Kefas revives Taraba’s cultural pride as Nwonyo Fishing Festival holds April 18 in Ibi

Taraba State Government has announced that the restored Nwonyo Annual Fishing and Cultural Festival will hold on April 18, 2026, in Ibi Local Government Area, as part of efforts to sustain the state’s growing tourism and cultural revival drive.

Commissioner for Information and Reorientation, Hon. Zeinab Jalingo, disclosed this in a press statement issued to journalists in Jalingo, noting that the festival is expected to attract visitors from across Nigeria and beyond.

She explained that the event, which last held on April 19, 2024, following a 14-year hiatus, is set to return next week with renewed energy and international appeal.

“Determined to restore Taraba’s cultural pride and reposition the state as a tourism destination, Governor Agbu Kefas took daring step: reviving the Nwonyo Annual Traditional Fishing Festival after a 14-year hiatus. The 2024 edition, held on April 19–20, marked a triumphant return. The once-abandoned Nwonyo Lake came alive again with thousands of spectators, fishermen, cultural troupes and tourists gathering in celebration. The revival was nothing short of spectacular,” she said.

Jalingo further revealed that prominent Nigerians attended the historic comeback of the festival, adding prestige and drawing national attention to Taraba State.

“Distinguished personalities from across the country attended the historic event, including Gen. Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma, whose presence added prestige and national attention to the celebration. Visitors from across Nigeria converged in Ibi, transforming the town into a vibrant cultural arena,” she stated.

According to the commissioner, the festival also boosted the local economy and revived livelihoods that had remained dormant for years.

“Even more importantly, the festival revived livelihoods. Drivers, traders, artisans, hotel owners and local vendors all reported increased business activity during the event. What had been dormant for years suddenly became an engine of local economic revival,” she added.

She stressed that the revival of the Nwonyo Festival forms part of Governor Kefas’ broader vision to reposition Taraba as “Nature’s Gift to the Nation” and place the state firmly on the global tourism map.

Jalingo emphasized that the government is investing strategically in culture, tourism, and heritage to restore abandoned cultural assets and promote traditional festivals as international attractions.

“The Governor has shown that culture is not merely heritage; it is also economic power. True to his promise of continuity, Kefas has not relented in sustaining the momentum. Next week, from the 17th to 18th, Taraba State will once again gather in Ibi to celebrate another edition of the Nwonyo annual traditional fishing festival. This consistency sends a powerful message that the festival is back permanently,” she noted.

She added that traditional activities would once again take centre stage at the historic lake.

“The drums will beat again. The fishermen will return to the ancient waters. The colourful dances of the Jukun and neighbouring communities will once again echo across Nwonyo Lake,” she said.

Jalingo described the festival’s return as evidence of a broader cultural and economic transformation in Taraba State.

“The story of Nwonyo today is a clear sign that there is a cultural shift in Taraba. Before: 14 years of silence (2010–2024), a forgotten cultural treasure, economic stagnation in Ibi. After: festival revived in 2024, tourism and business activities returning, global attention returning to Taraba’s cultural heritage,” the commissioner stated.