Afon, the headquarters of Asa local government area of Kwara State plays host to tourist attractions centres such as the Shehu Alimi’s Mosque, the well water at Kuwo in Alapa district; and the cattle dam and grazing reserve at lla-Oja.
The Asa people are also reputed to have beautiful landscapes, climate and lifestyles.
Many people would be shocked to know that Afon people also hold a fishing festival annually. The festival has over the years becomes a unifying factor in the area as it brings both the old and young together for a feast.
Just like the Argungun fishing festival in Kebbi State, Afon fishing festival is an annual community-wide celebration held in the local government from February to March, sometimes extending till April. The festival also attracts participants from neighbouring communities.
The festival usually commences with the clearing of the river and the removal of debris and obstacles in and around the river.
After this, fishing nets are set up to block off two edges of the designated fishing area, ensuring that the fish do not escape.
Once the river is prepared, the fishing begins. Any fish caught by an individual belongs to them, except for large fish, which are shared among all participants. Those who are unable to catch fish receive compensation from the catches of others.
Unlike other fishing festivals that are competitive, the Afon fishing festival is more of a fun fair and it has become a unifying event not just for the Afon community, but also for neighbouring communities.
Like the Argungun festival in Kebbi State, the locals are of the opinion that Kwara State government can unlock the hidden potentials in Afon fishing festival as it’s capables of boosting the economy of the state.
A community leader, Mal AbdulRahman Sanni urged the state government to unlock the hidden potentials in the Afon fishing festival just as the Kebbi State Government did to Argungun fishing festival.
He added:” Tourism is said to be vital for the success of many economies the world over. There are several benefits of tourism on host destinations. Tourism boosts the revenue of the economy, creates thousands of jobs, develops the infrastructure of a country, and plants a sense of cultural exchange between foreigners and citizens.
“The number of jobs created by tourism in many different areas is significant. These jobs are not only a part of the tourism sector but also include the agricultural sector, communication sector, health sector, and the educational sector.
“Many tourists travel to experience the hosting destination’s culture, different traditions, and gastronomy. This is very profitable to local restaurants, shopping centres, stores among others.
“Therefore, the present government in Kwara State should look at a way of harnessing the hidden potentials in Afon fishing festival to place the state on world map and boost the state’s economy.
All efforts to get the state government’s reaction to the good development through the commisssioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Alh AbdulLateef Gidado proved abortive.
Gidado hails from Asa local government and he’s passionate about the development of the area.
