The Lokoja Forum of Patriots has appealed to the Kogi State Government to provide consistent financial support and formal recognition for the annual Lokoja Boat Regatta, describing the cultural event as an opportunity to promote tourism, preserve local traditions and stimulate economic activity.

The appeal was made on Saturday, October 10, 2026, during the seventh edition of the festival at the Kabawa Waterfront in Lokoja, where residents, traditional leaders, government representatives and cultural enthusiasts gathered to celebrate the city’s aquatic heritage.

Chairman of the Lokoja Forum of Patriots, Alhaji Idris Baba’ango, said stronger government backing and greater participation from private organisations would help the regatta grow into a recognised cultural tourism attraction in Nigeria.

He explained that the festival goes beyond boat races and entertainment, serving as a platform for promoting unity and peaceful coexistence among Lokoja’s diverse ethnic communities. According to him, sustained investment could help attract more visitors, support local businesses and create opportunities for traders, artisans and other entrepreneurs.

Baba’ango also urged competitors to demonstrate discipline and sportsmanship throughout the contests, while calling on judges to ensure fairness and impartiality in determining the winners.

Chairman of the Day, Barrister Ahmed Naseer, the Dan-Darman of Lokoja, also emphasised the need to preserve the festival and expand its reach. He appealed to corporate organisations and individuals to partner with the organisers to ensure that indigenous cultural celebrations are not lost to future generations.

Naseer noted that the regatta provides an opportunity to showcase the boating skills, courage and creativity of local participants while bringing communities together through shared traditions. He also commended the Maigari of Lokoja for supporting efforts to preserve the area’s cultural heritage.

The festival featured decorated boats, canoe races, swimming competitions and cultural performances, drawing spectators to the waterfront along the River Niger. The activities highlighted Lokoja’s longstanding relationship with its waterways and the cultural practices associated with riverine life.

Lokoja occupies a distinctive place in Nigeria’s geography because of its location near the meeting point of the Rivers Niger and Benue. Organisers and cultural stakeholders believe the city’s natural setting, historical attractions and community traditions could support a broader tourism economy if properly developed.

The Lokoja Boat Regatta was first organised in 2017 by the Lokoja Forum of Patriots in collaboration with the Lokoja Traditional Council. Since then, the annual event has aimed to promote cultural identity, encourage interaction among the city’s communities and draw attention to the tourism potential of the waterfront.

Calls for increased support are not new. Stakeholders have previously urged government agencies, businesses and individuals to work with the organisers to strengthen the festival and give it wider national visibility.

However, turning the regatta into a major tourism attraction would require more than staging an annual event. Consistent funding, effective promotion, suitable waterfront facilities, visitor services and appropriate safety arrangements would be important to sustaining its growth.

For the Lokoja Forum of Patriots, the immediate priority is to secure stronger institutional and financial support so the festival can continue celebrating local heritage while creating practical benefits for the surrounding communities.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia