The Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Mr. Olayiwola Awakan, on the second day of a familiarisation tour of Bonny Island, was joined by a delegation from the Rivers State Ministry of Culture and Tourism led by the Permanent Secretary, Barr. Ishmael Tomonialadieokuma, as efforts intensified to promote the island’s rich cultural heritage and vast tourism potential.
The tour, hosted by Discover Bonny, led by Dr. Constance Ngozi Nwokejiobi, President of the Bonny Chamber of Commerce and Executive Director of Discover Bonny, is part of a strategic effort to showcase the island’s readiness for tourism development.
At the historic Consulate, originally established in 1897, the team experienced a blend of history and modern relevance. The facility houses the museum, library, Bonny FM 90.9, and a cinema within the same complex, serving as a central hub for preserving and presenting the story of Bonny.
The delegation was also received into the boardroom of His Majesty, King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III (Perekule XI), Amanyanabo of the Ancient Grand Bonny Kingdom, reflecting the enduring role of traditional leadership in the governance and cultural identity of the kingdom.
The visit further highlighted key elements of Bonny’s traditions, including the Ibani-wari cultural expressions, royal artefacts, and symbolic totems such as the curlew bird, locally known as “Okolo” and regarded as the official symbolic bird of the Island, alongside the iguana and hippopotamus.
The exploration extended into nature at the Finima Nature Park, where the team experienced Bonny’s ecological wealth firsthand. From guided trails through diverse flora and fauna to ongoing conservation efforts, the park highlights the island’s commitment to environmental sustainability as part of its tourism offering.
Together, these experiences present Bonny as a destination where history, culture, and nature converge, creating a compelling case for tourism development and investment. NTDA is therefore committed to partnering with the Discover Bonny team as well as the kingdom to develop the rich tourism asset of Okoloama!
