Port Harcourt, Sept. 25, 2024 – The Rivers Council for Arts and Culture, said it has commenced full preparations for the 3rd Andoni Unity Festival, designed to promote tourism and showcase the culture and tradition of Andoni people.
Mr Dike Eleberi, the Acting Director of the council, who made this known in Port Harcourt, said that the festival would hold from Dec.15 to Jan. 5, 2024.
He said that the aim was also to attract tourists and economic development to the area.
Eleberi commended the Chairman of Andoni Local Government Area (LGA), Mr Erastus Awortu for giving attention to development of the tourism sector.
The director said that arts and culture were huge revenue earners which could be exploited through various business strategies.
“Mr Chairman, I want to commend you and your team for promoting tourism, the people may not collectively appreciate what you are doing today but I can assure you that your vision is timely and economically driven because tourism is a reliable revenue earner,” he said.
In his remarks, the LGA chairman said that the local council had by-laws on ease of doing business, especially in the area of tourism, and had banned poaching.
“We will continue to project Andoni through our annual festival, this is a long-term effort and I can say that our motive is becoming more feasible as the years roll by.
“From what we see here today, I can assure you that this year’s carnival is going to be the biggest and most decorated, it is going to project further, our rich tradition and culture to potential investors,” the chairman added.
Awortu explained that the annual carnival was to project the area to the world, ensure sustainable peace and attract investments.
“The winding creeks, beaches, and exquisite aquatic and terrestrial wildlife are some of the peculiarities of our area.
“‘There is no other place here in the state where you have the elephants, countless antelopes, crocodiles, sea turtles, sharks, dolphins as well as other creatures.
“This is the reason we are calling on government and investors to tap into our huge tourism potentials,” he added.
Mr Frank McCurley, Chairman of the carnival planning committee, said they would ensure a successful and memorable festival.
