Canvas as Compass: Holiveah’s Paint-A-Thon Becomes Beacon on Bonny Island’s Tourism Future

As the colours of Holiveah Lawson’s Paint-A-Thon continue to spread across canvases in Bonny Island, a broader narrative is quietly taking shape, a story not just of world records, but of destination marketing and cultural repositioning.

In a powerful statement, tourism advocate Boma Waribor captured this emerging vision:

“Beyond the trophy, this is a deep dive into destination marketing, when this effort comes through, I believe, it will ignite discussions about Bonny Island and Rivers State, stimulating tourism interests amongst other deliverables.”

“Amidst the myriad of unstable news with regards to Rivers State in recent times, this is a sharp departure and breath of fresh air.”

“I commend Holiveah Lawson and wish her good luck in this noble venture.”

Bonny Island, long known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and strategic coastal relevance, is now in the spotlight for a different reason: creative innovation.

Lawson’s Paint-A-Thon is attracting attention not just as a Guinness World Record attempt, but as a live cultural showcase. The energy of the event, the community involvement, and the influx of interest are shaping the island into an arts-and-tourism hotspot.

The weeklong painting marathon has drawn in dignitaries, cultural groups, families, tourists, and creatives alike. Social media buzz, traditional performances, and growing media coverage are reframing the narrative around Bonny, painting it not as a distant oil terminal, but a vibrant destination for art, culture, and experience.

Stakeholders in tourism, hospitality, and culture are already taking note. If leveraged right, the Paint-A-Thon could signal the rise of Bonny as a creative tourism destination, combining heritage with modern-day storytelling. Holiveah’s brush is not only writing history, but it may also well be redrawing the map for Rivers State’s tourism identity.