Entertainment
2021 World Tourism Day: Group Calls For Tax Holidays To Promote Tourism
The Society of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (STPN) has called on government to reduce taxes and levies payable by investors in the hospitality sector, so as to promote tourism in the country.
Chukwuemeka Ogbu, Chairman, STPN, Enugu State, made the call on Sunday in an event to mark the ‘2021 World Tourism Day’ in the state under the theme: ‘Tourism for inclusive growth’.
The event was organised by the STPN, in collaboration with the Nigeria Tourism Development Cooperation (NTDC) and the Enugu state government.
According to him, granting of reliefs and tax holiday by government agencies would encourage and boost the tourism sector.
Ogbu noted that the tourism sector plays a significant role in employment and contributed to the country’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
He, therefore, warned that any attempt to burden the industry with multiple taxes and levies would lead to negative growth in the sector.
The chairman pleaded with the Enugu State government to provide an enabling environment, through the provision of adequate security and access roads to tourism centres.
“For the industry to thrive in the state, certain urgent measures must be put in place.
“And there is the urgent need for the state government, through its Ministry of Culture and Tourism, to create activities and events that will promote culture, festivals and carnivals, during festive periods,” Ogbu said.
He added that the state was a good destination for tourism development due to the attraction of its various tourism sites.
The Zonal Coordinator, NTDC, South-East, Mrs Annette Ibe said the occasion offered the World Tourism Body, as well as member nations, the opportunity to create awareness on the impact of tourism and its social-cultural, economic and political value.
She described the world tourism day as a period of stock taking and performance evaluation, explaining that the theme for this year highlighted the power of tourism to carry every one along, from the biggest airline to the smallest family business.
Ibe said tourism in the 21st century had became a critical player in inclusive and sustainable growth.
Tourism sites, she noted, had taken on global significance in terms of the steep rise in their numbers, their economic contributions and cultural penetration of other societies.
“Nigeria has the size, the population, diverse cultural and physical attractions and all these make her one of the most lucrative nations for tourism inclusive growth.
“The South East Zone is equally endowed with rich tourism potentials which, when developed, will provide a multiplier effect in the area of job creation, revenue generation, socio-cultural integration and poverty alleviation”.
Also contributing, the General Manager, Enugu Tourism Board, Mr Steve Odo, noted that growth in tourism provided opportunities for job creation, improvement and equity.
Enugu has sustainable tourism potentials in place due to the relative peace and security in the state, he said, noting, “Tourism cannot thrive without peace and security. The state is secured and I thank Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for it.”
Odoh urged stakeholders in the industry to take tourism serious, as oil was gradually exhausting. ”So, think about tourism as if it is the only way.”
Mr Ugonna Ibeh, the Enugu state Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, also described tourism as an alternative means of generating income for the country, saying that the state had so many tourist sites which, if revamped, would enhance growth and development.
The commissioner, therefore, charged stakeholders to take ownership of these sites and develop them as tourism was private sector driven.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ‘The World Tourism Day’ is an annual and global event celebrated every 27th September, having begun on Nov.1, 1975 when the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) was founded.
As a specialized agency of the United Nations, it was saddled with the responsibility of promoting sustainable tourism around the world.
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.
Entertainment
World Music Day: Alliance Française Port Harcourt Showcases Talents
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.
Entertainment
PMAN Set To Implement Performance Levy ‘Tomorrow
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.
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