Taraba Govt Unveils Programme for 2026 Nwonyo Traditional Fishing Festival, Global Dignitaries Expected.
By Christiana Babayo
The Taraba State Government has announced activities lined up for the 2026 edition of the historic Nwonyo Traditional Fishing Festival, scheduled to hold on April 17 and 18, 2026 with International leaders expected to grace the occasion
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The announcement was made during a press briefing organised by the Publicity Sub-Committee of the festival on Monday, where officials outlined programmes for the two-day cultural celebration.
Addressing journalists, Chairman of the Sub-Publicity Committee, Barrister Danjuma Adamu, said the state governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has approved the dates for the festival, noting that the event is an age-long cultural heritage of the Jukun people.
Barrister Adamu explained that activities will commence on Friday, April 17, with the Jukun Youth Cultural Day at the palace of the Aku Uka in Wukari, beginning at 9 a.m.
The event will feature cultural displays, processions, coronation and conferment of royal titles by the Aku Uka, His Royal Majesty, Dr Ishaku Adda Ali Matakhistwen, alongside a paper presentation by Senator Simon Lalong titled “Rooted in Culture, United in Diversity: Jukun Youths for Peace and Progress.”
According to him, the festival proper will take place on Saturday, April 18, at the historic Nwonyo Lake in Ibi Local Government Area.
He further disclosed that prominent national and international dignitaries expected include; Former Minister of Defence, General Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), will serve as Chairman of the occasion, while President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected as the Special Guest of Honour, the President of Ghana John Dramani Mahama will attend as the African Guest of Honour, while the Prime Minister of Grenada Dickon Mitchell will serve as the International Guest of Honour.
The Royal Father of the Day will be the Aku Uka of Wukari, His Royal Majesty, Dr Ishaku Adda Ali Matakhitswen.
Barrister Adamu said the briefing was aimed at enlisting the support of the media in giving the event wide publicity, while also inviting members of the public to participate in the festival.
He noted that the revival of the Nwonyo Fishing Festival by the Taraba State Government is part of efforts to promote the state’s cultural heritage, boost tourism, and foster unity among the people.
