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From Sylvanus Viashima, Jalingo
The former Minister of Defence, Gen. Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (retd), has described the Nwonyo Fishing Festival in Taraba State as a symbol of national unity and peace.
Gen. Danjuma made the remarks during the 2026 edition of the Nwonyo International Fishing Festival, held in the Ibi Local Government Area on Saturday.
Represented by the Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, Danjuma said the festival goes beyond celebration, serving as a platform where strength, skill, patience, and resilience are displayed in their purest form.
He noted that the Nwonyo Fishing Festival has historically been a meeting point for people, tourists, and tradition—both nationally and internationally—long before modern institutions were contemplated.
“Nwonyo fishing festival is the restoration of identity, the restoration of pride and the restoration of cultural continuity. It is more than a celebration. It is a powerful expression of who we are, a symbol of unity in diversity and a way of empowerment for our local communities and enhancing national cohesion,” he said.
He commended Taraba State for being the only state in Nigeria with a Ministry of Heritage and Ecotourism, describing it as a reflection of visionary leadership by Governor Agbu Kefas.
He added that the state is positioning itself, and Nigeria at large, as the gateway for tourism in Africa. He further described the act of fishing at Nwonyo as a ritual and a cultural performance that serves as a living bridge connecting the past, present, and future.
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He congratulated Governor Kefas and his team for reviving the festival and making it a reality again.
In his remarks, Governor Agbu Kefas reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting culture, tourism, and economic growth through the successful hosting of the 2026 Nwonyo International Fishing Festival at the renowned Lake Nwonyo.
Kefas described the festival as a powerful platform for cultural revival, unity, and economic development. He said that events like Nwonyo serve as catalysts for community engagement and global visibility, stressing that his administration is taking deliberate steps to position Taraba as a top destination for tourism and investment.
A correspondent reports that the event also featured a colourful boat regatta, where beautifully decorated canoes showcased the rich traditions of the people, and a fishing competition, which recorded a remarkable catch weighing 55.6 kilograms.
The governor presented the top three winners with prizes of ₦10 million, ₦3 million, and ₦2 million, respectively, describing the rewards as life-changing.
“We are restoring the glory of our dear Taraba. Taraba is safe and ready for tourism and investment, and we will continue to work around the clock to ensure that Taraba State keeps moving forward,” he said.
He also disclosed ongoing efforts to secure UNESCO recognition for the festival to boost tourism and global interest in the state.
