Entertainment
Why PH Remains Tourists Home Away From Home
Guests at a social function in PH
Rivers State is very rich in
tourist attraction. With its long expanse s of beautiful coastal sandy beaches stretching from Opobo through Brass to Koluama, numerous long and winding creeks, streams and rivers as well as forests with their associated shrines and wildlife, the tourism potential of Rivers State is yet to be fully tapped, as a major theatre in the slavetraffic and palm oil trade of the mid nineteenth and early twentieth centuries is endowed with war relics, artifacts and historical monuments.
Today, the state occupies an enviable position as the centre of oil and gas operations in the country and the home of several other modern industrial establishments. Rivers State culture is rich in festivals, ceremonies, dances, music and crafts, and these are varied and diverse as the people whose hospitality has become legendary. The rich culture of the state which is rooted in its unique environment of lakes, creeks, rivers, forests and swamps, provides the centre point of its tourism development.
Since the establishment of the tourism and hotels corporation in 1970, the Rivers State Government has embarked upon several tourism projects. Notable among these are the Isaka Holiday Resort on a twenty three hectare Island about one nautical mile from Port Harcourt, the zoo in Trans Amadi and the Isaac Boro Lesure Park along Aba road in Port Harcourt. Other projects include the renovation of the Jubilee Park in the old township and the establishment of a museum in the Secretariat Complex. These projects have been developed as a social service with the aim of providing facilities for sightseeing and recreation for residents of the state and those visiting.
Port Harcourt, the capital city is certainly one of the most bubbling cities in Nigeria. Although a major industrial centre, it is affluent with history and boasts of a large number of tourist attractions. The city also referred to as Garden City, has a lot to offer and is definitely the right place to visit if you have a taste for the good things of life. With a myriad recreational and fun-spots which have turned the city into tourists first port of call and home away from home.
A trip to the happening city is incomplete without a taste of the local cuisine known as Bole and Fish. A significant meal of the Rivers people, it is made from a recipe of roasted plantain and fish slathered in the most delectable peppery, palm oil sauce. The thing about Bole and Fish is that it is best purchased on a street corner where indigenous Port Harcourt women prepare the meals on red hot coals. And as with all street food, it is best to be sure that it is freshly made and piping hot when you buy it. D/Line, a Street in Port Harcourt, is fondly referred to as ‘Bole headquarters’ as it harbours a large number of sellers. If you however do not fancy the idea of buying food off the streets casually in a black nylon bag, you can go to or place an order from the Bole king a fairly new restaurant launched to cater to the ‘Bole needs’ of the city.
Port Harcourt cultural center is a famous tourist attraction located on Bonny Street, it serves as a centre for exhibiting the cultural diversity of Port Harcourt and Rivers State as a whole. The centre exhibits artifacts that tell the history of the city, and houses shops that sell copies of these local artifacts as well as African jewelry, home wares, pottery and souvenirs within the center. Again with a theater a stage and auditorium for live performance of cultural dance and play, it holds a huge attraction for visitors. You can also take time out to see a play at the cultural centre and have fun, learning new things about the city’s rich culture.
Port Harcourt tourist beach is a tourist destination in the city located at Kolabi creek east of the old township, Port Harcourt Tourist Beach is arguably the most popular beach in Port Harcourt. A clean sandy beach, it is perfect for a walk by the seaside while enjoying the cool breeze. You can also sunbathe and enjoy a dip in the cool water. Many activities are available for visitors looking for sport.
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
