Blame, counter blame trial 2024 Nwonyo fishing festival as Taraba Governor Kefas keeps mute

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

A boat regatta during the Nwonyo Fishing Festival at Ibi

By Celestine Ihejirika, Jalingo

Controversy has continued trailing the just- concluded 2024 Nwonyo fishing festival in Ibi, Taraba State as members of the organizing committee keep trading blames and counter blames at each other over inadequacies during the event.

In an encounter with prominent dignitaries and top government officials with our correspondent who covered the two-day event it was a show of shame as two top government officials the Commissioner of  Ecotourism and Cultural Heritage, Rev. Titus Nagombe and members of House Assembly representing Nguroje Constituency and House Committee Chairman on Information and Reorientation, Hon. Nelson Len who also doubles as committee Chairman, Media and Publicity for the fishing festival were allegedly sited trading verbal words before commencement of the program.

Other top government officials who spoke on condition of animosity to our reporter expressed shock at the poor outing despite over N250 million reportedly released by the state government to the committees, a situation Governor Kefas has remained silent.

However speaking at the event, Governor Kefas assured that Nwonyo fishing festival has come to stay pointing out that the overall essence of the culture was to promote unity, peace and progress of the entire Kwararafa kingdom and by extension Nigerians.

He noted the Nwonyo fishing festival was unique in the sense that it attracts people from divergent cultures including foreigners to showcase opportunity potentials.

The Managing Director, Taraba State Tourism Board, Mrs. Christy Mark Useni who spoke to Apex News Exclusive after the event appreciated Governor Kefas for reviving the rich cultural festival.