This story was first published in The Nation CARNIRIV, Future Money spinner For Rivers – Nollywood Star

A foremost Nollywood artiste, Mr Columbus Irisoanya has said that the Rivers State CARNIRIV would turn out to be a money spinner in future.

Speaking in an interview with The Tide at the Liberation Stadium, Elekahia, Mr Irisoanya said that the effect of the event would surely affect the economy of the state.

He said that what is needed is better organisation and publicity and described carnival as one of the best money generating ventures the world over.

According to him, what the state is trying to do is to motivate and activate the spirit of tourism.

“The essence of the festival as promoting tourism which is a money earner all over the world.

“Most countries grow their economies through tourism,” he said.

Mr Irisoanya who is a member of the Advisory Board of the Rivers State Branch of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, however regretted that Africa is yet to reap the benefit of tourism in spite of its rich cultural potentials.

In his words, “We in Africa here, are rich in this thing, but we are not reaping from it because of poor organisation.”

He expressed optimism that the carnival this year will be better than previous years especially with the introduction of kids carnival into the event.

Mr Irisoanya however said that he is not aware if the Actors Guild as a body is involved in the organisation of the event.