Under the leadership of Dr. Agbu Kefas and the Taraba State government, the well-known Nwonyo International Fishing and Cultural Festival successfully returned to action after a fourteen-year hiatus. At the gorgeous Lake Nwonyo in the Ibi local government of Taraba State, the festival officially kicked off on Friday, 19 April 2024, with a grand opening ceremony.
As he addressed the festival attendees, Dr. Agbu Kefas praised the spectacular display of the state’s natural beauty, which is now being displayed to the rest of the globe. Reiterating his administration’s continuous dedication to promoting justice, harmony, and togetherness for the betterment of all, the governor cited the festival’s long and illustrious history as evidence of his devotion.
Governor Kefas expressed his confidence that the festival would strengthen relationships among the people and provide a secure environment for possible investors. He expressed his optimism about the festival. The Governor of Adamawa State, His Excellency Umaru Fintiri, took the opportunity to attend the event as the special guest of honour. He expressed his gratitude to the government and people of Taraba State for their efforts to preserve the state’s rich cultural legacy through the festival. To employ the event as a driving force for development, he promised that his administration would work with the state of Taraba.
To lure investors to the state, Governor Fintiri challenged the festival organisers, urging them to add events that raise awareness about agriculture, health, and economic empowerment. As Chairman of the event, Retired General TY Danjuma brought attention to the role that the Nwonyo International Fishing and Cultural Festival plays in promoting intercommunal harmony and understanding. In addition to highlighting the importance of maintaining calm throughout the state, he emphasised the necessity of continuously enhancing the festival to conform to worldwide standards.
In light of the ongoing insecurity within the nation, General Danjuma emphasised the critical need to end abduction and banditry to ensure the nation’s general progress. Commissioner of Heritage and Ecotourism for the State, Nagombe Joseph Titus, emphasised the ministry’s commitment to leading the way in developing Taraba’s tourism industry per Governor AgbuKefas’s vision.
The Nwonyo International Fishing and Cultural Festival in Ibi, which attracted more participants and spectators from far-flung locations, ended on the festival’s second day. A remarkable accomplishment brought the celebration to its zenith: Mallam Hudu Yakubu, while participating in the competitive fishing segment, reeled in the largest catch of the festival, a fish that weighed an astounding 170 kilogrammes.
At the culmination of the 2024 edition, which took place on Saturday, participants competed in intense fishing competitions that ultimately led to this historic achievement. Immediately after that, the second-largest catch was a fish weighing 150 kilogrammes, while the third-place winner brought home an astounding 120 kilogrammes of fish.
The person who came in third place was given a grinding machine as a gift, while the winner was given a vehicle as a reward for their outstanding achievement. The runner-up was given a motorcycle. Furthermore, prizes were presented to the champions of the numerous festival competitions.
Boat regattas and swimming competitions were among the many activities available at the event. On the eve of the competition’s beginning, HRM Dr. Ishaku Adda Ali, the Paramount Ruler of the Jukuns, offered a prayer for the event.
Notable people attended the event, including Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas and General TY Danjuma (Rtd.), chairman of the occasion, who contributed to the festival’s already impressive reputation.
H.E. Alhaji Aminu Alkali, the Deputy Governor of Taraba State, Senators Haruna Manu, Jimkuta, and Shuabu Isa Lau, Representative Members The Honourable Mark Useni, Honourable Ayuba Zaku, Honourable David Fuoh, Honourable Sadiq Abbas Tafida, and Honourable Danladi Baido Tijos, a former member of the House of Representatives, were among the notable individuals who attended the event. It was also present that the Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, the Right Honourable Kizito Bonzena, and all of the Taraba State Commissioners were there.
Representatives from the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Art, Culture, and Critical Economy were among the influential individuals from the tourist industry who attended the event. Among those who attended was the Rivers State Commissioner of Tourism. They thanked Governor Kefas for reviving the Nwonyo International Fishing and Cultural Festival and highlighting its impact on preserving the state’s cultural legacy during the event.
Ambassador Humphrey Joseph of the Embassy of the Republic of Namibia in Nigeria was also present at the event. He is proud of the festival’s accomplishments and optimistic about its potential to become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the nation in the years to come. To aid the growth and development of both parties, he reiterates Namibia’s desire to work together with Taraba State, offering assistance in the form of sharing ideas and skills.
During the festival, attendees were captivated by the riveting performances by the Taraba State Cultural Troupe and various other cultural organisations.
