BITE2025: Bonny Island Shines Bright at Kick-off to 1st Bonny Investment & Tourism Expo 2025
“Documenting a Historic Launch Toward Regional Integration and Sustainable Prosperity.”
Bonny Island took a historic leap forward as it hosted the kick-off to the 1st Bonny Investment and Tourism Expo 2025 (BITE 2025), a 5-day event tagged “Light Up Bonny Island”, from June 9th to 13th, 2025. Organized by the BonnyChamber of Commerce in partnership with Afreximbank, NLNG, Elschon Nig. Ltd, CoopFund MFB, Bonny Kingdom, and the Coalition of South-South Chambers of Commerce (COSSCCIMA), the kickoff event marked a significant milestone in the island’s journey toward economic revitalisation and regional prominence.
Held under the theme “Bonny Island: Nexus for Commerce, Culture, and Tourism”, the Expo brought together over 240 participants including investors, youth entrepreneurs, government officials, traditional leaders, and international development partners to spotlight Bonny’s potential as a hub for commerce and tourism in Nigeria and across West Africa.
Lighting Up the Future
The festivities began with a symbolic lighting ceremony at the Bonny Kingdom Consulate, igniting the Lighting Drum amid fireworks and cultural displays. A captivating dance performance by the Agbara Cultural Troupe and speeches by the President of the Chamber and dignitaries welcomed guests to an open-air dinner and networking session, setting the tone for an exciting week ahead.
Driving Investment in Bonny Island
On Day 2, the focus turned to business and youth engagement. The Youth Workshop and Inauguration featured goodwill messages from leaders of Afreximbank, AfCFTA, and COSSCCIMA. The President of the BonnyChamber of Commerce, Mrs. Constance Nwokejiobi, opened the session by reaffirming the Chamber’s commitment to fostering enterprise development and strategic partnerships.
Following the opening remarks, goodwill messages were delivered by distinguished guests representing key institutions and stakeholders:
- Mr. Ayo Mubarak, Senior Manager, Project and Asset-Based Finance, Afreximbank.
- Mrs. Amie Alex-Irobi, Representative, AfCFTA.
- Hon. Komonibo Indituni, President, Coalition of South-South Chambers of Commerce (COSSCCIMA).
- Elizabeth Damilola, Youth Representative, LCCI/NYE.
- Sir Furosia Wilcox, President, Titled Citizens Assembly, Bonny Island.
- His Royal Highness, Gen Dr. Bright Ateke Fiboinumama JP (RTD), The King of Abuloma Kingdom.
These messages underscored the importance of partnership, economic integration, youth engagement, and leveraging continental trade frameworks.
COSSCCIMA EXCO & Council Meeting
The South-South Chambers of Commerce (COSSCCIMA) held their 2nd quarter council meeting on Bonny Island, addressing regional economic policy, sectoral reports (agriculture, blue economy, tourism), and the inauguration of new trade groups. The meeting underscored Bonny’s growing importance as a convergence point for South-South commerce and policy.
A key moment of the proceedings was the technical presentation by Mrs. Matimba Changala of Afreximbank, who introduced attendees to the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) as a pathway for cross-border trade. The plenary session that followed, titled “Unlocking Bonny’s Economic Potential,” featured high-profile panelists including Engr. Segun Bolaji (NACCIMA Youth Entrepreneurs), Dr. Emi Membere-Otaji (Elshcon Nigeria Ltd.), and Engr. Taiwo Adekunle (Coopfund Microfinance Bank), who discussed market access and youth-led innovation.
Plenary Session
Discussants included:
- Engr. Segun Bolaji, President, NACCIMA Youth Entrepreneurs.
- Paul Bazia-Nsaneh, Chairman, Nigerian Union of Journalists, Rivers State.
- Dr. Emi Membere-Otaji, CEO, Elshcon Nigeria Ltd.
- Engr. Taiwo Adekunle, President, Coopfund MFB.
The panel addressed the role of strategic partnerships, youth-led innovation, and policy support in transforming Bonny’s economic landscape.
The day continued with a B2B networking session and exhibition tour, allowing participants to engage directly with institutions offering financing and trade support. An important aspect of series of events was the inauguration of the Bonny Youth Entrepreneurs (BYE) with Chairman, Engr. Walter Longjohn.
The BYE Executive was inaugurated on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, by the National Coordinator of the NACCIMA Youth Entrepreneurs, Engr. Segun Bolaji.
The day concluded with a special golf tournament at the NLNG Golf Course, held in honour of Dr. Emi Membere-Otaji, DSSR, OON, First Deputy President of NACCIMA, on the occasion of his birthday.
Honoring His Majesty, King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III on his 60th Birthday
Day 3, Wednesday June 11, 2025 celebrated His Majesty, King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III on his 60th birthday . A thanksgiving service at St. Stephen’s Cathedral and a grand royal procession highlighted the deep cultural roots and unity of the Bonny Kingdom. The event was attended by Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State, managing directors of NLNG and other IOCs, and traditional rulers from neighbouring communities.
Showcasing Bonny Island’s Investment Potential & Tourist Attractions
Days 4 and 5 emphasized tourism and cultural immersion. Delegates visited major heritage and tourism sites including:
- Bonny General Hospital.
- St. Stephen’s Anglican Church: Featuring Bishop Ajayi Crowther‘s boat and ancient artifacts, reinforcing Bonny Island’s narrative of being a birthplace of Nigerian Christianity.
- Finima Nature Park – a key eco-tourism destination with guided nature trails such as Agaja and Sibiekiri allow sightings of monkeys, birds, reptiles, and footprints of sitatunga.
- Finima Light House (aka Bonny River Light or NPA Lighthouse, Finima) is a historic navigational beacon marking one of the Niger Delta’s key waterway.
Youth engagement followed, with a novelty football match between NLNG FC and All Stars FC, and a vibrant performance by the Nwaotam Cultural Group.
Celebrating Community and Creativity
The Expo concluded with a cultural celebration featuring performances by Hart House and Alison House Owogbo, followed by the Bonny Youth Party, energizing the younger generation to take ownership of Bonny’s future.
A Platform for Long-Term Growth
The 1st Bonny Investment and Tourism Expo (BITE 2025) successfully fused strategic investment promotion, cultural diplomacy, and community engagement, positioning Bonny Island as a rising hub of opportunity in the Niger Delta and West Africa. From policy dialogue to youth empowerment, and from showcasing indigenous culture to spotlighting infrastructure potential, the Expo proved that Bonny is ready to host international business and tourism ventures.
The event built confidence in local enterprise, fostered youth participation, and demonstrated a coordinated effort among traditional institutions, public agencies, international development partners, and the organized private sector. It highlighted the island’s capacity to drive inclusive growth and support cross-sector partnerships.
Importantly, BITE 2025 served as a kick-off platform, laying the foundation for the main Expo event in December 2025 and future annual editions. It also catalyzed momentum for:
- Deeper institutional collaborations.
- Strategic business-to-business (B2B) engagements.
- Local capacity training for youth, entrepreneurs, and service providers.
Preparatory work is underway at the proposed Bonny Kingdom Free Trade Park — a 15 Hectar planned mixed-use industrial and commercial zone encompassing:
- A modern shopping complex and visitor services
- Marine and port logistics facilities
- Hospitality infrastructure
- Warehousing and container stacking areas
- Manufacturing clusters and residential estates
The Expo catalyzed momentum for:
- Institutional collaboration
- Youth entrepreneurship and capacity building
- Regional trade integration through AfCFTA
- Preparations for the Bonny Kingdom Free Trade Park
Looking Ahead
The President of the Chamber also expressed a commitment to improving logistics and accommodation processes and announced plans to leverage the Asimini Line, a proposed private-sector-led sea transport service promoted in partnership with NEXIM Bank’s Sealink SPV, to boost tourism and logistics on the Island. Logistics for the event were supported by partnerships with 6 local hotels, NLNG residential facilities, and transport arrangements coordinated with Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.
Acknowledgements
As we reflect on the successful kickoff of the 1st Bonny Investment and Tourism Expo (BITE 2025), the BonnyChamber of Commerce extends its sincere appreciation to every individual, institution, and partner whose support made this ambitious project a reality.
From its conception to its execution, BITE 2025 stood on the shoulders of remarkable contributors who shared in the vision of repositioning Bonny Island as a nexus for commerce, culture, and tourism.
Organizers and Coordinators
We begin by acknowledging the BonnyChamber of Commerce, host and lead organizer of the Expo, under the leadership of Mrs. Constance Nwokejiobi, President. Her tireless commitment and strategic oversight shaped the direction and delivery of the event.
The Local Organizing Committee, comprising dedicated and reliable professionals, played a crucial role behind the scenes:
- Mr. George Brown – Lead, Logistics
- Godswill Jumbo – Media & Communications
- Madam Elfrida Mina Jumbo – Chairperson, Women in Business
- Kelechi Akobundu – Protocol
- Grace Ikufisule – Protocol
- Dr. Dan Onyetulam – Lead, Medical Unit
- Walter LongJohn – Chairman, BonnyChamber Youth Entrepreneurs
Their coordination, planning, and commitment to excellence ensured the seamless experience witnessed by all participants.
COSSCCIMA and Chambers of Commerce
We express deep appreciation to the Coalition of South-South Chambers of Commerce (COSSCCIMA), led by President Hon. Indutimi Komonibo, Board of Trustees Chairman Dr. Billy Gillis-Harry, and BOT Member Dr. Okon Emah.
Your strategic partnership and guidance anchored the regional relevance and impact of BITE 2025. We are also grateful for the active participation of the following chambers represented under COSSCCIMA:
- Ethiope Chamber of Commerce
- Benin Chamber of Commerce
- Uyo Chamber of Commerce
- Warri Chamber of Commerce
- Sapele Chamber of Commerce
- Yenogoa Chamber of Commerce
- Degema Chamber of Commerce
- BonnyChamber of Commerce
- Eket Chamber of Commerce
- Ogoni Chamber of Commerce
Your collective presence reinforced the strength of regional collaboration and integration.
Strategic Partners and Contributors
We deeply appreciate our Key Partners, whose contributions were vital to the substance and success of the Expo:
Afrexim Bank – Financial and Trade Facilitation Partner
- Mrs. Matimba Changala, Manager, Trade Facilitation and Investment Promotion
- Mr. Ayo Mubarak, Senior Manager, Project and Asset-Based Finance
- Mr. Babatunde Mayowa, Client Relations Officer, Anglophone West Africa
NLNG – Principal Strategic Partner and Host IOC
- Dr. Sophia Horsfall, General Manager, External Relations & Sustainable Development
AfCFTA – Intra-African Trade Promotion Partner
- Dr. Amie Alex-Irobi
Elshcon Nigeria Ltd. – Strategic Industry Partner and Indigenous Maritime Champion
- Dr. Emi Membere-Otaji, CEO
COOPFUND Microfinance Bank – Strategic Financial Inclusion Partner and SME Catalyst
- Engr. Taiwo Adekunle, President
Nigeria Union of Journalists, Rivers State – Strategic Media Partner and Press-Freedom Vanguard
- Mr. Paul Bazia-Nsaneh, Chairman
Bonny Chiefs Council – Custodians of Culture and Community Endorsement
We also recognize the significant involvement of other valued stakeholders:
- NEXIM Bank
- DOXA International Engineering Services Limited
- Titled Citizens Assembly
- Kristina Reports
Your belief in this vision, and your readiness to stand alongside us, helped elevate the Expo beyond expectations.
Facilitation
Special recognition goes to Engr. Dimieari Green, Council Member of the BonnyChamber of Commerce, for his effective facilitation of key sessions and engagements throughout the event.
Final Note of Thanks
To the over 240 guests and participants—your engagement, feedback, and presence gave life to this initiative. Whether as dignitaries, exhibitors, entrepreneurs, youth leaders, or cultural representatives, your contributions made the Expo meaningful.
Together, we have taken a decisive step toward realizing a shared vision for Bonny Island as a beacon of investment, innovation, and intercultural connectivity.
As preparations for the main Bonny Investment and Tourism Expo in December 2025 continue, we carry forward the energy, insights, and relationships formed during this kickoff. We look forward to building on this momentum with you.
📷 Photo Splash
Check out some of our favourite photos from the series!
Register now to stay up to date on the main expo coming up in December 2025. Also, view a full list of our Expo Partners. Click on each image to find out more about each partner.
