The Federal Government has described tourism as a key unifying factor for local and national cohesion, stressing its role in sustainable economic development and peace-building initiatives.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made this known on Saturday at the 2026 Nwonyo Cultural Fishing Festival held at Lake Ibi in Ibi Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Represented by the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hon. Hanatu Musawa, the President commended the Taraba State Government for organising this year’s edition of the Nwonyo Cultural Fishing Festival at the National Lake Ibi.
The President noted that local festivals play a pivotal role in bringing communities and the nation together, fostering economic prosperity among the people. She reaffirmed that the present administration places a high premium on collaboration with states and local governments to promote peace and unity among Nigerians.
He further disclosed that the Presidents of Cameroon and Ghana sent representatives to grace the occasion, adding that such visits promote mutual socio-economic development and sub-regional pride across Africa.
Chairman of the occasion and elder statesman, General Theophilus Danjuma (Rtd), was represented by Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang. In his remarks, Governor Mutfwang expressed profound appreciation to Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, for taking bold steps toward ensuring peace and unity among his people.
He reminded the public of Governor Kefas’ efforts to revive the Nwonyo Cultural Fishing Festival after 14 years of neglect by past administrations. “The importance of cultural festivals cannot be overemphasised. These occasions foster peace and unity and must be sustained,” Mutfwang said.
In his address, the host Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas said his administration remains committed to promoting peace and unity among the people of Taraba, hence the decision to bring back the Nwonyo Fishing Festival as part of the state’s diverse cultural activities.
Governor Kefas thanked President Tinubu for his relentless support aimed at promoting peace across Nigeria. He also acknowledged General Danjuma’s contributions to the development of Nigeria and Taraba State, particularly in peace-building and infrastructure.
The highlight of the 2026 Nwonyo Cultural Fishing Festival was the fishing competition. Busara Haruna emerged winner after catching the biggest fish, weighing 55.5 kilograms, and received a cash prize of N10 million. Sama’ila Yakubu took second place with a 52.6-kilogram catch, earning N3 million, while Emmanuel Daniels came third with an 18.2-kilogram fish, winning N2 million.
Chairman of the Publicity Sub-Committee, Barr. Danjuma Adamu, said the event recorded a huge turnout of invited guests. He praised Governor Kefas for reviving the Nwonyo Cultural Fishing Festival, describing it as one of several cultural initiatives driving development across the state.
