The ninth edition of the annual Bole Festival recently wrapped up in Port Harcourt, with attendees describing the event as a much-needed escape from the day-to-day pressures of life. Held at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Elekahia, the multi-day festival, a celebration of African culture and food, drew thousands of vendors, tourists, and visitors from across the country and the globe, giving a significant boost to the Rivers State economy.
For many, the festival offered more than just fun and good food; it provided a unique opportunity to connect and network. Michael Onnei, an investor from Cross River State, shared that he came to experience the festival firsthand and ended up connecting with business associates. He believes such gatherings help expand business networks and investment opportunities both in and out of the state. Another family, the Adoloja Franks, said the festival helped them to reunite and strengthen their family bonds.
The event, which was also a lively, carnival-like party, provided a fresh breath of air after months of political disagreements surrounding the recent local government elections in Rivers State. Ngozi Ake, who attended with her family, praised the organizers and sponsors, including MTN, for their support. She stated that with all the pressure in the country, such beautiful gatherings are necessary to provide relief.
MTN Nigeria was a key sponsor of the event, and its General Manager for the South Region, Ifeanyichukwu Udom, explained that their involvement was a way to connect with their customers and support their dreams. She noted that MTN ensured a strong network signal for the entire event, allowing attendees to connect with ease and showcase their products. Udom expressed satisfaction with the festival’s socioeconomic impact, noting that it has grown in “leaps and bounds” and that MTN is proud to be part of its growth.
