Environment
Nwonyo Fishing Festival: A Vibrant Celebration Of Tradition And Unity In Nigeria
In the heart of Taraba State, Nigeria, the Ibi community comes alive every year with the Nwonyo Fishing Festival, a centuries-old tradition that’s a feast for the senses! This iconic event has been celebrated for over 90 years, showcasing the Ibi people’s exceptional fishing skills and fostering unity among neighboring communities.
The festival’s rich history dates back to 1816 when Buba Wurbo, the founder of Ibi, discovered the majestic Nwonyo Lake. This sacred body of water is home to an array of aquatic life, including crocodiles, snakes, and hippopotamuses, earning its name “Nwonyo” or “Hide-out for huge and dangerous aquatic animals.” The lake’s reputation as a sanctuary for these creatures has been passed down through generations, with two myths offering additional meanings: “under the locust bean tree” and “abode of the snake” in the Jukun language.
Initially, the lake served as a vital fishing source for the local fishing and farming communities. However, Buba Wurbo transformed it into a festival venue, and the first public fishing festival took place during the reign of Abgumanu II (1903- 1915). Mallam Muhammadu Jikan Buba, the Chief of Ibi, appointed Mallam Muhammadu Sango as the custodian of the lake (Sarkin Ruwa) in 1943, ensuring the lake’s conservation and the festival’s continued success.
The festival features a range of activities, including swimming competitions, dance and music performances, singing contests, boat regattas, and masquerade demonstrations. Participants use canoes to fish, avoiding dangerous aquatic animals. Over the years, the festival has seen impressive fish catches, with records being set and broken. In 1970, the largest catch weighed 60 pounds, increasing to 175 pounds in 1971 and 124 pounds in 1973. In 2010, Mr. Bulus Joshua set a new record with a 318-kilogram catch!
The festival has attracted notable figures, including Governor Joseph Gomwalk of Benue/Plateau State and Col. Theophilus Danjuma, and has gained national recognition. In 2008, Governor Danbaba Danfulani Suntai revitalized
the festival, establishing the Taraba State Tourism Development Board (TSTDB) to oversee its organization. The 2009 edition saw dignitaries like Senate President David Mark and Governor Suntai in attendance, with corporate sponsors like MTN and Zenith Bank adding to the festival’s grandeur. In 2024, the festival was reignited by Governor Agbu Kefas, with Rtd. General TY Danjuma presenting a refurbished Honda Hennessy to the winner of the largest catch, marking a new chapter in the festival’s storied history.
The Nwonyo Fishing Festival is a testament to the power of tradition, unity, and community spirit, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Ibi people and the importance of conservation and sustainable fishing practices. As the festival continues to grow and flourish, it remains a beloved national event, attracting visitors from across the country and beyond.”
In a bid to reduce the country’s planet-warming emissions, the UK government has announced a £180 million investment in solar panels for hundreds of schools and hospitals across the country.
This move is part of the government’s efforts to achieve its long-term climate goals and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
The investment, which is the first major project from Great British Energy, the government’s new state owned energy company, is expected to provide solar panels for 200 schools and 200 hospitals.
This will not only help reduce energy bills but also cut carbon emissions and promote sustainability.
According to Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, “Great British Energy’s first major project will be to help our vital public institutions save hundreds of millions on bills to reinvest on the frontline.”
He added that the project will help reduce the financial pressure of energy bills on schools and hospitals.
The announcement has been welcomed by schools, unions, and NHS estate managers, who have long been advocating for measures to reduce energy costs.
Paul Whiteman, NAHT general secretary, said that the investment is a “step in the right direction” and will help schools manage energy bills, which have been a significant financial burden in recent years.
However, not everyone is optimistic about the investment.
Andrew Bowie, shadow energy secretary, argued that the government’s net zero plans will make the country “poorer.”
He claimed that the investment will lead to increased reliance on foreign powers like Russia.
In contrast, energy experts believe that investing in renewable energy will reduce the UK’s reliance on imports.
Jess Ralston, energy analyst at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, said that the investment in solar panels will improve energy security and reduce the amount of gas imported from countries like Russia.
The first solar panels are expected to be installed by the end of the summer, with a focus on areas of “highest need.”
Hurricane Milton ravaged Florida with fierce winds, flooding, and tornadoes, leaving 16 dead and millions without power. Communities face widespread destruction, as stories of survival and rescue emerge, including daring evacuations and rebuilding efforts. As officials warn against disaster sightseeing, residents and authorities focus on recovery. The storm highlights the urgent need for climate action and preparedness, as Floridians confront the realities of living in a storm-prone state.
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As Nigeria commemorates its 64th Independence anniversary, the stark contrast between celebration and the persistent challenges of corruption, mismanagement, and unfulfilled promises becomes evident.
The editorial revisits historical attempts at reform, such as the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission’s (ICPC) prosecutions and the House of Representatives’ inquiry into the unfulfilled $14.5 million aircraft repair contract. Many of these initiatives have faded from public memory, leaving questions about accountability unresolved.
High-profile corruption cases, including the Halliburton scandal involving alleged bribes of $180 million, highlight systemic failures within the political landscape.
The editorial emphasizes the need for collective action from citizens, civil society, and the media to demand transparency and accountability. It warns that without addressing these entrenched failures, Nigeria’s path toward democracy and good governance may continue to be fraught with unfulfilled promises.
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Diaspora Diva – Aisha Bowe
Diaspora Watch – Vol. 40
UK Invests £180 Million In Solar Panels For Schools And Hospitals
Diaspora Watch 20th Edition (October 14-20, 2024): Your Trusted Source for Global News and Insights
Revolutionary mRNA Lung Cancer Vaccine Trial Offers New Hope To Thousands
