Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas has announced plans to inaugurate a high-powered committee aimed at revitalizing the renowned Nwonyo Fishing Festival. This initiative, set to be spearheaded by his second-in-command, will encompass influential figures from Southern Taraba, underscoring the governor’s dedication to resurrecting this cultural extravaganza.
The governor’s emphasis on the festival’s revival aligns with its significant potential to resonate with global tourism enthusiasts. Its resurgence promises to reposition Taraba State on the international tourism map. Regarded as one of the continent’s most prominent events, the Nwonyo festival historically drew massive crowds to the banks of Ibi city, attracting visitors not just from across Nigeria but worldwide.
The festival’s cultural and economic significance extends beyond its sheer scale. For Governor Kefas, the event holds personal sentiment, tied to nostalgic memories of the River Ibi. This mighty tributary of the River Niger symbolized more than a source of sustenance; it encapsulated the essence of community, childhood joy, and the lifeline connecting locals to distant educational opportunities and economic activities in Zaria, Jos, and beyond.
Despite its gradual decline due to various factors, Governor Agbu Kefas’s proactive approach signals a resolute effort to breathe life back into this historical celebration. The revival aims to rekindle the lost glory and reawaken the nostalgia associated with the internationally acclaimed Nwonyo Fishing Festival, fostering a resurgence of cultural pride and economic prosperity for Taraba State.
