As part of its strategy to boost tourism, the Taraba State government has launched an ambitious project to develop Nwonyo Lake into a major international tourism attraction.
This is coming ahead of the 2025 Nwonyo International Fishing and Cultural Festival.
Job Sehero, Special Assistant To The Commissioner On Media and Publicity made this known in a statement.
Hon. Joseph Nagombe revealed Gov Kefas Agbu’s accomplishments, including Nwonyo village reconstruction, UNESCO’s 2025 tentative listing, and partnerships with La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort and Motherland Beckons.
Also, the mapping and documentation of the lake and its coordinates, training 100 youths in necessary skills for resort development, and the provision of free Artificial Intelligence 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, in which stakeholders, including traditional custodians, Taraba Tourism Development Services, and private partners, will collaboratively manage the lake’s resources, with royalties directed into a community-managed account.
This development also seeks to engage the African diaspora through cultural integration and tourism investments.
Accordingly, the 2025 Nwonyo Fishing Festival will be managed by a planning committee chaired by HRM Manu Ishaku Ada, with collaboration 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.
