Bole Festival Expands, Grows into Cultural, Economic Force

Fadekemi Ajakaiye

The Bole Festival, organised by Nonii Entertainment, has positioned itself as more than just a celebration of food, music, and art, aiming to generate economic opportunities for local communities and entrepreneurs.

Since its inception in 2016, when it attracted about 300 food lovers, the festival has grown into one of Africa’s largest cultural events, drawing over 40,000 attendees in 2025. The festival celebrates bole, a roasted plantain delicacy from Nigeria’s Niger Delta, often served with fish, and has expanded to include live music, fashion shows, art exhibitions, and food demonstrations.

Nonii Entertainment Chief Executive Officer Chinonso Iwuh said in a statement that the festival’s growth demonstrates the power of culture to create jobs, promote local businesses, and foster community development.

This year’s edition received sponsorship from global brands including Guinness, Johnnie Walker, MTN, Campari, Maggi and Moniepoint. The Nigerian British Council supported the programme by enabling 10 emerging artists to perform, which organisers said gave young Nigerians a chance to showcase their talent.

It said Rivers State Government has also remained a consistent supporter of the festival, which continues to provide commercial opportunities for vendors, artisans and small businesses, while giving local communities a chance to present their heritage to the world.

Organisers said the festival had become more than an event, describing it as a reunion of culture, food and people and an example of how Port Harcourt is positioning itself as a rising hub for cultural tourism in West Africa.