Nguroje Applauds Governor Kefas for Reviving Nwonyo Fishing Festival
Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Babangida SM Nguroje, has praised the Taraba State Government for successfully reviving the Nwonyo fishing festival. In a statement issued in Abuja, Nguroje emphasized that this initiative is set to unlock the state's economic potential through enhanced tourism activities and job creation for the youth.
Economic and Cultural Revival
Nguroje, who previously served as Chairman of the Governing Council of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), highlighted that the recently concluded festival attracted both national and international dignitaries. He noted that this event marks not just the return of a traditional festival but also the revival of long-standing cultural practices, preservation of norms, and a strategic effort to generate revenue in alignment with the current administration's diversification agenda.
According to Nguroje, the collaboration between the Federal Government and Taraba State has been instrumental in transforming the Nwonyo fishing festival into an international heritage center. This partnership is expected to open doors for investment, promote unity among the people, and foster economic growth.
Leadership and Vision
Nguroje commended Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, for demonstrating strong leadership by making decisions that leave a lasting positive impact. He pointed out that the festival had been abandoned for many years, and its revival is a remarkable achievement in multiple ways. Nguroje also lauded the Federal Ministry of Art, Tourism, Culture, and Creative Economy for partnering with Taraba State to position it as Nigeria's emerging tourism hub.
Broader Implications for Development
The revival and federal partnership reflect a deliberate effort to harness Taraba's vast tourism potential for sustainable growth, particularly in underdeveloped areas like the Mambilla Plateau. Nguroje stressed that this initiative goes beyond mere revenue generation; it aims to promote globally competitive attractions such as the Mambilla Plateau and Gashaka Gumti National Park, alongside the Nwonyo Fishing Festival.
He explained that federal involvement will help turn the region into a tourism village, serving as a central hub that positions Taraba as a preferred destination. This approach supports non-kinetic strategies to address insecurity by creating economic opportunities, fostering community engagement, and encouraging peaceful coexistence.
Cultural Significance and International Collaboration
Nguroje underscored the inseparable link between culture and people, stating that they go hand in hand as a way of life. He also commended the Government of Granada for collaborating with Nigeria and Taraba State in tourism efforts. However, he emphasized that none of these achievements would have been possible without Governor Kefas's initiative to lead Taraba in the right direction, reviving the festival to showcase the state's culture and potential to the world.
