COVID-19: RSG Hails Hospitality Stakeholders’ Support

The Rivers State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mrs Tonye Briggs Oniyide, has commended stakeholders and practitioners in culture, hospitality, tourism, entertainment and content development for their understanding and commitment in the battle against the spread of COVID-19 in the state.
Oniyide made the commendation while speaking on the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic on the social sector in the state, at the weekend.
She said the culture and tourism sector was heavily impacted by the pandemic, noting that “from the hotels, event centres, tour operators, car hire services, content developers to entertainers, actors, producers etc”, it has been a challenging experience.
She commended their understanding at this difficult time, and urged them to remain resolute as “we will emerge from this difficulty stronger”.
“As you are aware, the businesses in culture and tourism are about people, and when bars, hotels, event centres, shows, flights are shot down, and restriction of movements are enforced, it is like taking our sources of income away”, she observed.
The commissioner also thanked stakeholders and practitioners in the sector who have used their valuable time, resources and social media handles to spread the campaign of healthy living and social distancing in the society, and urged all to spare no efforts in the crusade.
“By His Grace, we shall bounce back stronger and more determined to promote our sector”, Oniyide emphasized while reminding the people of Rivers State not to fret as “God is on the throne”.
According to her, “His Excellency, the Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike, is very committed in the battle to save our state from the ravaging pandemic”, and urged the people to support him and adhere strictly to the directives of the state government and the NCDC on COVID-19.