Entertainment
Why Rivers State Remains Tourists’ Destination
Tourism is the fastest growing economic sector the world over. With the ushering in of the present democratic dispensation in Rivers State, the government under the Executive Governor of the oil rich State, Rt. Hon. Chibuuike Rotimi Amaechi, the government is more committed to joining the committee of nations in the area of tourism development. This is particularly pertinent for a country like ours that has depended for decades on the oil sector of its economy.
At the Vanguard of this initiative is the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Nnabuihe Nabbs Imegwu and the Dr Sam Dede led Rivers State Tourism Development Agency (RSTD) as the conduit pipe towards achieving culture and tourism rejuvenation in the state.
The society known as Rivers State with Port Harcourt as its capital, is made up of diverse ethnic groups and as a result, it is fairly easy for anyone to blend in. Port Harcourt city possesses a peculiar allure, a warmth and friendliness that draw people from every clime to its shores. Rivers people are exceptionally warm hearted and generous towards visitors. Their first priority is to make strangers feel comfortable and relaxed. Although it is often said that “there is no place like home”, many who came just to visit, or transact business or for sight seeing have made the state their own.
In the state, there are tourists’ destinations both natural and man made. They include: Solomon Lar Amusement Park, (man made), Isaac Boro Park Port Harcourt (man-made), Monument of King Jaja of Opobo (monument), Okrika Aquatic Stadium (man-made), Ifoko Beach Ifoko (physical), Port Harcourt Tourist Beach (Physical) Ellah Lake (man-made), etc.
Others include: Elephants in Andoni local government area, The Famous “Oyoroko” Fish market in the same locality famous for its regulation to be The largest fish market in West Africa. The historic Island of Bonny also has some interesting relics from the past. It was a major slave port where slaves were shipped to Europe and America between the 16th and 19th centuries.
Furthermore the oldest church in West Africa, St. Stephen’s Anglican Church is still standing on the Island and inside this church is the first copy of the Holy Bible that was brought ashore by Christian missionaries. There is also an amazing place in Etche where the fresh water and salt water meet yet they do not meet, but go their separate ways.
The State has 23 local government areas and each possesses a unique identity of its own. As a result its heterogeneity, the state is culturally dynamic. Music and dance are central to Rivers culture.
The different cultural flavour emphasizes the uniqueness associated with the Rivers people. The main occupation of the people is fishing and farming. Although the state is composed of diverse cultural and ethnic groups, yet no where else can you experience such congeniality and harmony among a people.
Legend has it that because of the cleanliness of Port Harcourt, its beautiful topography and well planned layout of the old Port Harcourt township, it was christened the “Garden City” many years ago.
Over the years, this city had struggled to live up to its reputation. In some parts of this ancient city, you will still see the relics of its past glory, lush green vegetation, tall trees with their cascading branches, climbing vines, rich thick shrubbery and beautiful flowers glistening in the sun light. From the surrounding oceans and creeks blow soft ocean breeze which provides a cooling effect especially in the evenings. Port Harcourt is, undisputedly the home of excellent and unrivalled hospitality.
When it comes to accommodation in Port Harcourt and its environs, you are spoit for choice. The list of hotels are endless and they cater to every budget. Port Harcourt is an all round holiday and tourist destination. Most people think of Port Harcourt as just an oil city, but what they do not know is – that it is a place with an amazing food culture which is part of the tourists’ delight, shopping in the city is also a delight with one stop shopping location which means that you can find all you need in one spot.
Another aspect of the tourist attraction is the Port Harcourt night life. Night life in Port Harcourt has a heart beat of its own with something for every one as well as its festivals, particularly the CARNIRIV which traces its origin back to 1988 and by this inference, it is one of the oldest carnivals in Nigeria. The Rivers State annual carnival is acclaimed to be the largest carnival in terms of audience participation with 13 distinguishable brands under its umbrella namely: Carniriv praize jam, kids carnival, Carniriv colloquium, Dance of the Fire flies and Ekere, the rhythm of the tribes.
Others are Egelege, Champions of the Sand Arena, International Acquatic Fiesta, Hosh Jam, Bam Fest, old Port Harcourt town groove, International Heritage parade, Garden city Free style parade and world peace concert.
These events combined make the Rivers State Carnival an exotic blend of art and culture. The mind blowing cultural displays, spectacular acquatic performances and the mesmerizing dances performed so skillfully by expert dancers in response to the rhythm of the ancient drum beats bring the carnival to a new threshhold.
There is also potential for ecotourism because the state is endowed with substantial regions of the tropical rain forest which is the habitat of some rare animal species. Every tourist to the state is sure to have an experience that is guaranteed to last a life time.
Additional report from RSTDA (Discover Rivers).
Entertainment
“The Legal Day” 2025: Alliance Française Port Harcourt, Moves to Promote French Via Law
In a bid to promote the French language through law and build bridges between communities the Alliance Française Port Harcourt, in collaboration with the Embassy of France in Nigeria has organized the 2025 edition of “La Journée du Droit” (“The Legal Day”)
The event which took place at Alliance Française auditorium was a civic and linguistic celebration designed to help learners of French Language and young citizens discover the importance of law in everyday life.

The Tide Entertainment reports that the event featured interactive quiz sessions, exploring legal rules and civic principles in Nigeria, France, Africa and beyond, pointing out both the similarities and differences between legal systems around the world.
Throughout the day, the event featured interactive quiz sessions exploring legal rules and civic principles in Nigeria, France, Africa, and beyond, highlighting both the similarities and differences between legal systems around the world.
The initiative was aimed at encouraging reflection on the rights and responsibilities shared by all citizens and to promote the values of justice, equality, and mutual respect through the French language.
The programme which had two sessions, (Morning and Afternoon session) witnessed the participation of about 150 students from various levels of education. Ranging from the Primary, Secondary, and tertiary institution for an engaging experience of civic and legal concepts.

Schools in attendance included Surebloom International School, Pleroma High School, Casterly Rock Secondary School, and TotalEnergies Port Harcourt School.
The morning sessions saw the Participation of Alliance Française students in an interactive quiz, enhancing their French comprehension while exploring civic notions.
While the Afternoon session had students from the University of Port Harcourt – UNIPORT (French Language and Law Departments), students from the French Department from both Ignatius Ajuru University of Education and Rivers State University joined in the final rounds of the competition.
According to the director of Alliance Française Port Harcourt, Mrs Marina Lacal, all quiz questions were presented in French, then translated into English to ensure full understanding by participants, saying that winners received special prizes, as all attendees took home souvenirs from the educational and convivial event.
Mrs Lacal said that the diplomatic and educational initiative event “La Journée du Droit” (The Legal Day) sought to promote the French language through law, highlight the capacity of law to build bridges between communities and emphasize law as one of the pillars of French diplomacy.
“Through this initiative, the Alliance Française Port Harcourt continues its mission to foster intercultural dialogue, civic awareness, and the learning of French as a language of knowledge, culture, and citizenship,”?she?added.
Entertainment
World Music Day: Alliance Française Port Harcourt Showcases Talents
The Garden City of Rivers State Port Harcourt at the weekend joined other parts of the world to celebrate the World Music Day, 2025, as Alliance Française showcases talents.
The event which is internationally known as Fête de la musique was held at cultural hall of the Alliance Française was a remarkable concert with memorable experience.
The event brought together music lovers, students, Artistes and members of the community For an exciting evening live performances and cultural exchange.
The Tide Entertainment reports that the world Music Day, which was created 1982 in France by the then Minister of culture, Jack Lang, ‘ Fête de la Musique’ is now celebrated in more than 100 countries every 21st June, marking the first day of summer with free concerts and musical showcases in public spaces.
In Port Harcourt, the Alliance Française honoured the tradition by spotlighting four(4) emerging artistes offering a platform to young talents shaping the city’s contemporary scene.
The audience enjoyed an unforgettable moments as they were entertained by the powerful performances from Preach A, who is known for blending fitness culture with spoken words and rhythm.
Also, artiste Emmayany delivering a vibrant fusion of afrobeat and afro pop. A singer, song writer and a performing artiste with a distinct sound.
Others were Amarachy Uko, a sensational singer with passion for soul , R&B, pop music and afrobeat.
While DJ Prospel closed the night with an energetic DJ set that got the entire hall dancing.
Earlier, the Director, Alliance Française, Port Harcourt Mrs Marina Lacal high lighted the mission of the Alliance Française saying that the event was more than a concert.
According to her, the event was put together by the Alliance Française to promote cultural diversity and foster artistic expression by connecting a long standing French tradition with creativity of the local music scene, adding that the event offerers an avenue for dialogue between culture and generations.
She stated that the event is used to promote professional and bring amateur artistes to limelight via the platform of the Alliance Française which is aimed at promoting the French Language through cultural heritage.
She explained that the celebration is also a broader series of Fête de la musique activities organized by the 10 Alliance Française across Nigeria in sync with concerts held in France and around the world simultaneously.
She further noted that the occasion reaffirms the role of Alliance Française as a cultural bridge, one where French heritage meets the pulses of Nigerian youth.
It would be recalled that no fewer than 19 artistes applied to perform at the event in Port Harcourt, but only four got approval for appearance.
Entertainment
PMAN Set To Implement Performance Levy ‘Tomorrow
The Governor of the Performing Musicians Employer’s Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Rivers State chapter, Comrade Moses Mabadeje popularly known as Mozy B said that the body has announced plans to implement performance Levy on artistes in the state with effect from 21st June.
This was carried in a statement released to The Tide Entertainment, yesterday by the Deputy Governor of the association, Comrade Abiye Howells.
According to the Governor, the announcement was made by PMAN, the only governing body that regulates the music profession in Nigeria, as authorized by the Government of Nigeria, in line with the Trade Union Act.
He stated that those affected by the Levy include (Non members)bands, groups, Hotels, Bars, lounges, Event Centres, show organizers, promoters and other stakeholders hosting events which feature live music performances within the State.
However, the Levy does not apply to members of the Performing Musicians Employer’s Association of Nigeria. (PMAN).
Comrade Moses Mabadeje, explained that this drive is aimed at financing the association and supporting the welfare and interest of musicians as outlined in Article 8 of the PMAN constitution as amended (2023). Consequently, a PMAN task force has been set up to enforce and swing into action to effect this move.
He further said that event organizers, promoters and owners of event centers are expected to comply with this regulation as the Governor has urged stakeholders to collaborate with the association to ensure the successful implementation of the levy and the peaceful co-existence between PMAN and Stockholders.
Nancy Briggs
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