Nwonyo Festival returns Taraba tourism revival after 14 years, boosting local economy, culture, and attracting national attention in Ibi

The historic Nwonyo annual traditional fishing festival in Ibi, Taraba State, has returned after a 14-year hiatus, marking a major cultural revival and renewed push for tourism and economic development.

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The festival, which was last held in 2010, made a celebrated comeback in April 2024 following interventions by Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas, who has prioritised cultural heritage as part of his development agenda.

The Nwonyo Festival, which traces its origins to 1816, is one of Northern Nigeria’s most iconic cultural events and was founded around the discovery of Lake Nwonyo by Buba Wurbo, the founder of Ibi.

Over the years, the festival evolved into a major tourism attraction featuring competitive fishing, canoe racing, masquerade displays and traditional performances that draw visitors from across Nigeria and beyond.

Its suspension in 2010, driven by security concerns and economic challenges, had a significant impact on the local economy, particularly affecting traders, hotel operators and transport providers in the host community.

The return of the festival in 2024 restored Ibi’s cultural vibrancy, attracting thousands of participants and high-profile attendees, including former Defence Chief Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma.

Local businesses reported increased commercial activity during the event, signalling early signs of economic recovery linked to the festival’s revival.

State officials say the restoration of the Nwonyo Festival forms part of a broader strategy to reposition Taraba as a leading cultural and tourism destination in Nigeria.

They added that cultural festivals are now being promoted as economic assets capable of driving investment, job creation and international visibility for the state.

Preparations are already underway for the next edition scheduled for April 17–18, signalling the government’s commitment to sustaining the festival as an annual event.

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For residents of Ibi, the revival of the Nwonyo Festival represents both cultural pride and renewed economic hope after years of silence.