Festivals

Rivers State Official Urges Investors to Tap into Andoni’s Untapped Tourism Potential

Published

12 months ago

September 26, 2023

The Acting Director of the Rivers State Council for Arts and Culture, Mr. Dike Eleberi, has urged potential investors to seize the vast opportunities presented by Andoni local government in Rivers State’s burgeoning tourism sector. Speaking on the sidelines of the grand unveiling ceremony of the “third edition of Andoni Unity Festival” in Port Harcourt, Eleberi emphasized the significance of tourism as a lucrative investment avenue and implored investors to harness its untapped potential within the state.

Mr. Eleberi commended the Chairman of Andoni local government Area, Barrister Erastus Awortu, for his unwavering dedication to the growth of the tourism sector. He underscored the immense economic potential of arts and culture, ranking it closely behind oil as a substantial revenue generator. During the event, Eleberi expressed his appreciation, stating, “Mr. Chairman, I want to say kudos to you and your team for promoting tourism. The people may not appreciate what you are doing today, but I can assure you that your vision is apt because tourism is a reliable revenue earner.”

Meanwhile, Barrister Erastus Awortu, the council Chairman, emphasized his administration’s commitment to creating an environment conducive to tourism business. He highlighted the passage of laws against poaching as a significant achievement, ensuring the ease of doing tourism business. Awortu also reaffirmed his dedication to projecting Andoni through the annual Unity Festival, asserting, “From what we see here today, I can assure you that this year’s carnival is going to be the biggest and most decorated, projecting our rich tradition and culture to potential investors.”

Awortu elucidated the festival’s core objectives, stating, “The essence of the annual carnival is to project the area to the world, ensure sustainable peace, and attract investments using our natural habitats as focal points.” He further showcased Andoni’s unique natural features, including winding creeks, beaches, and diverse wildlife, urging both the government and investors to tap into the region’s vast tourism potential.

Barrister Erastus Awortu, the Carnival committee Chairman, lauded the Andoni Unity Festival as a result-oriented program that has served as a unifying force for over two years since its inauguration. The festival, a five-day entertainment extravaganza, is slated to commence on 15th December with a Christmas Carol, culminating in the carnival parade on 5th January 2024. Other highlights include the Boat Regatta on 30th December 2023, Coconut Festival on 3rd January 2024, and Beach Carnival on 4th January 2024.

As Rivers State positions itself as a burgeoning hub for tourism, the call to investors to explore Andoni’s tourism potential represents a significant step toward harnessing the state’s untapped economic opportunities.

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Festivals

Durbar festival: key to cultural unity and economic growth in Ilorin

Published

3 hours ago

September 12, 2024

Lanre

The Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union highlights the Durbar festival’s role in addressing cultural and social issues, promoting unity, and boosting the local economy.

The Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU) has emphasised the significance of the Durbar festival in Ilorin.

Alhaji AbdulMumini AbdulMalik, President of the union, revealed that the festival was introduced by the Emir of Ilorin as part of a cultural revival effort aimed at addressing both cultural and social issues.

Also read: Arochukwu kingdom prepares for unique 2024 Ikeji festival in September

The Durbar festival is designed to counteract the negative effects of external influences on local youth by fostering unity and encouraging positive social interactions.

It strengthens community bonds and supports the local economy, particularly in tourism and hospitality sectors.

By providing a cultural alternative to un-Islamic and traditional carnivals, the Durbar festival offers a constructive outlet for youth.

AbdulMalik also praised State Governor Mallam Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq for his development efforts, which are enhancing Ilorin’s status as a prominent state capital.

Festivals

Over 1,100 entries for 2024 Lagos international festival of animation

Published

3 days ago

September 9, 2024

Lanre

The 2024 Lagos International Festival of Animation (LIFANIMA) will showcase over 1,100 entries from 112 countries. The festival, held from October 29 to 31, highlights global and African talent, with significant submissions from the US, Nigeria, and France.

The 2024 Lagos International Festival of Animation (LIFANIMA) is set to feature an impressive 1,106 entries from 112 countries, marking its position as one of Africa’s premier animation festivals.

The festival will run from October 29 to 31 and promises to be a significant event for showcasing animation talent on a global scale.

Also read: Lagos shines at sango festival celebration in Oyo

The United States has led with the highest number of submissions, contributing 142 short films, while Nigeria tops the list of African countries with 28 entries.

South Africa follows with 19 submissions. In Europe, France leads with 62 entries, with the United Kingdom trailing with 46 submissions.

Festival founder and director Muyiwa Kayode expressed gratitude for the continued support of the Bank of Industry, which is sponsoring the event for the second consecutive year.

Kayode emphasized that this support highlights the bank’s recognition of the creative industry as a vital economic growth sector.

LIFANIMA, established in 2016, aims to promote African animation and is endorsed by the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board (LSFVCB).

In collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and the Embassy of France in Nigeria, the festival covers various animation forms and visual effects, awarding entries in five categories: 2D animation, 3D animation, stop motion animation, visual effects, and animation commercials.

The festival will feature screenings of selected works, award presentations, networking opportunities, and entertainment.

As the second-largest animation film festival in Africa, LIFANIMA continues to play a crucial role in celebrating and advancing the animation industry on the continent.

Festivals

Arochukwu kingdom prepares for unique 2024 Ikeji festival in September

Published

6 days ago

September 6, 2024

Lanre

The Eze Aro of Arochukwu Kingdom, His Eminence Dr Eberechukwu Oji, has announced that the 2024 Arochukwu New Yam Festival, also known as the Ikeji Festival, will take place this September. This year’s event promises to be uniquely different with a display of arts, culture, entertainment, traditional cuisines, and tourism activities.

The Eze Aro of Arochukwu Kingdom, His Eminence Dr Eberechukwu Oji, has revealed that the 2024 Arochukwu New Yam Festival, also known as the Ikeji Festival, will be held this September.

Speaking during a global Zoom session, ‘Ububo Eze Aro n’Umu Aro’, with over 375 participants, the monarch stated that this year’s festival will feature a wide array of arts, culture, entertainment, and traditional cuisines, making it a uniquely exciting experience for all attendees.

Also read: Cross River State Priorities Agriculture at Leboku Yam Festival

Eze Dr Oji emphasised that the 2024 Ikeji Festival will stand out from previous years, with the reintroduction of traditional delicacies and classical activities that were popular in the past.

The festival will span four special days dedicated to welcoming visitors, friends, family, and tourists from around the world to celebrate in Arochukwu.

The monarch expressed his vision for transforming Arochukwu into a year-round tourism destination, attracting visitors every month with various cultural events.

He also highlighted efforts to ensure peace within the kingdom, positioning Arochukwu as not only a cultural hub but also an economic and industrial zone.

These initiatives are aimed at boosting tourism and making Arochukwu a key destination in Nigeria’s cultural and economic landscape.