Haruna Sale has been declared the winner of the 2026 Nwonyo Fishing Festival held in Taraba State, having successfully landed a fish that weighed 55.6 kilograms. This impressive catch earned him the first-place prize of N10 million.
Following closely in second place was Ismaila Yakubu, who caught a fish weighing 52.6 kilograms and was awarded N3 million. Emmanuel Daniel secured the third position with his catch of an 18.2-kilogram fish.
The annual festival, hosted at Lake Nwonyo in the Ibi Local Government Area of Taraba State, drew a considerable number of tourists and important figures from both within Nigeria and abroad, underscoring its importance as a major cultural and tourism event.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his address at the festival, characterized the event as a crucial avenue for fostering unity, community solidarity, and national integration. He was represented by the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa.
The President lauded Governor Agbu Kefas for his efforts in revitalizing the festival, which had been dormant for several years. He noted that the governor’s initiative aligns with the federal government’s 'Renewed Hope Agenda,' specifically its focus on harnessing tourism for sustainable development.
Furthermore, President Tinubu announced that the government is actively pursuing international recognition for the festival, with efforts underway to have it inscribed by UNESCO.
Governor Kefas, in his speech, emphasized the festival's role in safeguarding cultural heritage, stimulating economic growth, and reinforcing community bonds. He pointed out that the increasing global participation in the event highlights Taraba State's rising profile as a secure and inviting destination for both tourism and investment.
Elder statesman Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma, represented by Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, described the festival's revival as a potent symbol of unity and a driver for economic sustainability.
Also in attendance, the Prime Minister of Grenada, Dickon Mitchell, praised the initiative and announced plans for future cultural exchanges. He confirmed that cultural troupes from Taraba State would be invited to participate in the Africa Emancipation Day celebrations in Grenada, aiming to strengthen cultural and economic ties between the two regions.
The fishing competition, the central highlight of the festival, continues to capture significant attention, serving to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the local people while simultaneously boosting tourism and economic activities within the state.
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