Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State has unveiled the official dates for the long-awaited Nwonyo International Fishing and Cultural Festival.
The declaration was made by the State Commissioner for Heritage and Ecotourism, Joseph Titus Nagombe, during a press briefing held in Jalingo, the state capital, yesterday.
Scheduled to occur on the 19th and 20th of April, 2024, the festival is set to take place in Ibi town, situated within the Ibi local government council of the State.
Governor Kefas urged the citizens of Taraba State, as well as Nigerians and international communities, to partake in the celebration of this historic event.
Highlighting the festival’s historical significance, Nagombe traced its roots back to 1816 at the Nwonyo Lake in Ibi.
He emphasized its stature as one of West Africa’s largest Fishing and Cultural Festivals, noting its absence from the state since 2010.
Governor Agbu Kefas, renowned for his commitment to the state’s tourism potential, was said to have spearheaded the revival of the festival, recognizing its pivotal role in preserving cultural heritage and fostering unity among the people of Taraba State.
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Explaining the etymology of “Nwonyo,” Nagombe revealed that it is a Jukun word denoting a lake inhabited by dangerous animals such as crocodiles, hippopotamuses, and various fish species.
He underscored the lake’s historical significance, diligently preserved by the people of Ibi as a prominent tourist destination.
To ensure the success of the event, Governor Kefas has established a high-powered committee chaired by the State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Aminu Abdullahi Alkali. The commissioner announced.
Additionally, the State government, according to the commissioner, has reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with security agencies to guarantee the safety of attendees and their properties throughout the festival.
