—–To hold between 17th -18th April 2026
By Emmanuel Awari-Jalingo
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.
For more than a decade, one of Taraba State’s most renowned cultural celebrations in Northern Nigeria went silent.
The famous Nwonyo Annual Traditional Fishing Festival, a heritage event that once drew tourists, dignitaries and cultural enthusiasts from across Nigeria and beyond, disappeared from the calendar for 14 long years, (2010-2024).
Today, the story has changed. What once symbolized abandonment has now become a shining example of revival and visionary leadership under Agbu Kefas, the Executive Governor of Taraba State.
The last time the festival was held before its revival was 2010. After that edition, the cultural drums fell silent.
For 14 years, from 2010 to 2024, the ancient town of Ibi, the spiritual home of the festival, lost one of its greatest cultural and economic lifelines.
This historic festival traces its roots to 1816, when the lake was discovered by Buba Wurbo, the founder of Ibi. Over time, what began as a communal fishing activity evolved into a cultural spectacle celebrated annually by the people of Ibi and neighbouring communities.
The name “Nwonyo” itself means “a hideout for huge and dangerous aquatic animals,” referencing the ancient waters believed to house crocodiles, snakes and hippopotamuses.
For decades, the festival brought life to Taraba State. Canoes cut through the waters, fishermen competed for the biggest catch, and cultural troupes filled the air with traditional songs and dances.
Activities such as boat regatta, swimming competitions, canoe racing, masquerade displays and the grand fishing contest made the event one of the most unique cultural festivals in West Africa.
Yet after 2010, insecurity concerns, administrative inertia and economic challenges led to the suspension of the event. Businesses that depended on the festival declined, hotels lost guests, and the once-bustling tourism hub of Ibi gradually went quiet. The cultural heartbeat of the community slowed.
With the coming of Governor Dr Abgu Kefas, history turned a new page in 2024.
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.
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.
The revival of Nwonyo was not a one-off celebration. It is 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. Through strategic investments in tourism, culture and heritage, the administration is steadily restoring abandoned cultural assets and promoting traditional festivals as international attractions.
The Governor has shown that culture is not merely heritage; it is also economic power.
Governor 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: The festival is back permanently.
The drums will beat again, fishermen will return to the ancient waters. The colourful dances of the Jukun and neighbouring communities will once again echo across Nwonyo Lake.
The story of Nwonyo today is a clear sign that there is a cultural shift in Taraba.
Festival revived in 2024
Tourism and business activities returning
Global attention returning to Taraba’s cultural heritage
Through the leadership and cultural foresight, Governor Agbu Kefas the festival has turned what once symbolized neglect into a beacon of pride and opportunity.
Today, the waters of Nwonyo Lake no longer reflect abandonment. They reflect renewal, pride and the unstoppable cultural spirit of Taraba State.