Niger Delta
Gov’s Aide Urges N’Delta Govs To Integrate Tourism In Development
Facilitator of the South-South Tourism Roundtable, Dr Piroye Kiyaramo, on Monday urged governors of the Niger Delta region to factor in the tourism sector in their development blueprints.
Kiyaramo made the call when the Chairman of Akwa Ibom Tourism and Hospitality Practitioners’ Association (AKTHOPA) and Managing Director of Legacy Tourism Services Uyo, Mr. Usen Udoh, visited him in his office in Yenagoa.
Kiyaramo, a renowned tourism practitioner, observed that sustainable tourism practice had proven to be veritable tool for socio-economic development.
According to Kiyaramo, who is also the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State on Tourism, mainstreaming of the tourism sector in their development agenda will go a long way in creating jobs and wealth at the rural areas in line with global best practices.
He explained that communities around the world, had benefitted immensely from tourism.
While advocating for the urgent need to give tourism due attention, he said tourism, as the driver of socio-economic growth and development, would create a level playing field for investors in the sector.
The SSA added that tourism could be a positive force that would bring economic, social and environmental benefits to the oil rich south south geographical zone.
The governor’s aide further explained that prioritising tourism in the development blueprints of the state governors in the region would propel the states to pay attention to the untapped potentials, particularly the maritime economy corridors.
He said tourism accounted for an estimated 26 per cent of ocean-based economic activities, making it a key driver of the blue economy by enhancing the value of marine conservation, increased revenue, job opportunities and investments.
He said this was contributing positively to rural development, protection of cultural heritage and conservation of the natural habitats.
Earlier, Udoh said the visit to the governor’s aide was to interface with him on critical issues regarding the holistic development of tourism and hospitality sector across South-South region.
Udoh highlighted the importance of connecting the Niger Delta region through tourism activities and research with a view to promoting the region as an economic bloc in line with global best practices.
He said Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State was already taking steps to meanstream the tourism and hospitality sector in his “Arise Development Agenda”, incorporating pro-poor tourism initiatives to create wealth at the grassroots.
He noted that the region, being so rich in ecological tourism potentials, made the area an ideal destination for eco-tourism.
He reiterated that nature-based tourism, which was in high demand, would not only increase the value placed on the unspoiled nature and wildlife, but would also generate funds for conservation of the rich biodiversity.
“Tourism is often an innovator of sustainable consumption and production in promoting climate change awareness.
“Tourism can protect or revive intangible cultural heritage, music, performing arts, and oral traditions.
“It offers great opportunities for emerging economies and developing countries.
“Tourism creates jobs, strengthens the local economy, contributes to local infrastructure development and helps to conserve the natural environment, cultural assets and traditions, and reduces poverty and inequality.
“This can be achieved if local people are able to benefit from the income opportunities arising from tourism,” Udoh said.
The Head of Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba, has charged the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (NAOMEW) World Wide, to be committed to professionalism, patriotism and effective service delivery in the discharge of their duties and rendering of patriotic gestures.
Mrs Gbaraba gave the charge yesterday when the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter paid her a courtesy call in her office in Port Harcourt.
She expressed deep appreciation for the visit, and assured the Association of her commitment to being a worthy Ogoni Ambassador like late Mr Augustine Nwikinaka, former General Manager of the corporation, to promote the fortunes of the corporation, while counting on their unflinching encouragement, prayers and support to succeed.
“ I am very happy to receive the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (The Tide Chapter) today in my office. I am glad you people came to my office, for those that know me in a short while in the corporation, I am a serious-minded person. I heard that the time the corporation was functioning well was under the leadership of late Austin Nwikinaka. Any where I go to, I will rather come down and show working example and that is what the Ogoni person is known for. So I am always proud to associate myself with an Ogoni man, so your support means so much to me,” Mrs Gbaraba said.
She assured them of running an open-door policy in the management of the corporation, and urged stronger partnership between NAOMEW, other unions, interest groups, corporate organisations, institutions and the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation in professional service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter, the National Secretary of the association, Comrade Taneh Beemene welcomed her into The Tide family and also congratulated her on her very important appointment.
Taneh, who expressed confidence in her experience and abilities to deliver on her assignments, thanked her for the uncommon feats recorded in the corporation within her brief leadership. He said the corporation has been revived from its comatose status that predated her appointment.
“ Within your short time, you have given the corporation a remarkable facelift. We pray that God should give you the enablement to restore the dignity of the corporation. We have come to inform you that we are solidly behind you and will make our untiring contributions to make you succeed, “ he stated.
In his vote of thanks and closing remarks, the Chairman, National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Production Workers (NUPPPPROW), Comrade Keyirale Donatus Nwiueh thanked the Head of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba for receiving the association in a warm manner, adding that she should count on the support of the association to succeed.
Kiadum Edookor
Niger Delta
OBALGA Sole Administrator Presents Brand New Fire Extinguishers To Council …Commiserates With Traders Over Rumuomasi Market Fire Incident …Commences Desilting Of Drainages
The Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has presented 150 brand new fire extinguishers to the council.
Dr Walter who spoke to newsmen at the council premises at Rumuodumanya said the gesture was part of measures by his administration to ensure safety of lives and council property from unforeseen fire incidents.
He urged the staff of the council to ensure the safety of the extinguishers, while promising to engage experts to teach them how to handle and operate the extinguishers.
Meanwhile, Sole Administrator of Obio Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has commiserated with traders at the Rumuomasi Market over the unfortunate fire incident that gutted parts of the market.
Dr Walter who visited the market to assess the level of damage caused by the fire, described it as unfortunate
Addressing the crowd of distressed traders and community members, Dr. Walter acknowledged the historical significance of the market, which was originally built under the administration of the former Obio/Akpor Chairman and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON.
He noted that preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, though a full investigation is still underway.
“As a local government, we will constitute a thorough investigation team to determine the root cause of the fire,
“Most importantly, we thank God that no lives were lost. I want to assure our traders that the Local Government will not abandon you.
“We will also work with security operatives to safeguard salvaged goods and prevent further losses,” he said.
He encouraged traders to adopt stricter safety measures, especially concerning electrical appliances in markets prone to fire hazards.
“There are many ways fires can ignite, even without an open flame. Let us all be vigilant and prioritise safety,” he cautioned.
Dr. Walter also commended those who stepped in to assist during the emergency.
“We are grateful to all who helped salvage goods and support affected persons during the crisis. Your kindness embodies the spirit of Obio/Akpor. The forthcoming investigation will help us put preventive structures in place,” he said.
The Chairman of the market, Mr. Prince Adele, who accompanied Dr. Walter, during the inspection, identified K-Lane as the most severely affected area.
A statement by the information officer to the council, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said no incident of death was reported by the traders during the visit.
In another development, the Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor local government council, Sir Clifford Ndu Walter, has commenced a comprehensive canal clearance campaign with a view to identifying and removal of all blockages including illegal structures hindering the free flow of waters in the area.
A statement from the council Press Secretary, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said during the inspection of key canals in the area, several unauthorised barricades and blockages were discovered and removed.
According to the statement, Dr Walter emphasised that illegal dumping, unapproved structures and poor drainage habits endanger communities and undermine government efforts, adding that his administration is committed to protecting lives and property of the citizens.
It said the Sole Administrator also declared his readiness to ensure that all canals and drainages are cleaned, maintained and functioning effectively.
He also warned against further dumping of waste in waterways, citing impending flooding.