Elder statesman calls for sustenance of Lokoja boat reggata to create jobs, wealth

The Chairman of 2024 Lokoja boat regatta festival Barrister Nasser Ahmed has called for the sustenance of the festival in order to create jobs for the teeming unemployed youth and creation of wealth for the people of Lokoja communities.

Barrister Ahmed made the call on Saturday during the fifth edition of Lokoja Boat Regatta festival organized by Lokoja Forum of Patriots in collaboration with Lokoja traditional council.

The chairman of the occasion who is also the Dan Darma Lokoja, said the rich cultural festival if sustained and reformed can attract foreign investors thereby creating massive employment for youth and economic prosperity of the people of Lokoja.

While commending the organizers for showcasing the cultural heritage of Lokoja and its environs, he urged participants to owned the festival by performing excellently well in a harmonious way that will pave room for the peaceful coexistence of the people of Lokoja local government.

Earlier in his welcome adress, the chairman of Lokoja Forum of Patriots, Alhaji Baba’ango Idris, stated that the festival which was revived in 2017 was aimed at revitalizing and promoting the cultural heritage of Lokoja riverine communities and to enhance local economic development through tourism and entrepreneurship.

He pointed out that the festival was also aimed at fostering unity and social interaction among the diverse ethnic groups in Lokoja local government area of the state.

Alhaji Idris who also mentioned that Lokoja and its environs has a lot of natural and creative resources to attract tourist to the communities and the state, noted that if well managed it will boost economic and social activities in the state and create empowerment for the teaming youths in the local government.

He appealed to the state governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo and the incoming Lokoja Local Government Chairman to take over the sponsorship of the programme annually, saying “this is one of the programmes that showcase our cultural heritage and unite our people the more”.

While appreciating His Royal Highness Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo Muhammadu Maikarfi IV for the express approval of the programme, Alhaji Idris thanks those who have contributed to the success of the 2024 Reggata festival in Lokoja.

The 2024 Regatta festival showcased the mastery of Swimming, Canoe paddling, boat regatta competitions, cultural dances among others.