Rivers State Government to Revive Opobo Boat Racing and Regatta Festival
The Rivers State government has announced plans to revive the Opobo International Boat Racing and Regatta Festival, aiming to boost tourism in the state.
This announcement was made by the state’s Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Israel Ngbuelo, during a courtesy visit to the traditional ruler of Opobo Kingdom, King Dandeson Douglas-Jaja, at his palace in Opobo Town on Saturday.
Ngbuelo emphasized that the tourist attractions within Opobo Kingdom have significant potential to generate substantial revenue for the state. He also reiterated Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s commitment to revitalizing key tourist sites across the state to drive economic growth.
“We cannot discuss tourism in Rivers State without mentioning Opobo,” Ngbuelo said. “When I assumed office as Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, we discovered that Opobo has the capacity to draw tourists, not just to Rivers State but to Nigeria as a whole. Governor Fubara has tasked me with the responsibility of making this vision a reality.”
The Commissioner added that the ministry had been working closely to identify and promote the various tourist sites in Opobo, with the goal of transforming them into major attractions.
In his response, King Dandeson Douglas-Jaja welcomed the initiative and expressed his kingdom’s readiness to collaborate with the state government in the revival of the Opobo International Boat Racing and Regatta Festival.
He commended Governor Fubara for his focus on preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Rivers State, noting that such efforts would have a lasting impact on both the local community and the state’s economy.
