The Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area, Hon. Abinye Blessing Pepple, has pledged ₦20 million in sponsorship support for the 2026 editions of the Amanyanabo Football Competition and the Bonny Kingdom Boat Regatta.
Hon. Pepple made the announcement on Friday, October 17, 2025, during a courtesy visit by the organizers, Grafton Entertainment, led by its Managing Director, Amasenibo Tonye Ibiama. He disclosed that ₦10 million has been allocated for the football tournament and another ₦10 million for the boat regatta competition.
According to the Chairman, both events are key platforms for promoting tourism, culture, and youth development in Bonny. He described the Boat Regatta as a celebration of Bonny’s cultural heritage and marine strength, emphasizing its role in fostering unity, resilience, and opportunities in the blue economy.
“The Regatta is more than a cultural display; it represents who we are as a people. Our support for it reflects our commitment to preserving our heritage and creating avenues for community empowerment,” Pepple said.
He further commended the Amanyanabo Football Competition for engaging young people positively and promoting peace and social cohesion across the Kingdom.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of Grafton Entertainment, Amasenibo Tonye Ibiama, expressed gratitude to the Chairman and the Bonny Local Government Council for their unprecedented backing, noting that this is the first time any administration has supported both events at such a significant scale.
Registration for the Amanyanabo Football Competition officially opened on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, while the Bonny Kingdom Boat Regatta is scheduled to hold on Friday, December 26, 2025.
