The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Ahmed Bola Tinubu, has expressed the Government’s commitment to diversifying the economy through tourism to create jobs and boost growth.
President Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, stated this during the 2026 Nwonyo Traditional Fishing Festival in Ibi Local Government Area.
He described the festival as a vital platform for community cohesion, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds in the spirit of unity and shared purpose.
He noted that beyond its cultural significance, the festival serves as a springboard for economic opportunities, enhancing tourism and trade. According to him, the vision of Agbu Kefas aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in leveraging tourism for sustainable development.
Tinubu further stated that the ministry is committed to repositioning festivals like Nwonyo as global tourism destinations. He added that efforts are underway to secure international recognition for the festival by UNESCO, stressing that cultural festivals are not only expressions of heritage but also key economic drivers
Speaking at the festival, Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Abgu Kefas, said the Nwunyo celebration has endured for generations, serving as a unifying force that continues to bind communities together.
He emphasized that the festival goes beyond the river, representing the history, identity, and heritage of the people.
According to him, his administration has taken deliberate steps to elevate the festival to an international platform, using it as a tool for cultural diplomacy and global engagement.
Governor Kefas described the festival as a catalyst for development, cultural promotion, and community engagement. He said the presence of international dignitaries underscores Taraba State’s safety and readiness for tourism and investment, adding that his administration is working diligently to restore the state’s glory.
He expressed delight at the presence of international dignitaries, particularly the Prime Minister of Grenada, Dickon Mitchell.
He reiterated his commitment to projecting Taraba State to the world, noting that culture and the people remain central to his administration’s agenda.
He added that the turnout of global leaders reflects growing confidence in Nigeria’s stability and security under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He assured that Taraba remains peaceful and open to visitors, investors, and tourists from across the globe.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting culture, tourism, and economic growth through the successful hosting of the 2026 Nwonyo International Fishing Festival in Ibi Local Government Area.
He reiterated that Taraba State remains safe, open, and ready for tourism and investment, adding that his administration will continue to work tirelessly to restore the state’s pride and position it prominently on the global map.
“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,” the Governor stated.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Elder statesman General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma, represented by Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, commended the Taraba State Government for revitalizing the festival, describing it as a symbol of unity and a platform for building a sustainable economy.
A representative of the President of Ghana highlighted the shared cultural ties between both nations, noting that the festival promotes cultural renewal and revenue generation.
Also speaking, Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell congratulated the Taraba State government for revitalizing the festival. He revealed that six cultural troupes from Taraba State are scheduled to visit Grenada in May to participate in the Africa Emancipation Day celebrations, describing the visit as part of efforts to strengthen cultural and economic ties.
He emphasized Grenada’s strong reliance on tourism for economic growth and expressed readiness to collaborate with Taraba State in developing the sector.
The festival, widely regarded as a rich cultural showcase with global appeal, featured a fishing competition in which prizes were awarded to the winners.
A ₦10 million prize to Haruna Saleh Busara, who emerged the winner of the Nwonyo Fishing Festival with an impressive catch of 55.5 kilograms.
Samaila Yakubu secured second place with a catch of 52.6 kilograms, earning a ₦3 million award, while Emmanuel Daniel finished third with 18.2 kilograms, receiving ₦2 million respectively.
Awards were also presented to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in recognition of his support
Festivals are catalysts for development, cultural promotion, and community engagement, and efforts are underway to secure UNESCO recognition for the festival. We are restoring the good status and glory of our dear Taraba.
Taraba State’s safety and readiness for tourism and investment have paved the way for increased interest from international visitors.
