​#Rivers@50: RIVERS HOLDS GOLDEN JUBILEE BOAT REGATTA TO PROMOTE CULTURE AND HERITAGE (photos)

The finest of Rivers riverine culture came on display on Saturday at the Port Harcou9rt Tourist Beach as local government areas battled for prizes during the Rivers Golden Jubilee Boat Regatta.

Speaking during the event, Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike sacked the Caretaker Committee Chairmen of Akuku-Toru and Ogo/Bolo Local Government Areas for failing to participate in the cultural programmes of the Boat Regatta. He said they lost their posts for taking for granted the culture of the people.

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike led leaders and friends of the state to watch the best of the state aquatic culture.

The Riverine communities displayed the pre-colonial civilization of the riverine communities. They showcased their defence systems , their ceremonies and traditional religion.

During the boat Regatta, the competing boats shot canons, indicating the military prowess of the riverine communities. The boat Regatta competition was heralded by the emergence of the Ogwein masquerade, the ancient water deity of the Bolo people of the Okirika Kingdom.

At the end of the Boat Regatta competition, Akuku-Toru emerged winner, Degema came second and Ogo/Bolo came third.

Governor Wike lauded the participants at the event, directing that the boat regetta be held annually on May 27 to promote the culture of Rivers people.
The following local government areas participated in the boat regetta: Akuku-Toru, Degema, Opobo/Nkoro, Andoni, Bonny , Ogu/Bolo and Okirika.

See Photos Below: