RSG Seeks Private Support For OIB

In order to sustain the gains of the Opobo International Boat (OIB) regatta, the Rivers State Government has tasked companies and private individuals within and outside the state to provide support for the programme.

Speaking through the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly (RSHA), Rt. Hon. Tonye Harry, while declaring the event open at Opobo Town, governor Chibuike Amaechi declared that government would ensure that the festival is sustained.

He pointed out that since the meager resource at the disposal of the organizers is not enough, there is need for them to explore other ways to attract fund, assuring that the state government would prevail on companies to support the programme.

The state Governor described the event as the pride of the state, since it is the only festival recognised by the federal government in the state.

He expressed pleasure that the event has improved over the years in terms of organisation and participation, noting that , “we believe that next year’s event would be better than this.”

In his welcome speech, the Chairman of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, Hon. Maclean Uranta thanked the state government for support and urged the participants to enjoy the hospitality of the people, saying security has improved in the area.

In his speech, the Amayanabo of Opobo Kingdom King Dandeson Jaja said the OIB has made the state proud.

As the only boat festival in the whole of Niger- Delta, King Jaja stated that the event is growing with international groups indicating interest to participate.

Because of the potentials, the Opobo monarch remarked that the state government need to increase its support to the event adding, “there is no way Rivers State and the Niger Delta will benefit from a situation in which a project with the commendable track record of OIB is slowed down or killed.”

King Jaja V commended the state government for its efforts in reviving cultural and tourism activities stating that the state would soon begin to reap the economic benefits.

Highlights of the occasion include special boat parade by the 14 war-canoes from the Kingdom, cultural displays and dances.

The Obong of Calabar, Obong Edidem Ekipo and Eze Ekpeye Logbo including representative of the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Ubong Uyo were among dignities that attended the ceremony.