The Forum of Lokoja Patriots has called on the Kogi State Government to support its annual Boat Regatta Festival, aimed at promoting the cultural heritage of riverine communities and boosting tourism and economic activities in the state.
The appeal was made during the seventh edition of the festival, held at the Kabawa Waterfront, along New Market, Lokoja,
The event attracted a large crowd and featured a range of cultural and sporting activities celebrating Lokoja’s historical connection with River Niger.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Forum of Lokoja Patriots, Alhaji Idris Babango, said the festival was designed to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of riverine communities while creating opportunities for tourism, entrepreneurship and youth empowerment.
Babango explained that the event also provided a platform for fostering unity and social interaction among the diverse ethnic groups in Lokoja.
According to him, the festival serves as a recreational gathering for families, residents and tourists, while showcasing the rich cultural traditions and aquatic heritage of the confluence town.
He listed the activities featured at the festival to include traditional boat regatta parades, entertainment boat performances, cultural displays by riverine communities, water safety awareness and other recreational attractions.
Babango noted that Lokoja and its environs possessed enormous natural and creative resources capable of attracting tourists and investors, adding that proper development of these assets would stimulate economic growth and create employment opportunities for young people.
He appealed to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, and Chairman of Lokoja Local Government Area, Comrade Abdullahi Adamu, to support the initiative through annual sponsorship or a complete government takeover of the programme.
The forum chairman expressed appreciation to the Maigari of Lokoja, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo Kabir Maikarfi IV, for approving the event.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the chairman of the occasion, Barr. Ahmed Naseer, Dan Darman of Lokoja, former Senator Tunde Ogbeha and other traditional rulers who supported the festival.
In his remarks, the chairman of the occasion, Barr. Ahmed Naseer, described the regatta as a celebration of Lokoja’s history, culture and longstanding relationship with the surrounding waterways.
He said the confluence of Rivers Niger and Benue had played a significant role in shaping the history, livelihood and social interactions of communities in the area.
“These confluence waters have nourished our land, connected our communities, and shaped our history. The regatta stands as a proud testament to the courage, artistry, and seamanship of our people,” Naseer said.
He commended the Maigari of Lokoja for his commitment to traditional leadership and thanked Governor Ododo and other stakeholders for their support for cultural heritage and community development.
Responding, Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, assured the organisers that he would convey their request for government sponsorship to Governor Ododo.
The Speaker also pledged to engage members of the Assembly on the possibility of enacting legislation that would provide a framework for government sponsorship of the annual festival.
He commended the Forum of Lokoja Patriots for organising what he described as a successful cultural event, noting the importance of initiatives that preserve the state’s heritage and promote community engagement.
The colourful festival featured participants from riverine communities competing in open-water swimming, canoe racing and other aquatic activities, with outstanding performers receiving prizes.
The one-day event, traditionally organised towards the end of the year, also featured canoe paddling, hand-canoe racing and cultural performances along the banks of River Niger.
The organisers expressed hope that sustained government support would help expand the festival’s reach, attract more tourists and position Lokoja as a destination for cultural tourism and investment.
