Lokoja boat regatta: Forum seeks govt sponsorship to preserve cultural heritage

The Lokoja Forum of Patriots has called on the Kogi State government and the Lokoja Local Government Area to provide annual sponsorship for the Lokoja Boat Regatta to sustain the cultural festival and promote unity among riverine communities.

Chairman of the forum, Alhaji Idris Bagaango, made the appeal during the seventh edition of the regatta, held at the Kabawa Waterfront, near the Lokoja International market.

He said rising organisational costs had made government intervention necessary to preserve the festival.

Bagaango described the regatta as an important platform for showcasing Lokoja’s cultural heritage, maritime traditions and historical identity.

He urged Governor Usman Ododo and the Lokoja Local government chairman to adopt the event as an annual sponsorship programme.

He noted that the festival transcended sporting competition by fostering friendship, peaceful coexistence and a shared sense of belonging among communities.

He thanked the Maigari of Lokoja, Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo Muhammed, for his support and approval.

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Bagaango also appreciated the chairman of the occasion, Ahmed Naseer, the Dan-Darman of Lokoja; the special guest of honour, Senator Tunde Ogbeha, Lakpini of Lokoja; and the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Alhaji Aliyu Umar Yusuf, the Badakoshi of Lokoja, among others.

He acknowledged the support of traditional rulers, including the Rogan of Eggan, Agankyu of Kakanda, Olu of Oworo, Mayai of Kupa and Etsu of Adankolo, acting Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority, Alhaji Umar Yusuf Girei, and the Managing Director of HYPPADEC, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa Katukan Yawuri.

He commended security agencies, including the Nigerian Navy Ship Lugard, the Nigeria Police Force, Marine Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps, among others.

Earlier, chairman of the occasion, described the regatta as a celebration of the people’s identity, history and cultural heritage rather than merely a sporting event.

He emphasised that the confluence waters had shaped Lokoja’s development for centuries by connecting communities, sustaining livelihoods and encouraging interaction among different groups.

Naseer commended Ododo for what he described as his administration’s commitment to grassroots unity, youth development and cultural preservation.

He added that the participation of boatmen, paddlers and cultural performers highlighted the importance of teamwork, cooperation, discipline and healthy competition, while praising the Maigari for supporting cultural activities.

The event attracted traditional rulers, government officials, community representatives, sponsors, security personnel and spectators to the Kabawa Waterfront.

Organisers said the festival was established to strengthen community relationships, preserve indigenous traditions and promote peaceful coexistence, with calls for sustained government support highlighting its potential to boost cultural tourism in the state.