Entertainment
Rivers Celebrates Peaceful, Funfilled Yuletide
Choro graphic display by students of Orada Int’ School, Ozuoba, Port Harcourt
The world Yuletide refers to
the period around Christmas, while Christmas is the time to think about Jesus as a baby in a manger. The birth of Jesus is a special and miraculous event. The central truth of Xmas is that the child of Christmas is God. This is why his birth is celebrated on the 25th of December every year.
This year’s Christmas celebration in Rivers State was not only very peaceful, but funfilled, it was marked with prayers, thanksgiving services, sober reflections and funfair. Although most people in the state celebrated it in a low-key due to financial constraints, others still took time out to patronize their favourite entertainment hang-outs like the cinema houses, night clubs, hotels eateries and drinking joints with their families, friends and well-wishers.
The Tide’s entertainment investigation revealed that the peaceful celebration was as a result of the first ever Rivers State Christmas carol hosted by the state Governor, His Excellency Chief Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike (CON) with the theme “Hossana 2015” held on Saturday 19th December 2015 at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium Elekahia, Port Harcourt.
The historic event which attracted a mammoth crowd of Christians from different denominations across the state and its environs, is a record breaking gathering built to strengthen the cord that binds the people of Rivers State by bringing together choristers, citizens and other attendees from every religious denominations across the state, the state Governor and his deputy, Dr Mrs Ipalibo Harry Banigo, members of the state executives council and other distinguished guests from within and outside the state were also in attendance in what has come to be seen as a lofty, commendable and true unity project.
Although the carol had come and gone, the spiritual liberation left behind by the 1000 mass choir and other gospel singers still lingers in the minds of those who were opportuned to attend the historic event. It remains a vital part of the Christians worship experience exuding an ambience of bliss and serenity in and around the event venue and leaving a lingering nostalgia long after the event.
With the Amiable state Governor Chief (Barr), Nyesom Wike and a renowned man of God and special advisers to the Governor of Rivers State on religious matters and chairman 1st Rivers State Christmas Carol organising committee, Bishop Winston Iwo at the helm of the religious affairs one cannot but expect the best in spiritual liberation of the people. It is no gainsaying that when the history of this epochal time shall be written, it shall be said that a choir of uncommon singers joined a team of uncommon people to bring about uncommon physical, mental and spiritual transformation of the people of the state.
Commenting on the Christmas carol a member of the Rivers State Pilgrims board and Chairman Local Government Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) coalition, Rivers State, Rev Peter Wobihiele Georgewill commended the state Governor, Chief Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike for his foresight in introducing the Christmas carol in the state in place of the so-called CARNIRIV. He said the programme was a right step in the right direction as it had brought the people of the state closer to God instead of the CARNIRIV which did not only distance the people of the state from God, but promoted immorality and idol worship.
The man of God stressed that CARNIRIV also gave roam to satanic activities such as masquerade dancing and other demonic activities that are not in conformity with Christian beliefs. He noted that the Christmas carol is no doubt a cautious effort by the Wike’s administration to change the ugly trend and bring the people back to God as well as save the state from the reckless and frivolous spending of huge sums of state revenue all in the name of CARNIRIV, while other important sectors of the state economy begged for attention.
According to him CARNIRIV was not just a mere conception of showcasing the cultural heritage of the Rivers people, but a deliberate revival of idol worship, sexual perversion and other societal taboos. This is why all well-meaning people of the state should give kudos to Governor Wike for his timely intervention in saving the state from the cluches of the devil.
Reverend Georgewill who is also the Vicar in charge of St Paul’s Anglican Church Nkpor Village Rumuolumeni in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state also lauded Wike for sending over 600 pilgrims to Jerusalem with all expenses paid even when his detractors thought it would be impossible to do so after they had looted the state treasury.
He said the Governor’s magnamity is unprecendented as he has even promised to increase the number of pilgrims to the holy land in subsequent years. He therefore called on the people of the stat eto embrace Gov Wike’s Administration because when the righteous rules the people rejoice.
Among the personalities that attended the event included his Excellency Nyesom Ezenwo Wike (CON), Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Hon Justice Eberechi Surzzette Nyesom Wike, wife of the Governor Banigo, Deputy Governor, Rivers State, Rt Hon Ikuinyi Owaji Ibani, Speaker Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon Justice Daisy Wotube Okocha, Bishop Winton Iwo, Bro Felix Obuah, Chairman Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Rivers State, members of the Rivers State executive council and other distinguished guests within and outside the state among others.
The gospel groups in attendance included the Mass Choir led by Adonye Omubo Pepple, Niger Delta North Diocese Choir, Music Ministration by Chioma Jesus, Royal Male Choir as well as Rivers State Cultural troupe and a host of other gospel groups.
Entertainment
“The Legal Day” 2025: Alliance Française Port Harcourt, Moves to Promote French Via Law
In a bid to promote the French language through law and build bridges between communities the Alliance Française Port Harcourt, in collaboration with the Embassy of France in Nigeria has organized the 2025 edition of “La Journée du Droit” (“The Legal Day”)
The event which took place at Alliance Française auditorium was a civic and linguistic celebration designed to help learners of French Language and young citizens discover the importance of law in everyday life.
The Tide Entertainment reports that the event featured interactive quiz sessions, exploring legal rules and civic principles in Nigeria, France, Africa and beyond, pointing out both the similarities and differences between legal systems around the world.
Throughout the day, the event featured interactive quiz sessions exploring legal rules and civic principles in Nigeria, France, Africa, and beyond, highlighting both the similarities and differences between legal systems around the world.
The initiative was aimed at encouraging reflection on the rights and responsibilities shared by all citizens and to promote the values of justice, equality, and mutual respect through the French language.
The programme which had two sessions, (Morning and Afternoon session) witnessed the participation of about 150 students from various levels of education. Ranging from the Primary, Secondary, and tertiary institution for an engaging experience of civic and legal concepts.
Schools in attendance included Surebloom International School, Pleroma High School, Casterly Rock Secondary School, and TotalEnergies Port Harcourt School.
The morning sessions saw the Participation of Alliance Française students in an interactive quiz, enhancing their French comprehension while exploring civic notions.
While the Afternoon session had students from the University of Port Harcourt – UNIPORT (French Language and Law Departments), students from the French Department from both Ignatius Ajuru University of Education and Rivers State University joined in the final rounds of the competition.
According to the director of Alliance Française Port Harcourt, Mrs Marina Lacal, all quiz questions were presented in French, then translated into English to ensure full understanding by participants, saying that winners received special prizes, as all attendees took home souvenirs from the educational and convivial event.
Mrs Lacal said that the diplomatic and educational initiative event “La Journée du Droit” (The Legal Day) sought to promote the French language through law, highlight the capacity of law to build bridges between communities and emphasize law as one of the pillars of French diplomacy.
“Through this initiative, the Alliance Française Port Harcourt continues its mission to foster intercultural dialogue, civic awareness, and the learning of French as a language of knowledge, culture, and citizenship,”?she?added.
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
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