Rivers State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon Marcus Nle-Ejii has flayed critics of the state cultural festival (CARNIRIV) saying the exercise was not a waste of public funds.

Speaking to journalists shortly after the flag-off of the opening ceremony yesterday by Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, Hon. Nle-Ejii said the festival is a window for exporting the rich culture and traditions of Rivers People to the outside world.

Aside that, he argued that it would in the long run de-emphasise over-dependence on oil hence diversify the economy of the state.

He remarked that this year’s CARNIRIV was billed to consolidate on the success of last year’s event, expressing the hope that Rivers people would see it as a platform to promote peace, unity among others.

In the same vein, consutant to the Minsitry of Culture, Mr. Yibo Koko has expressed hope that this year’s CARNIRIV would record more success than last year’s event.

Mr. Koko who is the Managing Director of Yib Assemble, said going by the huge participation  and interest displayed by the people of the state, the festival was set to attract international attention in the future.

One unique dimesion to the event this year, he declared was in the area of the African Village, which in his view has brought colour aethetics for the programme.

He believed that arts is an expressive way of displaying culture and that culture is key to the existence of everyman.

Mr. Koko lauded the Rivers State Government for reviving the cultural festival since it was one path to unifying the people and create harmony in the state.

Meanwhile, chairman from Ahoada West and Andoni local government areas have expressed hope that groups from their areas would come out tops following their programme on Monday.

Acting chairperson of Andoni Local Government Council, Hon. Emilia Gilbert Nte stated that the various cultural groups that performed was a plus for the area.

Hon. Nte commended the Culture and Tourism Ministry for the effort made so far to make the exercise a success. She assured that the same would be replicated at home during the Christmas and New Year festivals, stating that her administration is poised to promote culture and tourism.

Similarly, her counterpart from Ahoada-West, Barrister Miller Awoye said that despite the pausity of funds, the local government had been able to put up a sintillating performance at the festival.

Asari-Toru, Bonny, Degema, Eleme, Emohua, and Etche Local Government Areas displayed yesterday with a massive turnout at the African Village Elekahia.