Arrangements have been finalised for holding the 2013 Akata Fishing and Cultural Festival.

However, “the festivaloriginally billed to hold from Tuesday, June 4 – Thursday, June 6 will now hold fromTuesday, June 25 – Thursday,June 27,” said Principal Consultant, Mrs. Rosemary Duamlong, of Gren Business Dimensions.

Mrs. Duamlong in a statement issued yesterday in Lagos said the need to ensure that every arrangement was in place to make Akata 2013 the huge success desired by all compelled the organisers to postpone the event.

“We apologise for any inconvenience this postponement may cause you and your organisation,” she stated.

The festival, a celebration of the rich culture of Tiv people in Benue State, is to promote Benue State as a tourist destination and also bring together the local and the global community for greater economic opportunities.

“Fishing competition is the main event of the day of the festival. Other activities include traditional dancing, traditional singing, power bike riding, traditional wrestling, boat racing, arrow shooting competition and traditional Tiv pageant (Miss Akata) aimed at promoting the Tiv woman and her virtues,” the statement said.

Promising that all known traditional dancers in the area will participate and top government officials and business moguls from all the states of the federation will be in attendance, the organisers said the three-day international fiesta would encourage more private sector participation, bring more benefits to the people of the state, showcase the tourism potential of Benue State, create wealth and unite the people and the communities.

•Photo shows 2013 Akata Fiesta Principal Consultant, Rosemary Duamlong.