Nwonyo Fishing Festival spotlights Taraba tourism potential

…As Middle Belt states seek partnerships

It was all colours and celebrations, with the air filled with fanfare and jubilation as the people of Taraba State; from across the state and the country, gathered again to witness the re-enactment of one of their most cherished cultural festivals, Nwonyo Fishing Festival.

Held at Ibi, its traditional ground within the precinct of Nwonyo Lake, the people had many reasons to once again celebrate, with renewed hope and belief in the preservation, protection and promotion of their cultural tourism assets.

The positive development is riding on the sustained efforts of the Agbu Kefas-led government, which among others commitments, relaunched the festival, amid a new vibe and colouration through necessary partnerships such as the one with the La Campagne brand.

Governor Kefas has been investing in building infrastructure across major tourism hubs in the states, with the La Campagne Tropicana Agro-ecotourism Heritage and Lake Resort as a shining example.

The partnership with the Wanle Akinboboye-led La Campagne, and his team, has drawn attention to Nwonyo, while helping to revive the fishing festival and other cultural tourism products in the state.

The revival was evident with the joyous and momentous celebration of the festival this year, amid drawing more visitors to the state than previous editions.

Leading the throng of high-level guests recorded at the event was President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was represented by Hannatu Musa Musawa,  Minister for Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy; Theophilus Danjuma, chairman of the occasion, who was represented by Simon Lalong, former governor of Plateau State; Dickon Mitchell, prime minister of Grenada; John Mahama, president of Ghana, who was represented by Kwado Ajeku Emmanuel; and Wanle Akinboboye, founder and president, La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort.

Impressed by the success of the cultural cum tourism event, especially the gains for the state and the people,  Lalong commended Governor Kefas for sustained efforts and investments in tourism infrastructure, while also pledging the commitment of the Middle Belt states in working with Kefas and La Campagne to replicate such successes in their various states.

“Our being here today to witness the Nwonyo Fishing Festival is a living testimony of our good preservation of our heritage. I deeply commend Governor Agbu Kefas for reviving this historic festival as it is a confirmation of the restoration of our pride, a sign of security of our unity and joint communal life and a pointer to our ability to sustain our economy, for our common prosperity,” Lalong said.

“We are proud with the partnership between the Taraba State government and La Campagne Tropicana through Olawanle Akinboboye, who has been in tourism over the years and we the Middle Belt states of Nigeria, are gladly ready to strategically partner and align with the vision to develop tourism in our states and bring Africans back to the continent”.

The former governor also commended the efforts of the commissioner for Heritage and Tourism and others, who complement the efforts and leadership of Governor Kefas at developing the state heritage, earmarking and documenting tourism sites, to be developed and serve the communal life of the people.

‘‘Be assured that we will offer support to ensure the growth of our states and the country at large. The art of fishing goes beyond the catch itself, making the vision a reality. I congratulate you all for bringing this festival back. The Nigerian Governors’ Forum will support and promote this dream to all possibilities and so will Plateau State and other Middle Belt states,” Lalong concluded.