The Dan-Darman of Lokoja, Barr. Ahmed Naseer, has called for greater unity and the preservation of the cultural heritage of the people, describing the annual Lokoja Boat Regatta as a symbol of the city’s history, identity and shared aspirations.
Naseer is the Chairman of the occasion made the call on Saturday while addressing dignitaries and participants at the seventh edition of the Lokoja Boat Regatta held at the Kabawa Waterfront, along Lokoja International Market, Kogi State.
He said the regatta was more than a sporting competition, noting that it provided an opportunity to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Lokoja and the historical significance of its rivers.
According to him, the waters have served for centuries as a source of livelihood, a link between communities and a defining feature of the area’s history.
Speaking further Naseer , said the regatta remained a testament to the courage, artistry and seamanship of the people, adding that sustaining the event would help preserve local traditions and promote cultural pride among younger generations.
He acknowledged the traditional leadership of the Maigari of Lokoja, as well as the contributions of community leaders, government officials and other stakeholders towards maintaining the city’s cultural identity.
He also appreciated Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his administration’s stated commitment to grassroots unity, youth development and the preservation of Kogi State’s cultural heritage.
According to him, the governor’s presence at the event underscored the importance of celebrating the diversity and strength of the people.
The Dan-Darman urged boatmen, paddlers and other participants to demonstrate their skills with pride and uphold the spirit of fair competition throughout the event.
He described the regatta as a platform for strengthening relationships among communities, stressing that the river should be seen as a unifying force rather than a dividing line.
He further urged the participants to maintain a common sense of purpose, noting that unity, cooperation and shared vision were essential to overcoming challenges and advancing community development.
Naseer, who spoke on behalf of the Lokoja Regatta Planning Committee, welcomed guests to what he described as a celebration of power, culture and unity on the water.
While he expressed hope that the event would continue to promote Lokoja’s cultural identity, strengthen communal bonds and sustain public interest in the area’s rich riverine traditions, he concluded by praying for the continued peace and development of Lokoja, Kogi State and Nigeria.
The Speaker, Kogi State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Umar Yusuf urged Kogi State Government to invest in the Regatta to create wealth, jobs and give it international standard that will pave room for foreign investors.
Earlier in his speech, the Chairman of Lokoja Forum of Patriots the organizer of the event Alhaji Idris Baba-ango, appealed to the Kogi State Government and the Lokoja Local Government Council to take over the annual Lokoja Boat Regatta and provide sustainable funding for the cultural festival.
Baba-ango said the annual event had become an important platform for showcasing the cultural heritage of the people, promoting unity and strengthening relationships among communities in Lokoja and its environs.
According to him, government support would ensure the sustainability of the festival and enable it to reach more communities while preserving the area’s longstanding relationship with its waterways.
He also commended the chairman of the occasion, Barrister Ahmed Naseer, the Dan-Darman of Lokoja, as well as the special guest of honour, Senator Tunde Ogbeha Lakpini, representing Lokoja, and the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Alhaji Aliyu Umar Yusuf, the Badakoshi of Lokoja, for their contributions to the success of the event.
He extended the forum’s appreciation to the Acting Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority, Alhaji Umar Yusuf Girei, and the Managing Director of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPPADEC), Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa Katukan Yauri, alongside other individuals, associations and corporate organisations that contributed to the festival.
