- Kefas described the festival as an important avenue for preserving cultural traditions, fostering unity
- The celebration featured a vibrant boat regatta, with beautifully adorned canoes showcasing the heritage of local communities
- He noted that his government is intentionally repositioning Taraba as a leading hub for tourism
Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, on Saturday reiterated his administration’s dedication to advancing tourism and reviving cultural heritage as the 2026 Nwonyo International Fishing Festival drew prominent guests from within Nigeria and abroad.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the event, held at the renowned Nwonyo Lake in Ibi Local Government Area, was attended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa.
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Dignitaries present also included Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, as well as other notable personalities and visitors from different parts of the country and beyond.
Addressing attendees, Kefas described the festival as an important avenue for preserving cultural traditions, fostering unity, and stimulating economic development.
He noted that his government is intentionally repositioning Taraba as a leading hub for tourism and investment through consistent cultural promotion.
The celebration featured a vibrant boat regatta, with beautifully adorned canoes showcasing the heritage of local communities. In the fishing contest, the largest catch weighed 55.6 kilograms.
Winners of the competition received cash prizes of N10 million, N3 million, and N2 million respectively, a gesture the governor said was designed to support participants and encourage greater community participation.
Kefas also revealed that steps are being taken to secure UNESCO recognition for the festival, which he believes will boost its international profile and attract more visitors.
He reaffirmed that Taraba is secure and welcoming to investors, adding that his administration remains focused on improving infrastructure, ensuring safety, and promoting culture to elevate the state’s standing.
According to him, ongoing efforts are aimed at restoring Taraba’s pride and positioning it as a key destination on the global tourism map, while leveraging festivals as tools for development and community engagement.
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