By Janefrances Chibuzor
The revival of the Nwonyo Fishing Festival in Taraba State has drawn renewed regional interest, with leaders from Middle Belt states pledging support for tourism collaboration, following the successful staging of the cultural event at Nwonyo Lake in Ibi.
Speaking at the festival, former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Bako Lalong, who represented retired General Theophilus Danjuma, commended Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, for restoring the historic festival and pledged cooperation among Middle Belt states to strengthen tourism development across the region.
Lalong noted that the return of the festival reflects ongoing efforts to preserve cultural heritage and promote community unity, adding that regional collaboration could help expand tourism opportunities and economic activities tied to cultural assets.
“Our being here today to witness the Nwonyo Fishing Festival is a testimony to the preservation of our heritage”, Lalong said, adding that Middle Belt states were prepared to work with Taraba State on tourism initiatives that highlight cultural traditions and natural attractions.
The festival, held at its traditional ground near Nwonyo Lake in Ibi Local Government Area, attracted visitors from within Taraba State and beyond. The event featured fishing competitions, cultural displays and community gatherings that are traditionally associated with the festival.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was represented at the event by the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, while other dignitaries in attendance included representatives of regional and international governments.
Among the notable guests were Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell and representatives from Ghana, reflecting growing diplomatic and cultural interest in Nigeria’s heritage festivals.
Observers at the event noted that the revival of the Nwonyo Fishing Festival comes amid broader efforts by the Taraba State government to identify and document tourism sites across tho9e state. Officials say these efforts are aimed at preserving cultural heritage and encouraging sustainable development tied to tourism activities.
Community members described the return of the festival as significant for local identity and cultural continuity. The festival, historically regarded as one of the region’s major cultural gatherings, had experienced interruptions in previous years before its recent revival.
Stakeholders at the event emphasised the importance of maintaining traditional festivals as part of cultural preservation strategies, while also exploring partnerships that could support infrastructure and tourism growth within the Middle Belt region.
The renewed commitment by Middle Belt leaders to collaborate with Taraba State signals a possible shift toward stronger regional cooperation in tourism development, particularly through shared cultural events such as the Nwonyo Fishing Festival.
Janefrances Ebere Chibuzor is a Tourism Writer at THEWILL
