Bonny Kingdom Boat Regatta to Feature on Nigeria’s Cultural, Tourism Calendar – FG Says, Pledges Technical Support for 2025 Edition

The Federal Government through the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) has reiterated its endorsement for the Bonny Kingdom Boat Regatta, promising to provide media and technical support for the 2025 edition.

Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NCAC, Obi Asika communicated this to the organizer of the event, Graftons Entertainment recently.

The letter tagged: “Endorsement of the Bonny Kingdom Boat Regatta” dated September 24, 2025 with reference number: NCAC/C/1/213.12.5 was addressed to the Managing Director of Graftons Entertainment, Tonye Ibiama.

“On behalf of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), I am pleased to extend our official endorsement and support to the Bonny Kingdom Boat Regatta, organized by Graftons Place & Media Services.”

“The 2024 edition successfully engaged over 1,000 youths, featured 12 chieftaincy houses, and drew more than 2,000 spectators, including traditional leaders and dignitaries, while promoting the ljaw lbani clan’s heritage and boosting cultural tourism and local economic growth.”

“The NCAC recognizes the immense cultural value of the Bonny Kingdom Boat Regatta and its potential to become a landmark fixture in Nigeria’s cultural and tourism calendar.”

“In line with our mandate to promote and safeguard Nigeria’s cultural assets, we hereby affirm our endorsement and commitment to provide the necessary media and technical support towards the 2025 edition.”

The NCAC boss also called on relevant stakeholders to support the event with a view to ensuring its growth, sustainability and visibility locally and globally.

“We also use this medium to invite relevant stakeholders, corporate bodies, and cultural enthusiasts to support and actively participate in this important festival, ensuring its continued growth, sustainability, and visibility on both the national and international stage.”  

This edition of the Bonny Kingdom Boat Regatta, which is expected to attract tourist from across the globe and boost the local economy, is billed to hold on Friday, December 26, 2025 along the Admiralty Creek, Coal Beach, Bonny, Rivers State.