News
Rivers Assures NANTA On Readiness For Travel Industry Dev
The Rivers State Government has indicated interest in partnering with the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) to attract more international carriers and deepen the development potentials of the travel industry in the state.
In line with this development, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, assured NANTA that Governor Nyesom Wike was determined to continue with the infrastructure development that encourages local and international travel and tourism in the state.
The SSG, who made this remark during a visit by NANTA National Executive led by its President, Mrs. Susan Akporiaye in Port Harcourt, last Friday, assured of Governor Nyesom Wike’s resolve to sustain infrastructure revolution in the state that has continued to attract diverse business investments and growth.
“It is encouraging to know that associations such as NANTA also key into the developmental aspirations of the government. The infrastructural development truly aligns with the vision of NANTA to attract foreign direct investment into the state.
“Oftentimes, those with political differences paint the government and the state black, but if we are able to encourage tourists to come and see things for themselves, having an independent assessment is a good way to erase any negative perception. Rivers State is safe, secure and good for visits. The government is doing all to ensure that not only is Port Harcourt secure, but also the outskirts and rural areas as well are secured.
“Our target is to ensure that as visitors come into a world-class international airport, they should also be able to have world-class facilities to take them to where they wish to go. From the airport, you should be able to experience little or no delay into the main town and out.
“A lot of countries thrive on tourism. Here we have noticed that the target Christmas celebrations across our local government areas, such as the Opobo International Boat Regatta, Isiopko Christmas Bicycle Festival, Andoni Beach festivals and many community festivals are good ways to engage our people during the celebrations”, the SSG added.
He notified NANTA of the states’ readiness to accommodate more international carriers such as British Airways, Delta, Emirates and others.
Earlier, the President of NANTA, Mrs Susan Akporiaye, appreciated the government for the infrastructure restoration of the state, which she says has made the state stand out in terms of tourism and travels.
“Tourism is exactly what he (governor) is doing, helping us to easily do our jobs to boldly market this place as a destination for anyone to come to visit.
“Tourism is infrastructure, which starts from the international standard airport. Visitors coming to have an experience of this region start with Port Harcourt, and we truly appreciate the difference he has made,” she said.
She hinted that the association is also working to bring in Emirates airline to the state.
The visit also had in attendance the Permanent Secretary, Special Service Bureau, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. George Nwaeke, and executive members of NANTA from across Nigeria.
The ECOWAS Parliament has adopted a budget of 19,636,030 Units of Account (UA) (26 million dollars) for the 2026 fiscal year, and announced plans to commemorate its 25th anniversary in November.
The Speaker of the Parliament, Hadjia Memounatou Ibrahima, who announced this, said the development followed the recent conclusion of its 2025 Second Extraordinary Session in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
She said the budget was adopted by the Parliament during plenary, stressing that, beyond being a mere accounting act, it was the engine of parliament’s commitment to West Africans.
”It will enable us to carry out our priority missions, including implementing the conclusions of the seminar on AI, while ensuring virtuous and transparent management of public funds entrusted to us.
”This budget represents a five per cent increase compared to the 2025 fiscal year budget, reflecting an upward adjustment of UA 939,233 from last year’s UA 18,996,897.
”Out of the budget of UA 19,636,030 for 2026, the sum of UA19, 368,394 representing 98.64 per cent is expected to be financed through the proceeds from the Community Levy, while UA257,636, equivalent to 1.36 per cent, will accrue from other sources,” Ibrahima said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ECOWAS Community Levy is a mandatory 0.5 per cent tax imposed on goods imported into ECOWAS member states from non-ECOWAS countries.
Member states are under statutory obligation to pay the community levy, which is the main source of funding for ECOWAS institutions and their activities.
Ibrahima, however, expressed dismay that some members of the community were still defaulting on the payment of the levy, and warned that, going forward; such would be met with sanctions.
She also said that the commemoration of its 25th anniversary in November would highlight the ECOWAS Parliament’s achievements in deepening regional democracy, cooperation and growth, amid formidable challenges.
The Speaker described the forthcoming anniversary as “a chance to showcase resilience and chart a more innovative, youth-focused future for the community”.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has begun the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary with a Juma’at service where prayers were offered for the progress of the state and Nigeria.
Governor Fubara, who advocated for peace and unity of Nigeria during the prayers on Friday at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt, indicated that without peace, the accelerated development of Nigeria will remain in a limbo.
Governor Fubara, who was represented by Alhaji Abdurrazaq Diepriye, therefore urged citizens to remain patriotic.
According to him, “Allah has brought us this far. Without peace, we can not have progress and economic development. I call on all citizens irrespective of creed or tribe to remain patriotic.”
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for restoring peace in Rivers State while also using the forum to appreciate security agencies for their relentless effort in upholding the peace and unity of Rivers State and Nigeria.
The Chief Imam of Rivers State Central Mosque, Imam Ibrahim Yaloo, admonished Moslem faithful to always speak the truth, adding that those who obey Allah will be directed to good deeds and their sins forgiven.
Prayers were offered for Rivers State and Nigeria.
Other activities to mark the 65th Independence anniversary in the state include an Inter-denominational Church Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 28th September and Parade Ceremony on Wednesday, 1st October.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed New York on Sunday after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In a statement released on Sunday by the VP media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President is now headed to Germany, where he will hold strategic meetings with officials of Deutsche Bank.
The statement read, “Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed New York, United States, after successfully representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“During his participation at UNGA 80, VP Shettima secured UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ commendation for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
“He also showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors and strengthened strategic partnerships with the UK on trade, defence, and migration issues.”
Nkwocha added that the VP delivered Tinubu’s national statement, calling for UN reforms and a permanent seat for Nigeria at the UN Security Council, and “demanded Africa’s control over its $700 billion mineral wealth, and digital inclusion initiatives.”
“He also engaged with the Gates Foundation on healthcare and education expansion, positioning Nigeria as the natural hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area’s $3.4 trillion market.
“VP Shettima was seen off at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, by cabinet Ministers who were part of the UNGA 80 delegation and Nigerian Mission officials.”
The aide noted that Shettima will return to Nigeria immediately after his engagements in Germany.
The Tide source recalls that the VP departed Abuja, yesterday.
He led other Nigerian officials at the Assembly.
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