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

Held at its traditional ground within the precinct of Nwonyo Lake, Ibi, 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, as signified in the effort of the state Governor Agbu Kefas, to relaunch the festival and give its a new vibe and colouration, through the partnership of the Founder and President of La Campagne brand, Otunba Wanle Akinboboye, and his team.

Besides the joyous and momentous celebration, Kefas was a shining star of the day, as he was greatly eulogised and celebrated for his foresight and commitment towards investing in building infrastructure as represented by the La Campagne Tropicana Agro-ecotourism Heritage and Lake Resort, Nwonyo, revival of the festival and other cultural tourism products in the state.

Leading the throng of high-level guests recorded at the event was President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister for Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa; the Chairman of the occasion, General Theophilus Danjuma (Rtd), who was represented by the former Governor of Plateau State; Senator Simon Bako Lalong; the Prime Minister of Grenada, Dickon Mitchell, the President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, who was represented by Kwado Ajeku Emmanuel; and Akinboboye.

Impressed and motivated by the very successful nature of the event, and the gains that it brought for the state and the people, Lalong not only sang the praises of Kefas but also pledged the commitment of the Middle Belt states in Nigeria in working with Kefas and La Campagne to replicate such successes in their various states.

To this end, he declared: “Our being here today, to witness the Nwonyo Fishing Festival, is a living testimony of our good preservation of our heritage. I deeply commend the Executive Governor of Taraba State, Dr 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.

“We are proud with the partnership between the Taraba State government and La Campagne Tropicana through the Tourism Icon, Otunba 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 Commissioner for Heritage and Tourism has informed us that Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas has consistently showed leadership commitment to the development of the state heritage and has gone ahead to earmark and document tourism sites, to be developed and serve the communal life of the people.

‘‘Be well assured that we will offer any assistance and support to make this possible to ensure the growth of our states and the continent 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.’’