Tourists from 10 states across Nigeria on recently gathered in Afon, the headquarters of Asa local government area of Kwara State to witness the community ‘s annual fishing festival.
The colorful event also attracted content creators, and key government officials to the banks of the Asa River where the fishing festival took place.
LEADERSHIP reports that the century-old fishing festival gained prominence in 2023 when Jamiu Balogun, an indigene of Afon in collaboration with Visit Kwara, a tourism promotion platform, began promoting the event.
Jamiu Balogun, the lead organiser of Afon Fishing Festival, said that the festival has been steadily gaining popularity since incorporating elements of tourism packaging.
He, however, emphasised the importance of support from national, state, and international tourism organisations for the festival.
The district head of Afon, Mal. Hanafi Balogun, highlighted the longstanding tradition of the fishing festival in Afon and his commitment to promoting it on a global scale.
He disclosed ongoing efforts to engage with the state government, which explained the presence of government officials at the festival.
The chairman of Asa local government area , Alh Shehu Yahaya stressed the vital role of tourism in stimulating the local economy of Afon, the headquarters of the local government.
He affirmed the area council’s support for the Afon Fishing Festival and its endeavors.
The chief fisher head, Alh Abdullahi Laraba, expressed delight about the shape the festival was taking, particular during his reign.
He expressed his determination to preserve the festival ahead of the next generation.
The festival also featured a mountain climbing tour that attracted tourists, content creators, safari enthusiasts, and government officials to explore potential tourist sites like the Odoode hills in Afon district.
Brighton Udezi, a member of BMW GS Nigeria, a biking safari group, and his team marveled at the breathtaking views of the Odoode hills during their expedition.
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