitious project to construct mosques across all seven emirates. The initiative includes a new facility in Dubai’s Al Furjan district—already permitted and awaiting construction—and projects in Fujairah’s Mohammed Bin Zayed City and Umm Al Quwain, where an older mosque from the 1970s will be replaced with a larger structure accommodating 1,000-1,200 worshippers.

The founder of Pure Gold Jewellers, which operates over 150 stores across 12 countries, attributes his philanthropic drive to gratitude toward the UAE. Merchant is documenting his journey from modest beginnings in Mumbai to international business success and humanitarian work in an upcoming book. His philosophy remains straightforward: ‘If someone returns home to their family because a debt was cleared, that is enough. If someone can continue treatment because we stepped in, that is enough. The rest is in Allah’s hands.’

Dubai prepares to host the fourth annual Sheroes festival from March 5-8, 2026, at Khaleej Times headquarters, celebrating International Women’s Day through an immersive program of artistic expression and leadership discourse. Organized by Funun Arts Group in partnership with Khaleej Times, the event embraces the global theme ‘Give to Gain’ by emphasizing knowledge sharing, creative collaboration, and mutual support as drivers of inclusive societal advancement.

The four-day program will showcase a meticulously curated art exhibition, live artistic demonstrations, thought-provoking panel discussions, and wellness sessions. This convergence of creative professionals, entrepreneurs, and intellectual leaders transforms Sheroes beyond a conventional event into a thriving cultural movement that honors female leadership while fostering cross-community cooperation.

Shiba Khan, Founder and Director of Funun Arts Group, articulated the philosophy behind the initiative: ‘Sheroes originates from the conviction that sharing knowledge, creativity, and encouragement generates an ecosystem where collective growth flourishes. The Give to Gain concept represents more than a theme—it embodies a mindset that enables individuals to elevate together.’

This collaboration between the UAE’s creative and media sectors demonstrates the powerful synergy possible when cultural organizations join forces with media platforms. Funun Arts Group, established by Shiba Khan and Farah Khan, has risen as a significant cultural force in the region, advocating for art as a vehicle for leadership development and social transformation.

The 2026 edition enjoys support from several prominent sponsors including 19AGH, Ahmed Al Maghribi, and The Green Revolution, further solidifying its position as a landmark event in the UAE’s cultural calendar.