Bonny Island in Rivers State, Nigeria, is not just an economic opportunity but a captivating tourist destination, the Natural Ruler and Amanyanabo of the Grand Bonny Kingdom has said.
His Majesty, King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III, CON, DSSRS, JP, Edward I, Perekule XI, said this on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at the Unveiling and Launching of the 1st Bonny Investment and Tourism Expo at Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
He stated that the “Expo is our proclamation to the world that Bonny, with its history and culture, is ready to take its place on the global stage, asserting that “from agriculture to renewable energy, Bonny beckons exploration”.
“Today, Bonny, a historic trading hub, embraces a dual vision – commerce and a renaissance in tourism, steeped in our rich cultural heritage.
The monarch stated that “this unveiling isn’t just an event; it’s a declaration of Bonny’s return to global prominence,” stressing that the visionary blueprint of investment and tourism of the Governor Siminalayi Fubara “aligns seamlessly with Bonny’s spirit, rekindling the flame of prosperity”.
“Let’s not forget the tranquility, synonymous with peace and safety, that defines Bonny – a canvas for cultural exploration and economic endeavors. As we embark on the 1st BITE of Bonny, consider not only the economic prospects but also the cultural treasures awaiting discovery.”
Earlier in her welcome address, the President of Bonny Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Constance Nwokejiobi had acknowledged the contributions of various stakeholders to the growth of business in Bonny Island, especially in support of the Bonny Chamber’s efforts.
She noted that the commitment of the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara to the prosperity of the State is commendable, thanking the King of Bonny, and the Bonny Chiefs Council for their guidance, saying that “it continues to shape the destiny of our cherished Bonny”.
She also commended her predecessor, the immediate past President of the Chamber, Amairigha Hart “for laying the solid foundation upon which I now stand to implement the ambitious goals of the 1st BITE of Bonny”.
“The anticipated impacts of the 1st BITE of Bonny are monumental – from unlocking over $15 billion in investments to achieving a 70% indigenous business conversion, attracting over 10,000 tourists, and creating numerous direct and indirect jobs.”
“The key incentives, such as uninterrupted power supply, a world-class security network, and strategic infrastructure projects, position Bonny Island as a compelling destination for development.”
Outlining the other events lined up as part of the 1st BITE of Bonny, she informed that a Road Show and door-to-door visits to SMEs and key stakeholders will follow closely after the unveiling and launch, adding that a webinar on the 1st BITE of Bonny will hold in February 2024, which will be followed by a Strategic Stakeholders Session in Abuja.
“Beyond the events outlined for today, I am delighted to announce additional initiatives to ensure the success of the 1st BITE of Bonny. We will kick off a Road Show, engaging in door-to-door visits to SMEs and key stakeholders to share our vision and invite them to be part of the objectives of the 1st BITE of Bonny.”
“In February 2024, there will be a Webinar on the 1st BITE of Bonny, followed by a Strategic Stakeholders Session in Abuja, bringing together key stakeholders from the Senate, House of Representatives, connected Ministries, and Embassies.”
During the panel discussion, one of the panelists and Chairman of Bonny LGA, Dame Anengi Claude-Wilcox, who was represented by her Vice, Omoni Longjohn, stated that the security architecture around Bonny Island was being firmed up with a view to sustaining its status of an investment and tourism destination.
She further stated that so far, crime rates, piracy and other misdemeanors have been drastically scaled down since her assumption of office, noting that the synergy between the government, traditional institution and security agencies remain consolidated in the light of the drive to attract investors and tourists.
Another panelist and Director General of the Rivers State Tourism Development Agency (RSTDA), Yibo Koko asserted that Bonny has to be intentional about conversations around its development paradigm, urging stakeholders to focus on ensuring that Bonny is not just a political conversation but a truly investment and tourism destination.
Other panelists such as the South-South Coordinators of Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission and Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Nnamdi Offor and Ganiyu Ahmed, highlighted the efforts of the Federal Government in easing off challenges impeding inflow of foreign direct investments, assuring that more was being done to firm up the system to make Nigeria investment-friendly.
The panel discussion was moderated by the 2nd Deputy National President of the National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Alabo Dr Emi Membere-Otaji, who urged stakeholders to rally around the Bonny Chamber to leapfrog the economy of Bonny Island to a global business hub.
In his goodwill, a former Chairman of Bonny LGA, Edward Pepple harped on the need to harness the benefits of the blue economy, noting that Bonny Island possesses the potentials need to drive an economy predicated on the vast potentials of the maritime environment.
In attendance at the event were Se-Alabo Dagogo Claude-Wilcox, Se-Alabo Golden Christy-Wilcox, Se-Alabo Evans Brown, Se-Alabo Leslie Finecountry, and Se-Alabo Charles John-Jumbo, Chairman of Bonny Indigenous Contractors and Suppliers Association, Gift Alex-Hart; representatives of Nigeria LNG and Shell, among others.
The Grand Patron of the Bonny Chamber and Amanyanabo of Bonny later led other dignitaries on a tour of the exhibition stands by ICS Outsourcing, Doxa Engineering, and Ogun-Guangdong Free trade Zone.
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