Nigerian Tourism Ministry Endorses Bonny Kingdom Boat Regatta Ahead of 2025 Edition

As the 2025 edition of the now famous Bonny Kingdom Boat Regatta draws close, the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy has endorsed the event.

This latest endorsement for the traditional boat racing competition, which is organized by Grafton Entertainment, was made by the Ministry through the Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Obi Asika.

The Boat Regatta, which is hosted by the Amanyanabo and Natural Ruler of Bonny Kingdom, His Majesty, King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III, CON, Perekule XI, will holds annually in December in Bonny, Rivers State.

In a post on his Instagram handle, Asika said the endorsement recognizes and supports the cultural and tourism value of the annual event, which brings together the chieftaincy houses of the Ibani-Ijaw people.

According to Asika, the regatta celebrates the heritage of the Ibani Ijaw ethnic nationality through traditional boat displays, music, and community participation, noting that the festival has continued to attract thousands of tourists, boost local economies, and foster unity within the Bonny Kingdom and across Nigeria.

He described Bonny as a historical island blessed with cultural richness and one of the sweetest blends of Nigerian crude oil, yet known most for its people’s hospitality and energy.

Asika further emphasized that the federal government, through the Nigerian Arts and Culture Agency, will support the 2025 edition with media and technical assistance.

He added that the endorsement reflects the government’s commitment to preserving Nigeria’s diverse traditions and promoting cultural tourism.

Project Lead of the Bonny Kingdom Boat Regatta and Chief Executive Officer of Grafton Entertainment, Tonye Ibiama expressed gratitude for the recognition, noting that the endorsement will inspire an even bigger and better regatta in 2025.