By Ifeyinwa Ogwo
The Anambra State Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism, Mr. Don Onyenji, emphasized that the Ogbaru Boat Carnival is not only a cultural event but also a significant opportunity to promote tourism and highlight one of Anambra State’s natural treasures—the River Niger.
“The state enjoys the heritage of the River Niger, and the Ogbaru Boat Carnival takes this opportunity to garner international attention—a celebration of vibrant festivities,” he said.
Commissioner Onyenji made these remarks during a courtesy visit from the organizers of the Ogbaru Boat Carnival at his office in the Jerome Udorji Secretariat in Awka.
He noted that Governor Chukwuma Soludo has made substantial efforts to promote tourism in the state, which aligns with culture and entertainment. The governor has created an enabling environment for tourism to flourish, attracting thousands of people, including families and individuals of all ages, to Awka to enjoy the Solution Fun City, which offers many exciting attractions.
“In addition to the Solution Fun City, the government is planning to develop incredible tourist attractions at Agulu Lake and the Awka City Park, which will serve as international destinations where people can come to relax and have fun. All of these initiatives support the governor’s manifesto of making Anambra State a place for people to visit, invest, relax, and enjoy,” he added.
Commissioner Onyenji encouraged the people of Anambra to partner with the government to build a vibrant and thriving creative ecosystem that will attract visitors from around the globe. “We welcome such initiatives. I will do my best to ensure government support is visible,” he said.
The Convener and Host of the Ogbaru Boat Carnival, Hon. Nonso Nwaebili, expressed gratitude to the commissioner for their warm reception. He shared that their visit aims to invite the government to the Ogbaru Boat Carnival and to seek support and partnership to sustain their cultural renaissance, which has positioned Ogbaru as a beacon of tourism, unity, and peace.
“This carnival has existed even before I was born. I remember my mother, who was the former Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, managing the event. Initially, it was just for Odekpe, but I’ve been overseeing its transformation into the Ogbaru Boat Carnival for the past five years, serving as a unifying platform for our people—celebrating our rich aquatic heritage, unique culture, and tourism potential. It has become the largest annual cultural gathering in Ogbaru, attracting participants and spectators from across the state and beyond.
“This year’s edition is particularly special because we will unveil two landmark initiatives: the formation of Junior Boys Boat Riders, aimed at nurturing the next generation in our aquatic traditions, and the introduction of a cultural ambassador who will promote the beauty and identity of Ogbaru to the world,” he explained.
Hon. Nwaebili announced that this year’s event will take place on October 5, at Okoti Market in Odekpe, Ogbaru Local Government Area, urging everyone to join in saying, “Together, let us firmly place Ogbaru on the cultural and tourism map of Nigeria”.
Ifeyinwa is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
