LIGHT UP BONNY! Bonny Chamber Rallies Stakeholders for 1st BITE of Bonny, Set to Unveil Island as Commerce, Tourism Hub

The much-anticipated first Bonny Investment and Tourism Expo (BITE 2025) has officially kicked off, signaling a new era of economic revival, cultural celebration, and strategic partnership for Bonny Island.

The organizers, the Bonny Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture announced this on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 during a Press Briefing in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

President of the Bonny Chamber, Constance Nwokejiobi stated that the first phase of the programme, which theme is; “Bonny Island – A Nexus for Commerce, Culture, and Tourism”, tagged “Light Up Bonny Island” strategically aligns with the 60th birthday celebration of His Majesty, King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III, the Amanyanabo of Ancient Grand Bonny Kingdom and Grand Patron of the Chamber.

Nwokejiobi said that the 1st BITE of Bonny is a bold initiative designed to “light up Bonny Island” through investment, youth empowerment, and cultural tourism, noting that it aligns with the lifelong vision of the Amanyanabo of Bonny Kingdom to see Bonny thrive through sustainable development.

She emphasized that the expo is not just an event but a rallying call to rediscover Bonny as a destination of pride, hospitality, and economic opportunity.

“As we symbolically “Light Up Bonny Island,” we set in motion a vision rooted in self-sufficiency, youth empowerment, strategic trade partnerships, and tourism as a key driver of local prosperity.”

“BITE 2025 is a platform designed to stimulate the local economy, promote youth entrepreneurship, and elevate Bonny Island as a vibrant destination for commerce, culture, and tourism.”

“It is both an investment drive and a destination marketing campaign, drawing global attention to the island’s business potential, rich heritage, and hospitality.”

Phase 1 (June 9–12, 2025) will be featuring a symbolic lighting ceremony at the Bonny Kingdom Consulate, youth entrepreneurship workshops on Access to finance, Business development toolkits and Business-to-business mentorship opportunities, and a key meeting of the Coalition of South-South Chambers of Commerce (COSSCCIMA) as a build-up to the Afri-Caribbean Trade & Investment Forum in Grenada.

Furthermore, Phase 2 of (December 8–12, 2025) will feature MSME exhibitions, a conference, and a grand food and cultural festival spotlighting Bonny’s vibrant heritage.

Nwokejiobi said BITE 2025 aims to launch expressions of interest for a Bonny Kingdom Free Trade Zone and Industrial Park, stimulate the local economy through entrepreneurship and tourism, and position Bonny Island as a global destination brand. Other goals include building MSME-led joint ventures under the Afreximbank-powered Afri-Caribbean platform and leveraging the AfCFTA framework for international partnerships.

The Chamber President also noted ongoing infrastructure upgrades, including the Bonny Ring Road and expansion of three key roads in the city. In addition, 150 youths have registered for entrepreneurship training ahead of their unveiling in December.

“There is a programme to stimulate the youths, they would be trained and unveiled in December before the scheme commences.”

On security, Nwokejiobi reassured potential investors, highlighting improved coordination among local security teams, crackdown on illegal refining camps, and enhanced waterway patrols.

She said the Bonny Chamber had also successfully intervened to prevent a shutdown of the Train 7 gas project after tensions rose, proving the Chamber’s vital role in conflict mediation and advocacy.

“We cannot be inviting investors to Bonny and they do not feel safe,” we interface with all stakeholders to ensure peace, and the Police Commissioner has promised to extend protection from Okrika to Port Harcourt and beyond.”

Also speaking at the event, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, Paul Bazia lauded the Chamber for the bold initiative and urged the media to amplify the message of transformation happening in Bonny.

“The NUJ stands solidly behind projects that drive sustainable development and inclusive growth, BITE 2025 has the potential to change narratives not just for Bonny Island but for the entire Niger Delta.”

He further called on journalists to go beyond reportage and become development partners in promoting investments that benefit communities.

As the curtain rises on the 1st BITE of Bonny, the message is loud and clear Bonny is not only rich in oil, it is rich in people, culture, and potential.