AFIDFF Documents Nwonyo Annual Traditional Fishing Festival, Celebrating Over a Century of Taraba’s Cultural Heritage

The African International Documentary Film Festival Foundation (AFIDFF) documented the 2026 Nwonyo Annual Traditional Fishing Festival in Ibi Local Government Area of Taraba State, capturing the rich cultural traditions, history, and communal identity surrounding one of the region’s longstanding heritage events. The festival, which has been celebrated for over a century, traces its origins to 1861, with its beginnings attributed to Bula Wurbo. The name Nwonyo, meaning “a hideout for dangerous aquatic animals,” reflects the longstanding relationship between the community and the river ecosystem around which the tradition developed.

AFIDFF’s participation in the festival forms part of its continued commitment to documenting, preserving and amplifying Africa’s diverse cultural heritage through documentary filmmaking and visual storytelling. By documenting traditional practices, cultural expressions and community narratives, the Foundation contributes to the preservation of heritage for future generations while bringing local stories to wider audiences. The 2026 edition was hosted by the Executive Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, who described the festival as an important symbol of unity, cultural identity and shared heritage. The Governor emphasized that the Nwonyo Festival extends beyond fishing, representing the history, traditions and collective identity of the people.

Governor Kefas also highlighted efforts by the Taraba State Government to elevate the festival's profile and position it as a platform for cultural diplomacy, tourism and international engagement. The event attracted dignitaries from Nigeria and beyond, including the Prime Minister of Grenada, Dickon Mitchell. Representing the Federal Government, the Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, reaffirmed the importance of tourism and the creative economy as avenues for economic diversification, employment generation and sustainable development.

The Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, also attended the festival, representing the Chairman of the occasion, elder statesman Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma. He commended the Taraba State Government for revitalizing the festival and sustaining its cultural significance.

The President of Ghana was represented by Emmanuel Kwadwo Agyekum, alongside other government officials, traditional leaders, cultural practitioners, international representatives and stakeholders from across Nigeria and beyond.

The successful hosting of the 2026 Nwonyo Annual Traditional Fishing Festival highlights the potential of cultural heritage as a driver of tourism, community identity, cultural diplomacy and sustainable development. It also reinforces Taraba State’s growing profile as a destination for cultural and heritage tourism.

NWONYO VIDEO LINK REELS:

1. https://web.facebook.com/share/r/1JvuPBFHje/

2. https://web.facebook.com/share/r/1DgFYy3T6Z/ 

3. https://web.facebook.com/share/r/19aCv1VMom/ 

4. https://web.facebook.com/share/r/1HAtxnb1hF/ 

5. https://web.facebook.com/share/r/1Hjf8TSsbn/ 

6. https://web.facebook.com/share/r/1CtYMvTNzo/ 

7. https://web.facebook.com/share/v/1E7LEgLmYj/ 

8. https://web.facebook.com/share/r/18DsKdk61y/ 

9. https://web.facebook.com/share/r/18DsKdk61y/ 

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