Rivers Gov’t To Revive Opobo Boat Racing, Regatta Festival

The Rivers State government has assured of its readiness to revive the Opobo International Boat Racing and Regatta Festival to attract more tourists to the state.

The state Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Israel Ngbuelo disclosed this on Saturday during a courtesy visit to the traditional ruler of Opobo Kingdom, King Dandeson Douglas-Jaja, at his palace in Opobo Town.

Ngbuelo stated that the tourist sites in Opobo Kingdom have the capacity to generate the total revenue of the state.

He further stated that Governor Siminalayi Fubara is committed to revamping tourist sites in the state to boost the economy.

The Commissioner said, “We cannot talk about tourism without mentioning Opobo. The executive governor of Rivers State has given me the responsibility.

“When I resumed office as Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, in the course of my research, we found out that Opobo has what it takes to attract tourists, into not only Rivers State, but Nigeria.

“So, we came as a ministry to avail us the opportunity to see the various tourist sites in Opobo for us to convert it into reality.”

Responding, the traditional ruler of Opobo Kingdom, King Dandeson Douglas-Jaja, said the people of Opobo Kingdom are ready to work with the state government towards reviving the Opobo International Boat Racing and Regatta Festival.

Douglas-Jaja commended Governor Fubara’s commitment in focusing more on the cultural heritage of the people of the state.