The Rivers State Government says it will create 20,000 jobs in the Ministry of Culture and Tourism as part of efforts to address unemployment in the state.

The Commissioner of Culture and Tourism, Dr. Nnabuihe Nabbs Imegwu said this last Thursday during a facility tour to all tourists sites of Arts and Culture centres in the state.

Hon. Imegwu, noted that opportunity will be given to both musicians and other artistes in the state so as to provide active participation all the year round.

According to him, the gesture when concluded will provide both physical and spiritual need of the people.

Though he was not specific the time of commencement, he reasoned that plans are on high gear to ensure that all necessary logistics are provided for a smooth take off.

Refusing to accept the Port Harcourt zoo an eye-sore, he said that the Ministry is looking out for ways to make the place a mini leisure park.

He explained that the zoo is among the numerous areas the state government is taking into consideration to showcase.

“A lot is being done here over the years, government has been trying to better the area”, he said.

The Commissioner further pointed out that the amount of land acquired by the government to site the Port Harcourt zoo was a great deal, adding that government has been working hard to maintain the place.

“From the scoop we have noticed on ground, you can believe that it is visionary to have acquired such a large place for zoo”, he said.

He also noted that the challenges in the area was not government’s sole challenge, but multi dimensional and difficult, adding the need for appropriate allocation and budgetary provision to address the issues.

In a related development the Commissioner asked the Rivers State branch of Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (P-MAN) to go and put their house in order to have formidable front.

The Commissioner, who gave the advise when Rivers P-MAN members paid a courtesy call on him directed that the three warring factions should produce two members each to form the Electoral Committee that will oversee its election in October 2, 2011.

As a way out, he equally advised that one member from the elders’ forum (high life players) be added to the committee for smooth running of the election.

Earlier, the Director of Arts and Culture, Deede Baede, lauded the Commissioner for his timely visit and appealed for the immediate intervention to some of the problems in the Ministry.