Background:

The Ibi people are an ethnic group from Taraba State, Nigeria. The town is located on the south bank of the Benue River. The Ibi people are predominantly Hausa and Fulani, a region is known for its rich tin deposits. The town is a collecting point for sesame seeds and soybeans. Salt extraction is a traditional occupation in the region.

The majority of the population are farmers and fishermen. The British took control of Ibi in 1900 and established it as the administrative headquarters of western Muri.

The Nwonyo International Fishing Festival

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.

The name Nwonyo is from Jikun Wurbo Language, means Hide-out for huge and dangerous aquatic Animals such as Crocodiles, Snakes, Hippopotamus and many more.

The lake was traced to its discovery by Jukun Wurbo people in 1816.   late. Alhaji Musa Amale and late.Sarkin IBI Alhaji Salihu Danbawuro II.

The Nwonyo International Fishing and Cultural Festival is one of the oldest of its kind in Africa, having run for about 96 years. The festival is held at the Nwonyo Lake, located five kilometers north of Ibi town in Taraba State, Nigeria.

The festival started in 1816 when Buba Wurbo, the founder of Ibi community, discovered the lake. Initially, the lake served as a source of fishing for the neighboring communities, until Buda transformed it into a yearly festival.

The first public fishing festival was held during the reign of Abgumanu ll (1903-1915).

The festival gained more recognition and participants over the years, with a record catch of 318 kilograms in 2010.

 After a 14-year break, the festival was revived in 2024 by the present Governor of Taraba State, Agbu Kefas.

Significance/Relevance:

Nwonyo International Fishing and Cultural Festival  serves as a means of reunification among the Ibi people and their neighboring communities. It promotes unity and togetherness among the participants. It allows the communities to come together and celebrate their cultural heritage.

The Festival promotes tourism in Taraba State which provides a platform for cultural exchange and display of traditional practices and serves as a means of economic empowerment for the participants.

Finally, Nwonyo International Fishing and Cultural Festival   helps to conserve the lake and its resources as well as  promotes the preservation of the Ibi culture and traditions.