Nigeria Intensifies UNESCO Bid for Taraba's Nwonyo Fishing Festival
The Federal Government has ramped up initiatives to secure global recognition for the Nwonyo Fishing Festival in Ibi Local Government Area of Taraba State, aiming to inscribe it on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list. This move is part of a broader strategy under the Renewed Hope Agenda to reposition Nigeria's cultural assets on the world stage.
Presidential Endorsement and Strategic Plans
President Bola Tinubu, represented at the 2026 edition of the annual festival, described the century-old event as one of Africa's most enduring cultural traditions. He emphasized its role as a unifying platform that has sustained community identity, resilience, and heritage across generations. The President announced plans to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Taraba State government to enhance collaboration in tourism development and cultural promotion.
He commended Governor Agbu Kefas for reviving the festival after years of dormancy, noting that this effort has positioned Taraba as a key partner in Nigeria's cultural diplomacy. Additionally, President Tinubu revealed complementary measures, including the rollout of a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme. This initiative targets youths in creative and tourism sectors such as ICT, fashion, catering, and hospitality, aiming to boost employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Global Appeal and Cultural Partnerships
Highlighting the festival's growing international profile, President Tinubu pointed to the presence of foreign delegations from countries like Ghana and Grenada. He called for stronger cross-border cultural partnerships to further elevate the event's global standing. The festival's revival, also historically known as Wanyo, was praised by Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who represented former Minister of Defence Gen. Theophilus Danjuma at the event.
Danjuma, serving as chairman, traced the festival's origins back to 1816 and noted it had been abandoned for over 14 years before its recent resurgence. He described the revival as a restoration of cultural pride and economic opportunity, underscoring its significance in preserving local heritage.
Local Impact and Economic Revitalization
In related developments, Bala Useni, Chairman of Wukari Local Government Area in Taraba State, stated that the revival of the Nwonyo Fishing Festival by Governor Agbu Kefas has placed the state on the global tourism map. In a statement issued to journalists in Jalingo, Useni commended the governor for successfully hosting the historic festival in Ibi and for participating actively in the Jukun Youth Day celebrations in Wukari over the weekend.
He highlighted that these events serve as platforms to attract investors and tourists, thereby promoting economic growth through cultural heritage. Useni described the festival and related activities as major boosts to cultural preservation, youth engagement, and economic revitalization in Taraba State, reinforcing its role in fostering sustainable development through traditional practices.
