Entertainment
Showcasing Rivers Tourist Destinations
Rivers State the Treasure
Base of Nigeria’s located in South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria, Rivers State was created out of the Old Eastern Region in 1967 with its capital in Port Harcourt.
The state is divided into twenty-three local government areas and several ethnic nationalities.
The state was created out of the Old Eastern Region of Nigeria on May 27,1967 before Bayelsa State was later carved out of it in 1996. Rivers State, named after the many rivers that border its territory, was part of the oil Rivers Protectorate from 1885 till 1893, when it became part of the Niger Coast Protectorate. In 1900 the region was merged with the chartered territories of the Royal Niger Company to form the colony of Southern Nigeria, while the major cities and towns include Port Harcourt City, Bonny, Degema, Ahoada, Isiokpo, Okrika, Opobo, Gokana e.t.c. The state boasts of various tourists attractions such as:
Beaches
Port Harcourt Tourist Beach: This beach is located on an artificial sand beach along Kolabi Creek east of the old township, this leisure hub has bush-bar, restaurants which offer palmwine, local dishes and entertainment. With a jetty, a restaurant, a wildlife display museum and games room. Other beaches include:
Finima Beach
Finima is a small town in Bonny Island surrounded on the West and South by long stretches of beaches. The beautiful beaches attract tourists and fun seeking inhabitants alike on sunny days and festive periods like Christmas and Easter. As well as Isaka Beach, in Walga, Agaja Beach in Bonny LGA, Elem Ifoko glass sand beach in Delga, Ogbogene beach in Ogba/Egbema LGA, Kono beach in Khalga, Onne beach in Eleme LGA, etc.
Natural Confluences
The natural confluences include Mgbuitanwo salt/fresh water confluence at Emohua LGA, Akuku Toru salt/fresh water confluence in AKULGA and Akpajo salt/fresh water confluence in ELELGA.
Forests
The forests which are also tourist delight are:
Upper Orashi Forest Reserve.
Upper Orashi forests are one of the major forest reserves around the Niger Delta area as Bird watching spot of the country. The forest is located near Ikodi Village in Ahoada Local Government Area. The reserve is a freshwater Swamp Forest. Wildlife found in the forest include Scalater’s guenonsi white throated monkeys, red colobus monkeys. Heslop’s pygmy hippopotamus (Hexaprotodeon liberiensis), yellow backed duiker (Sephalophus Sylvicutitor), and Giant forest hogs. Nationally uncommon birds in the forests are Grey parrots (Psittacus erithacas), Estrilda poliopareia, Hartlaub’s duck (pteronetta hartlaubi), Serpent eagle (Dryotrlorchis Spectabilis), Spizactus Africanus, blue- headed dove Cturtur Brehmen, Brehmen, Black throated Coucal (centropus leucogaster), Black-Casqued Hornbill (Ceratogymna atrata), Black-Casqued Hornbill (Ceratogymna atrata), Red-rumped tinker bird (Pogoniulus atroflavus), Lesser Honey Guide (Indicator Conirostris).
Gabon Woodpecker (Dendropicos gabonensis), Blacked-caped Yellow warbler (Apalis nigriceps), Yellow-chined sunbird (Anthreptes rectirostris) and white-breasted Negro Finch (Nigrita Fusconota). To date 91 species of birds have been recorded. The reserve has an area of 25,165 hectares.
Biseni Forest
Biseni forests is also one of the bird watching sites in Nigeria which is located North-West of Ahoada, just west of the Upper Orashi Forest in the Taylor Creek flood plain of the Niger Delta. The forest which covers a land area of 21,900 hectares, is seasonally flooded during the rains, but dry out during the dry season leaving some numerous small forest lakes Raphia palms and some broad-leafed species such as symphonia gllobulifera and ficus spp are common trees found in the forest. Mammals include white throated monkey (Cercopithecus erythrogaster), pygmy hippopotamus and Yellow backed duiker. Although the forest is yet little explored, 96 species of birds have been recorded. Nationally uncommon species include Sjostedt’s Honey Guide Bulbul )Baeo Pogon Clamans), Trochocercus nigromitratus, parmoptila wood housei and purple headed glossy starling (Lamprotornic purpueiceps. Estrilda poliopareic is a common bird found in the area. Others include Elephant colony in Andoni LGA, Onura forest at Alesa in Eleme LGA.
Parks And Gardens
Isaac Boro Garden Park
Facing the flyover above the main motorpark at the South end of Aba Road, this park was named after Major Isaac Boro who was killed in the Biafran War. The tomb of the unknown soldier here mark’s those who fell in the world wars. The park is a popular venue for live music and other events including trade fairs.
Isaka Holiday Resort
This is a resort on a twenty three hectare Island about a mile from Port Harcourt.
Rivers State Museum
The museum is in the secretariat complex of Rivers State Government. The museum contains artifact related to ethnic groups in the state including masks and carvings.
Zoological Garden, Port Harcourt
Located at Trans-Amadi, the zoo is the home for localized species of animals which include gorilla, drill, chimpanzee, an gwantibo or golden potto forest elephant, Saleginella Species etc.
Cultural Centre, Port Harcourt
Located on Bonny Street has a stage and auditorium for plays, dancing and there are shops where visitors can go and purchase local hand crafts.
Statute Of King Jaja Of Opobo
This beautiful edifice is the statute of King Jaja who founded Opobo land.
Hospitality Industry
These include Hotels, Restaurants and Eateries such as:
Mr Biggs
This eatery is located on Aba Road near the Shell residential complex and other parts of the state capital. It serves local and continental dishes. The restaurant also offers take away services.
Eastern Gardens Chinese Restaurant
Eastern Garden provides a complete taste of Chinese dishes, pork, chicken, chow mein, tofu and many other Chinese delicacies. You will also have the chance to use chopsticks while eating your food.
Chicken Calypos Fast Food And Restaurant
This fast food restaurant offers a wide variety of chicken menu such as fried chicken, grilled chicken, chili chicken and roast chicken with various accompaniments. They have many types of refresh and desserts are also available. The atmosphere is serene and the setting is comfortable.
Le Meridien Ogeyi Place Hotel
Located in the GRA Phase 2 area, this hotel has a restaurant which offers international catering services. The staff are very friendly and ready to assist you. The place is also clean and with a unique setting. The meals are prepared by a renown chef.
Kilimanjaro
Offering a wide range of Nigerian dishes such as amala, soups, pounded yam, rice and stew all at affordable prices. The restaurant is modern, clean and popular among office workers and students.
Pizza
This is a top pizza shop in the city as it offers a complete taste of authentic Italian-menu that offers a wide range of salads, large burgers, sandwiches and others.
Park ‘N’ Shop
This is a popular brand in the country and it offers a wide selection of imported goods and caters for both expatriates and well-to-do locals. The shop also features a bakery and extensive wine selection with items such as furniture, electrical goods, computers, gift items, cosmetics etc.
Everyday Emporium
This is a popular superstore that stocks a huge range of tinned and packet foods, wines and spirits, household items and toiletries. Located on the second floor are shops selling electrical items, mobile phone repair and unlocking service and many others.
Hotel Presidential
Hotel Presidential has a total of 251 rooms and 49 suites, situated in the two wings of the building. Wing I consists of 100 rooms and wing II consists of 200 rooms. All rooms have air conditioners, television with cable TV, fridge, telephone with Idd access, small coffee table with chairman, toilet desk with mirror, bathroom with shower over bath, washing basin toilet, full size wardrobe in the entrance with full length mirror and balcony. The Garden Bar is the place to have a meal while enjoying the cool surroundings.
The Novotel
Located in the heart of the city in a serene and secured environment, Novotel Port Harcourt offer, 2 suites, 117 apartments, 29 non smoking rooms, 2 accessible rooms, internet access, restaurant with terrace area and outdoor swimming pool. The hotel is 5 minutes drive from the Nigerian Air Force base and 20 minutes from the International Airport among numerous others.
Apart from this, there are other areas of interest for both foreigners and locals such as the cinema houses popular among which are the Silverbird Cinemas located at former Obiwali Cultural Centre along Abonnema Wharf Road, Genesis Deluxe Cinemas, Tombia Street GRA and the film house located at the Port Harcourt Mall Azikwe Road, Port Harcourt as well Nite clubs such as Boomarang, Oxygen, Casablanca, Afrik Nite Club etc, amongst others
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.
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
Entertainment
“French Up Your Career” PH, 2025 :Consul General Of France Harps On Proficiency In French
The Consul, General of France in Nigeria, Laurent Favier has encouraged French Learners to improve their skills on the language, as there are lots of opportunities up for grabs on the job market with fluency in French Language, saying that there are many other career paths which are often less well known to learners of French.
Participants at the “French Up Your Career” event held in Port Harcourt.
Favier who disclosed this during the just concluded third edition of the seminar tagged “French Up Your Career” organized by Alliance
Française, Port Harcourt explained that learning French doesn’t mean adding a language to your resume. It rather provides learners with new opportunities. Irrespective of their area of interest, be it diplomatic and International relations, international development, translation and Interpretation or journalism.
According to the Consul General, it was important to create awareness for young Nigerians in Port Harcourt who desire to have better understanding of how been fluent in French can create diverse career opportunities for users of the languages in Nigeria and the world at large, emphasizing that proficiency in French could possibly make learner a bridge between Nigeria and fast-developing regions.
“You previously heard this morning about how you can improve your French skills. This afternoon you will discover how being fluent in French can provide a significant edge on the job market and lead to professional careers that you may not have even considered before,”
“This event comes at the right time, as it launches the celebration of the richness and diversity of French-speaking cultures, which will mobilize us for more than a month throughout Nigeria and alongside other French-speaking countries,” Favier added.
He further highlighted that French is spoken by over 300 million people across the world, saying that, it’s one of the official languages of the United Nations, the European Union, and the African Union.
“There are many neighbouring African countries to Nigeria ,who have French as one of their primary languages of communication including Cameroon, Chad, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. So, what does this mean for you as students here in Nigeria?” He asked
“These sectors in which the French Embassy is often mobilized are the business and marketing field for example, as French is often the preferred language in many multinational companies, particularly those in the energy, oil and telecommunications sectors. I’m thinking as well in technology and IT,” he said
He noted that French-speaking countries in Africa are investing heavily in tech, innovation, and infrastructure, revealing that companies in Tech are looking for bilingual professionals to assist with software localization, customer support, and managing projects in French-speaking regions.
“The French embassy is not only mobilized to help learners discover promising sectors. We are also providing our support and expertise in
training teachers and optimizing university programs,” he summed up
Also, the linguistics cooperation attaché, French Embassy in Nigeria, Magaly Losange, who also gave a lecture at the seminar, in an interview with Newsmen said that the main purpose of the seminar was to be more informative and supportive to those who want to make a skill out of French Language,saying that as the linguistics cooperation attaché of the French Embassy it is her duty to promote French language through culture.
She cited traditional stereotypes as a major challenge affecting the growth and development of French in Nigeria, as school, teachers at the primary and secondary level in most cases teach French using the traditional way, where students learn French, but could not put words and grammar together as a skill for communicate.
“French is important. I don’t see French as colonization, l see French as a key to embrace globalization, l hope that learners will be inspired and ready to embrace the global village,” Losange said.
She however said that the French Embassy is working to ensure that equipments to facilitate the learning of French is put in place to enable learners improve their skills fast, which in two to three years learners should be able to communicate with French, advising learners to be intentional with learning the language, through social media and other workable devices to advance their skills for certification and better opportunities.
Highlight of the event which had about 250 participants in attendance was the eloquence award ceremony where students were awarded for their eloquence in French language by the Director, Alliance Française Port Harcourt, Mrs.Marina Lacal alongside the Linguistics cooperation attaché of the French Embassy in Nigeria, Magaly Losange.
After two edition of the seminar it was the turn of the Alliance Française, Port Harcourt to host the Third edition.
It would be recalled that the first edition of ” “French Up Your Career” event was organized at the Alliance Française Lagos on October 23, the second one at UNILAG on November 24, 2024 respectfully.