DELTA COMMUNITIES BEGIN BINI RIVA FESTIVAL
The 2026 Bini Riva Festival will begin in Koko, Delta State on August 8, 2026.
“Bini Riva Life is a renaissance celebration of the people, communities and traditions of the Bini river country”
Aimed at fostering unity and harmony among the people as well as steering national unity and international relations, the August festival is expected to bring communities together to celebrate the bounty of nature.
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Born from the Legacy of traditions initiative, the festival, according to a statement issued by the Chief Executive Officer of Akogate Group, Hon Felix Aganbi, gathers five acts — fishing, ceremony, art, sport and feast — and lays them along three days of water.
“We move between Koko, Ogheye and Oboghoro. We open with cast-nets at sunrise and close beneath kite-light and lantern smoke”.
The statement listed Neville’s Day, Riva Golf, Riverside Race, Fishing Festival, River Games, Festival Gate, Art Competition, Seafood Market and Media Competition as key activities of the Koko, Ogheye and Oboghoro Bini Riva Festival.
“Children are welcome at all daytime events. The art competition is open for age 12 and above. The night market is best for older children and up. Fishing heats and the Oboghoro canoe races have visiting-team categories. A festival wristband grants access to all sites. Spectating from the riverbank is free; competition entries and the Koko night market are wristband-only” the statement said.
Aganbi, who is also the Chairman of Canaan land Golf Course and Country Club, announced photography, content creation and festival looks as the three categories in the media competition.
“Entries open to all credentialed creators. Photography — a single best image of the festival, Content creation, short-form video, reels and storytelling, Festival looks — styling and wearable art inspired by the river towns”.
He assured that Neville’s Day would unfold the historic Koko courtyard — the seat of Chief Nana Olomu, whose figure presides over the opening week.
“A six-day remembrance opens the festival. Six days of civic gatherings, oral history sessions and quiet processions prepare the river towns for the festival to come”
The statement issued in Koko, headquarters of Warri North, emphasized the heritage walks each morning, oral-history circles after noon, evening processions, torch-lighting from the courtyard at sundown, Riva Golf competition and prizes.
“The Riva Golf marks the sporting opening of Bini Riva Life — a single-day stroke-play event on the Koko fairways. 18 holes, individual stroke play. Tee-off windows from 6:30 AM”.
Aganbi also announced a three-day road race tracing the Oboghoro shoreline.
‘’Open for runners of all levels — finish under the festival arch with the river at your shoulder. It is a measured course tracing the Oboghoro shoreline, looping past the festival grounds and finishing under the riverside arch, a flat, scenic, run in the cool of the morning’’.
The business magnate said hundreds of fishermen would dive into the river using the time-honored traditional methods in a spirited contest to catch the largest fish.
“Ogheye and the river Ogheye is a riverine community where fishing is both livelihood and heritage. This festival honours that tradition with live cast-net demonstrations, competitive fishing heats, and a community feast cooked fresh on the water’s edge. Open to all visitors and community members. Competitive heats have separate categories for locals and visiting teams. Spectating is free from the riverbank”.
Excited Aganbi stressed on the Oboghoro River Games.
“It is canoe racing, water challenges, and the fierce competitive spirit of the Oboghoro tradition at full intensity. Oboghoro canoe racing is centuries-old, rooted in the river communities of the Niger Delta. Teams paddle hard, crowds roar from the banks, and the current plays its part. This is the heartbeat of the Bini Riva festival. The riverbank is open to all viewers. Best vantage points fill early — arrive by 9 AM. Community food stalls line the bank throughout.
The festival incorporates other things like kite installations, live performance and night market
“Immersive kite art, cultural performance, and the vibrant energy of the river community converge. Art installations, kite displays, live music” Aganbi said.
He also announced an art competition.
“Submit your work and see it exhibited in Koko for twelve days. Canvas paintings and carved paddles inspired by the river. Open to ages 12 and over”
He further announced other unique features of this year’s Bini Riva festival.
“A line of open-fire kitchens runs along the Koko waterfront, with cooks from across the Delta preparing regional specialties throughout the day. Stalls open from 8 AM. The night market kicks in after sunset, with lanterns, drumming and informal performances until midnight” he added.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, JULY 17TH 2026)
