Taraba Unveils More Strategic Plans to Transform Nwonyo Lake Into Global Tourism Hub

 

The Taraba State Government has unveiled ambitious plans to develop Nwonyo Lake into a major global tourism destination ahead of the 2025 Nwonyo International Fishing and Cultural Festival.

 

In a meeting with the traditional custodian of the lake at the palace of Aku Uka of Wukari, Hon. Joseph Nagombe, the Commissioner for Heritage and Ecotourism, outlined key achievements of Gov KefasAgbu before and after the 2024 Nwonyo Fishing festival which includes the reconstruction of Nwonyovillage, obtaining UNESCO's 2025 tentative listing, and partnerships with La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort and the motherland Becon of the IPADA movement, which brings Africans in the diaspora back for tourism and investment. 

 

Also, the mapping and documentation of the lake and its coordinates, training 100 youths in skills necessary for resort development, and the provision of free AI training for 1,000 youths in Taraba State in 2025, with 60% of the training taking place at Nwonyo once part of the resort is finished by African Diaspora bank.

 

To ensure sustainable management, a collaborative structure has been suggested where stakeholders, including traditional custodians, Taraba Tourism Development Services, and private partners, will jointly oversee the lake's resources, with royalties going into a community-managed account. 

 

This development also seeks to engage the African diaspora through cultural integration and tourism investments.

 

The 2025 Nwonyo Fishing Festival will be organized by a planning committee led by HRM Manu IshakuAda, with input from local communities and the Ministry of Heritage and Ecotourism.

 

The Commissioner reiterated the state's dedication to preserving cultural heritage while promoting economic development. He called for community involvement, stressing that these initiatives under Governor Agbu Kefas' leadership would position Nwonyo Lake as a centre for global tourism and cultural celebration.

 

The Commissioner also presented the 26 out of 100 youths who went to Lagos for their training with La Campagne Tropicana to His Royal Highness, Manu Ishaku Ada, the Aku Uka of Wukari who also served as a host to them as they arrived Wukari.

 

The meeting had in attendance: HRH. Amb. SanvalaShimbura Varzoa, Gara Donga, HRH.Barr. SopiyaAhmadu, Gboshi III, Chief of Takum, HRH AlhajiAbubakar Salihu, Chief Of Ibi, Hon. Ishaku Daniel Adda Commissioner Of Water Resources and Aquatics, Hon. Dauda Agbu Samaila, Executive Chairman Wukari LGA, and Hon Alhaji IliyaMuhammed Ajibu Executive Chairman Ibi LGC among others.