CARNIRIV Signals Peaceful Environment – Amaechi

Rivers State Governor, Rt Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has said that the intervention of God, joint effort of security operatives and the people of the state have contributed to the return of peace in the state.

Governor Amaechi made the remarks on Wednesday, during the kick-off of the 2011 cultural carnival of Rivers people (CARNIRIV) tagged The Port Harcourt Carnival at the Liberation Stadium, Elekahia, Port Harcourt.

Represented by his deputy, Engr Tele Ikuru, the State Chief Executive noted that the CARNIRIV replaced the old cultural festival of Rivers people (RIVIFEST) and served as a vehicle for regaining the people’s lost glory. He stated that the annual event enables government to showcase the people’s rich cultural heritage and the fact that the state was peaceful for business, and called on investors to cash in on the opportunities provided by the favourable business environment.

He disclosed that about 500 mega watts of electricity would be generated and distributed in the state by February, 2012 in line with the resolve to create an enabling environment for business, adding that the state was already dialoguing with the Federal Government to ensure the realisation of this project.

In his welcome address, the State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Nabbs Imegwu explained that the 2011 fiesta’s theme; “Our Culture, Our Future” was meant to highlight the fact that the “state is a reservoir of cultural products and practitioners”, stressing that government is making effort to harness the products for entrepreneurs’ investment.

He pointed out that the common cultural heritage of the people constituted a binding force for them, adding that their brighter future would be achieved through their rich culture and natural endowments.

He said the state government was determined to ensure that the annual cultural festival assumed its pride of place as a global fiesta, and a reflection of the commitment of government to reposition the state for investment.

Dr Imegwu who described the CARNIRIV as one of the major cultural fiestas in the country said that the theme of this year’s carnival, “Our Culture, Our Future” was anchored on the realisation that Rivers State was the Treasure Base of the nation with an abundant reservoir of cultural products and practitioners.

“We have a responsibility and commitment to properly harness these products into a viable investment power house”, he said.