By Obansa Ibrahim, Lokoja
Forum Of Lokoja Patriots has hosted this year, 2024 Boat Regatta funfair to marked the historic cultural event showcasing its River Niger heritage.
The boat regatta witnessed mammoth crowd and was open to the public as cultural and entertainment funfair took place at Old Market John Holt , Kpata Road, Lokoja on Saturday, 12th October,,2024.
In a welcome address delivered by the chairman of the forum, Alhaji Idris Babango, said the event is aimed at revitalizing and promote the cultural heritability of Lokoja riverine communities, enhance local economic development through tourism and entrepreneurship.
The chairman further said the forum intend to also use the event to Forster unity and social interaction among diverse ethnic groups in Lokoja.
According to him, ” the boat reggatta also served as family recreation show for the benefits of the people in kogi and tourists”.
He said the activities organized to spice the cultural festival include, performances by entertainment boats, traditional boat regatta parade, cultural display by various riverine communities, water safety tips as well as other side attractions.
According to him, ” Lokoja and it’s environs has a lot of potentials, natural and creative resources to attract tourists to Lokoja communities and the state, which will boost economic and social activities in the state and hitherto create empowerment for our teeming youths”.
He therefore appeal to the state government led by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and the incoming Council chairman, Comrade Abdullahi Adamu to collaborate with Lokoja Forum Of Patriots in terms of Sponsorship every year, as the programme will continue to showcase the cultural heritage and promote the unity in the state.
The chairman also expressed the forum’s profound gratitude to His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo Kabir, Markafi 1V, for the express approval of the colourful event.
He thanked the chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Ahmed Nasser, Dan Darma of Lokoja , and other dignitaries, such as Senator Tunde Ogbeha, RT. Hon. Speaker, Aliyu Umar Yusuf, Agankyu of Kakanda, Rogan Of Eggan, Mayaki of Kupa, Olu of Oworo and other traditional rulers too numerous to mention.
“The boat regatta is a traditional tourism feature every year in Lokoja to showcase the tourism values and beauty of Lokoja waterways and market its potentials to local and foreign tourists as well as investors, the chairman said..
The colourful event also witnessed various swimmers and boat riders from the participating water communities who went into competition and won varieties of prizes on open water swimming, canoe race competition and outstanding regatta boats.
The people of Lokoja communities gather to participate in the Cultural Festival at the bank of River Niger.
The one day festival, which usually comes up towards end of every year, showcased series of water competitions including hand canoe racing, swimming, canoe paddling, as well as other traditional practices, such as cultural displays.