Nwonyo Fishing Festival

Last updated

The Nwonyo Fishing Festival is a festival celebrated by the Ibi people in Taraba State, Nigeria. The lake is located 5 kilometres North of Ibi community, it is an annually celebrated festival where Ibi and its neighboring community comes together to fish and re-unite. The lake is said to be the largest in west Africa as it run 15 kilometres to the Benue River. [1] The name Nwonyo means Hide-out for huge and dangerous aquatic Animals such as Crocodiles, Snakes, Hippopotamus and many more. [2] [3] [4] [5]

Contents

History

Nwonye Fishing Festival has been in existence for over 90 years and can be traced to its discovery by Buba Wurbo in 1816, he was the same person who founded Ibi community, The name Nwonyo which means Hide-out for huge and dangerous aquatic Animals such as Crocodiles, Snakes, Hippopotamus and many more. It is said that two myths describe the actual meaning of the word Nwonyo. The first myth means, “under the locust bean tree;” while the second says, “abode of the snake,” in Jukun language. [6]

The lake in its early discovery was primarily a source of fishing to the fishing/farming communities until Buda transformed it into a festival where neighboring communities comes once a year to catch fish. The first public fishing festival was held during the reign of Abgumanu ll from (1903-1915) as the main participant are the Ibi themselves while Wukari and other neighboring communities came as spectators. [7]

In 1943, the late Mallam Muhammadu Jikan Buba, Chief of Ibi appointed Mallam Muhammadu Sango as the custodian of the lake (Sarkin Ruwa) from (1931-1954), his duty was to secure the lake against any unauthorized fishing and to always declare the commencement of the yearly fishing festival, he patrol the lake regularly with his guards, this is done to allow the fishes grow well prior the next festival. As the years goes by, in 1954 the level of participation increased. [8]

Festivity

The Nwonyo festival is celebrated mostly in the dry season when the lake will not be heavy. [9] During the festival, there are lots of activities and events that take place apart from fishing which is the festival main aim, such events are: Swimming competitions, Dance, music, and Singing Competitions, Boat regatta, Masquerades demonstration and many more. [10] Canoes are used in the fish catch to prevent any attack from dangerous aquatic animals like crocodiles. [11]

Past Events

In 1954, the festival had expanded and gained more recognition and spectators even from the Aku Uka of Wukari and his people, Mallam Adi Byewi, the Ukwe of Takum, Alhaji Ali Ibrahim, the Gara of Donga, Mallam Sambo Garbosa, and Mallam I. D. Muhammed who was the Officer-in-charge of the Wukari federation. [12]

In 1973, the Wukari(no longer in existence) were the organizers of the festival with the help of the then Governor of Benue/Plateau State, Mr. D. Joseph Gomwalk. The festival this year was one of the best and a huge success that brought the festival to limelight, it was fully consisted of water and traditional sports. Important personnel were present, Governor of Benue/Plateau, Mr. Joseph Gomwalk and the then Col. Theophilus Danjuma, Col. M. D. Jega (1978), Brigadier A.R.A. Mahmud (1979) and the Governor of the defunct Gongola State Alhaji Abubakar Barde. [13]

The festival at this point started to record some significant progress, from this time biggest fish catch were recorded and the biggest catch belong to “Sarkin Ruwa”. In 1970, the biggest catch weighed 60 pounds; in 1971 “Sarki ruwa” the biggest catch weighed 175 pounds; and in 1973, the biggest catch weighed 124 pounds. [13]

By 2008, the festival was re-introduced as an International Fishing and Cultural Festival by Governor Danbaba Danfulani Suntai. In November the same year, the governor established the Taraba State Tourism Development Board (TSTDB), and the responsibility of staging and organizing the festival was automatically transferred to the Board. [13]

In 2009 edition, the festival was organised by the Board of the festival which it claimed was a successful outing that attracted dignitaries and tourists from far and near; and the event was capped with the biggest catch weighing 230kg. Quite a big number of important people were present which are; Senate President, Sen. David Mark, Governor Danbaba D. Suntai and two of his colleagues: Admiral Murtala H. Nyako (rtd) of Adamawa State and Alhaji Aliyu Akwe Doma of Nasarawa State. Corporate Organizations like MTN and Zenith Bank supported the festival to make the events more colourful. [12]

In 2010, the festival started on April 24 with a colourful view and performances like Cultural troops, horse procession, canoeing, swimming, boat cruise. After few hours of fish hunting, Mr. Bulus Joshua came top with a catch weighing 318 kilogrammes followed by Mr. Dan Asabe Adata, who came second with 297kg; and Mr. Jamila Baba, came third with 195 kilogrammes. Mr. Joshua’s catch is now regarded as one of the biggest catch in the history of the fishing festival as he beat the 2009 record of 230kg. The wife of the Acting President Mrs. Patience Jonathan was present as she presented a Kia car to Mr. Joshua who has the biggest catch. Also, Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) was present, The Director General, Segun Runsewe was present. Lots of gifts were given such as: radios, sewing machines, bicycles, grinding machines, football, tennis kits. There were also branded T- shirts and fez caps.

In 2024, the festival was reignited by the present Gov. Agbu Kefas where the man with the biggest catch went home with a refurbished Honda Hennessy as a grand prize. The key to the car was presented by Rtd. General TY Danjuma [14]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Argungu Fishing Festival</span> Annual festival in Northern Nigeria

The Argungu Fishing Festival or Argungu Dance Festival is an annual four-day festival in Kebbi State and other northern states like Niger in the north-western part of Northern Nigeria. The region is made up of fertile river areas of (matanfada, mala with much irrigation and orchards. The majority of inhabitants are fishermen who are practitioners of Isla religion. They also have Kanta Museum. The Museum is the main historical centre in Argungu for visitors across the globe. People from around the world travel to Argungu just to witness the occasion. The main purpose of the Argungu fishing festival is for fishing and unity. The festival is usually a 4-days cultural event.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Taraba State</span> State of Nigeria

Taraba State is a state in north-eastern Nigeria, named after the Taraba River, which traverses the Southern part of the state. Taraba State capital is Jalingo. Its slogan is Nature's Gift to the Nation. The main ethnic groups are the Mumuye, Mambilla, Jukun, Kuteb, Wurkun, Yandang, Ndola, Ichen, Jenjo, Tiv,Fulani,Tigun,And Jibu. The northern part is mainly dominated by the Fulani, and mumuye. The southern parts are dominated by the Jukun, Chamba, Tiv, Kuteb and Ichen.The central region is mainly occupied by Fulani Mambilla, Ndola, Tigun, Jibu, Wurbo,And Daka. There are 77 distinct ethnic groups, and their languages in the State.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nasarawa State</span> State of Nigeria

Nasarawa State is a state in the North Central region of Nigeria, bordered to the east by the states of Taraba and Plateau, to the north by Kaduna State, to the south by the states of Benue and Kogi, and to the west by the Federal Capital Territory. Named for the historic Nasarawa Emirate, the state was formed from the west of Plateau State on 1 October 1996. The state has thirteen local government areas and its capital is Lafia, located in the east of the state, while a key economic centre of the state is the Karu Urban Area—suburbs of Abuja—along the western border with the FCT.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Taraba River</span> River in Nigeria

The Taraba River is a river in Taraba State, Nigeria, a tributary of the Benue River. It joins the Benue on a floodplain 10 km wide and 50 km across.

Muri is a town and traditional emirate in Jalingo but covers Karim Lamido LGA ARDO KOLA Yoro, Taraba LGA and others, in northwestern Taraba State, eastern Nigeria, approximately between 9° and 11° 40′ E. and 7° 10′ and 9° 40′ N. The Benue River is nearby, and the portion on the southern bank of the river is watered by streams flowing from the Cameroon region to the Benue. In 1991, the town was estimated to have a population of 56,570. The valley of the Benue has a climate generally unhealthy to Europeans but there are places in the northern part of the province, such as the Fula settlement of Wase on a southern spur of the Murchison hills, where the higher altitude gives an excellent climate.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jukun people (West Africa)</span> West African ethno-linguistic group

Jukun are an ethno-linguistic group or ethnic nation in West Africa. The Jukun are traditionally located in Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau, Adamawa, Bauchi and Gombe States in Nigeria and parts of northwestern Cameroon. They are descendants of the people of Kwararafa. Most of the tribes in the north central of Nigeria trace their origin to the Jukun people and are related in one way or the other to the Jukuns. Until the coming of both Christianity and Islam, the Jukun people were followers of their own traditional religions. Most of the tribes, Alago, Agatu, Rendere, Goemai in Shendam, and others left Kwararafa when it disintegrated as a result of a power tussle. The Jukuns are divided into two major groups; the Jukun Wanu and Jukun Wapa. The Jukun Wanu are fishermen residing along the banks of the river Benue and Niger where they run through Taraba State, Benue State and Nasarawa State. The Wukari Federation, headed by the Aku Uka of Wukari, is now the main centre of the Jukun people.

Doma is a Local Government Area in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Its headquarters are in the town of Doma. Doma LGA houses Special Forces Command, Federal Science and Technical College, Olam Rice Farm and Doma Dam.

Alhassan Bako Zaku became Nigeria's Minister of Science and Technology in December 2007. He left office in March 2010 when Acting President Goodluck Jonathan dissolved his cabinet.

Air Commodore (retired) Ibrahim Kefas served as military administrator of Cross River State in Nigeria between December 1993 and September 1994, and then of Delta State until August 1996 during the military regime of General Sani Abacha.

The Christian Reformed Church of Nigeria (CRC-N) is a Christian church that was established in 1951 under the name "Ekklisiyar Kristi a Sudan (EKAS) Lardin "Benue" meaning, "The church of Christ in Sudan, Benue region", and known under its current name since 1976. It belongs to the Fellowship of Churches of Christ in Nigeria and the World Communion of Reformed Churches.

The Wukari Federation is a traditional state in Nigeria, a successor to the Kwararafa state of the Jukun people. The state is based in the town of Wukari in Taraba State, in the south of the Benue River basin. The ruler takes the title "Aku Uka".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kuteb people</span> West African ethnic group

The Kuteb people are an ethno-linguistic group in West Africa, who speak Kuteb, a Jukunoid language. Most of the Kuteb people reside in Taraba State, Nigeria.

Abubakar Umar Tutare is a Nigerian politician who served as the senator representing the Taraba Central senatorial district from 2011 to 2015. He was elected in the 2011 Nigerian Senate elections, running on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The Zaki-Biam massacre was a mass execution of hundreds of unarmed Tiv civilians by the Nigerian Army between 20 and 24 October 2001. The massacre was a surreptitious operation of the Nigerian army to avenge the killing of 19 soldiers, whose mutilated bodies were found on 12 October 2001, near some Tiv villages in Benue State. The massacre took place in villages including Gbeji, Vaase, Anyiin, Iorja, Ugba, Tse-Adoor, Sankera, Kyado and Zaki-Biam.

Kuvyon II was the 27th Aku Uka of Kwararafa and 13th since the founding of the Wukari Federation, a Jukun tradition state in Middle Belt, Nigeria. He is also the chairman, Taraba State Council of Traditional Rulers and Chancellor, Federal University Dutse. He died on October 10, 2021, at the age of 84.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mark Bako Useni</span> Nigerian Politician and Former Taraba House of Assembly Speaker

Mark Bako Useni, RT. HON is a Nigerian politician and a member of the All Progressives Congress, representing Takum/Donga/Ussa in the House of Representatives. He has served as the Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly in the 7th and 8th Assembly.

The 2011 Taraba State gubernatorial election was the 5th gubernatorial election of Taraba State. Held on April 26, 2011, the People's Democratic Party nominee Danbaba Suntai won the election, defeating Ahmed Yusuf of the Congress for Progressive Change.

Usman Danjuma Shiddi is a Nigerian politician and legislator currently representing the Ibi/Wukari Federal Constituency of Taraba State at the Federal House of Representatives in Nigerian National Assembly. In 2019 he won the House of Representative seat with 39,312 votes defeating his closest rival, Yakubu Aliyara of Action Alliance (AA) who got 22,147 votes. Shiddi is the Chairman House Committee on Internal Security of the 9th Nigeria House of Representative Assembly and in 2020 defected to the All Progressives Congress.

The Akata Festival is a fishing festival common among the Akata people. Akata is located at Katsina-Ala local government Area in Benue State, Nigeria. It is an annual festival celebration, and a fishing competition festival practiced among the Tiv, Etulo and Jukun fishermen where the fisherman with the highest catch is rewarded handsomely. This competition also reveals different fishing skills, as the competition is on-going, dances and drums with different practices by the community are performed.

References

  1. ↑ "Nwonyo Fishing Festival, Festivals And Carnivals In Taraba State :: Nigeria Information & Guide". www.nigeriagalleria.com. Retrieved 2021-08-19.
  2. ↑ "Taraba celebrates yet another Nwonyo fishing festival". Vanguard News. 2010-04-29. Retrieved 2021-08-19.
  3. ↑ "Nwonyo Fishing Festival in Taraba State, Nigeria - Finelib.com Events". www.finelib.com. Retrieved 2021-08-19.
  4. ↑ "Nwonyo Fishing Festival | Hometown.ng™". 2017-08-26. Retrieved 2021-08-19.
  5. ↑ "Nwonyo Fishing Festival, Festivals And Carnivals In Taraba State :: Nigeria Information & Guide". www.nigeriagalleria.com. Retrieved 2021-08-19.
  6. ↑ "Taraba celebrates yet another Nwonyo fishing festival". Vanguard News. 2010-04-29. Retrieved 2021-08-19.
  7. ↑ "Taraba celebrates yet another Nwonyo fishing festival". Vanguard News. 2010-04-29. Retrieved 2021-08-19.
  8. ↑ "Taraba celebrates yet another Nwonyo fishing festival". Vanguard News. 2010-04-29. Retrieved 2021-08-19.
  9. ↑ "Nwonyo Fishing Festival in Taraba State, Nigeria - Finelib.com Events". www.finelib.com. Retrieved 2021-08-19.
  10. ↑ "Nwonyo Fishing Festival | Hometown.ng™". 2017-08-26. Retrieved 2021-08-19.
  11. ↑ "Taraba celebrates yet another Nwonyo fishing festival". Vanguard News. 2010-04-29. Retrieved 2021-08-19.
  12. 1 2 "Nwonyo Fishing Festival | Hometown.ng™". 2017-08-26. Retrieved 2021-08-19.
  13. 1 2 3 "Nwonyo Fishing Festival | Hometown.ng™". 2017-08-26. Retrieved 2021-08-19.
  14. ↑ "Colours of Nwonyo". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. 2010-05-01. Retrieved 2021-08-19.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.