NIGERIA: 55kg Catch Steals Spotlight at Taraba’s Nwonyo Fishing Festival
By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria
A massive 55-kilogram fish has emerged as the biggest catch at the 2026 Nwonyo International Fishing and Cultural Festival in Taraba State, drawing excitement from spectators and participants at the annual event.
The catch, recorded on Saturday at Nwonyo Lake in Ibi, quickly became the highlight of the festival, which is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most prominent cultural tourism events.
Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State, alongside top government officials and dignitaries, was present at the festival, which featured traditional fishing displays and cultural performances.
The Nwonyo Fishing Festival is known for blending heritage with competition, as fishermen dive into the lake in a test of strength and skill to secure the biggest catch.
Speaking ahead of the event, the Chairman of the Publicity Sub-Committee, Barrister Danjuma Adamu, said the festival was designed to showcase Taraba’s cultural heritage and promote its tourism potential.
“The festival is designed to showcase the state’s rich cultural heritage while promoting its tourism potential to the global community,” he said.
Activities for the festival began with cultural displays and traditional processions, culminating in the fishing contest, which remains the central attraction.
The event is held annually under the leadership of traditional authorities, including the Aku Uka of Wukari, His Royal Majesty Ishaku Adda Ali Matakhitswen, and continues to attract participants from across Nigeria.
The Nwonyo Festival has grown over the years into a major cultural platform, combining tourism, tradition, and community participation, while positioning Taraba State as a key destination for cultural exchange and heri
tage preservation.
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