Taraba Govt Rolls Out Schedule for Nwonyo Fishing Festival, to Host International Leaders

By Godwin Agia, Jalingo

The Taraba State Government has concluded arrangements to host international dignitaries at the 2026 edition of the annual Nwonyo Traditional Fishing Festival.

Chairman of the Publicity Sub-Committee, Barr. Danjuma Adamu, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists in Jalingo. He said the festival is scheduled to hold from April 17 to April 18, 2026.

Adamu revealed that the event is expected to attract prominent global and national leaders, including the Prime Minister of Grenada, Dickon Mitchell, and the President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama. He added that Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will attend as the Special Guest of Honour.

He noted that Governor Agbu Kefas has approved April 17 and 18 for the festival as part of efforts to promote the state’s cultural heritage and tourism potential.

According to him, the event will commence on April 17 with the Jukun Youth Day, scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m. at the Aku Uka Palace in Wukari. Activities for the day will include cultural displays, march past, and processions aimed at showcasing the rich traditions of the Jukun people.

The committee further stated that Senator Simon Bako Lalong will deliver a keynote address on the theme: “Rooted in Culture, United in Diversity: Jukun Youths for Peace and Progress.”

It added that there will be a coronation ceremony and conferment of royal titles by His Majesty, Dr. Ishaku Adda Ali Matakhitswen, the Aku Uka of Wukari.

Adamu said the second day of the festival, April 18, will feature the main fishing event at Nwonyo Lake in Ibi. The event will be held under the leadership of General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (Rtd).

He reiterated that the festival is part of the Kefas administration’s deliberate efforts to highlight Taraba State’s cultural identity and position it as a key tourism destination.