…..’festival can preserve cultural heritage, unite ethnic groups, drive economic growth’ – Baba’ango
The Lokoja Forum of Patriots has called on the Kogi State Government to provide sustained funding for the Lokoja Boat Regatta, saying the traditional festival has the potential to become a major tourist attraction and contributor to the state’s economic development.
The Forum expressed hope that stronger institutional backing and increased private-sector participation would help establish the Lokoja Boat Regatta as a prominent fixture on Kogi State’s cultural and tourism calendar.
Chairman of the Lokoja Forum of Patriots, Alhaji Idris Baba’ango made the appeal at the 2026 Lokoja Boat Regatta, held on Saturday, October 10, at the Kabawa Waterfront, Lokoja, where he stressed the need for deliberate government support to preserve the cultural heritage of the Confluence City.
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He said sustained financial backing and official recognition would enable the festival to grow beyond its traditional significance, attract tourists, create economic opportunities and showcase Lokoja’s rich cultural identity to a wider audience.
The Forum chairman explained that the regatta was conceived not merely as a cultural spectacle but also as a platform for promoting unity, peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding among the diverse ethnic groups in Lokoja Local Government Area.
He urged participants to demonstrate discipline, sportsmanship and mutual respect throughout the competitions, while appealing to the judges to discharge their responsibilities with fairness and impartiality.
The event attracted government officials, traditional rulers and other distinguished guests, with participants and spectators treated to a colourful display of the aquatic traditions for which Lokoja, situated at the confluence of the Rivers Niger and Benue, is renowned.
Speaking at the occasion, Chairman of the Day, Barrister Ahmed Naseer, reiterated the need to sustain and expand the regatta as a platform for celebrating Lokoja’s cultural identity, strengthening communal bonds and promoting the city’s tourism potential.
Naseer, the Dan-Darman of Lokoja, called on corporate organisations, well-meaning individuals and other stakeholders to support the Lokoja Forum of Patriots in its efforts to prevent the people’s traditional festivals from going into extinction.
He explained that the regatta offers a unique opportunity to showcase the courage, artistry and seamanship of local boatmen while bringing communities together through cultural expression and friendly competition.
He also commended the Maigari of Lokoja for his traditional leadership and continued support for cultural activities, acknowledging the presence of government representatives, traditional rulers and other prominent guests whose participation underscored the importance of preserving the community’s heritage.
The high point of the festival was a colourful parade of decorated boats, thrilling canoe races, swimming competitions and traditional cultural displays, as participants demonstrated their aquatic skills and celebrated the enduring traditions of the people.
Speaking with newsmen, Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf called for stronger collaboration between the organisers of the cultural fiesta and the traditional institution to make the festival more attractive, impactful and culturally enriching.
He said such a partnership would help preserve the heritage of the people while positioning the regatta as a platform for promoting tourism and unity.
The Speaker pledged to encourage the state government to institutionalise the festival as an annual event, assuring that the House of Assembly could consider enacting legislation to guarantee its continuity, if necessary.
He stressed the importance of sustained institutional support in preserving the cultural heritage of Lokoja for future generations.
Observers believe that preserving the festival would not only safeguard an important aspect of Lokoja’s heritage but also create opportunities for tourism, community engagement and local economic growth.
