Nollywood Veteran Columbus Irosanga said that Tourism is one of the available economic windows in Andoni local government area of Rivers,
Irosanga disclosed this on Sunday at Asarama, a community in the area council during a ‘Boat Regatta’ which formed part of program indicating the third edition of the ‘Andoni Unity Festival’.
“Security is indeed key to harnessing inherent toursm potentials in Andoni, that is why I want to greatly commend the local government chairman, Erastus Awortu for keeping the peace.
“Tourism can thrive in Andoni, seeing that for more than two years since inception of the Awortu’s administration, there has been relative peace in the area.
“If this pronounced peace is sustained, tourists will definitely begin to come here to seek entertainment and business which are embedded in our culture.
“Culture is actually the image of the people and Canoe regatta is one of the things that distinguishes the Riverine folk, so, celebrating it shows that they appreciate their environment.
“The displays by 11 wards of the LGA is exciting and I pray that it gets better and also gives room for more displays from the locality and beyond,” he said.
According to the film actor, when investors and tourists begin to visit the area, the people’s crafts, local artifacts and delicacies will begin to earn economic values that will create employment revenue for the council.
An indegene of the area, Mr Agustus Nte also recounted inherent economic as well as long term benefits of the festival while also urging the council to adopt it as a yearly ritual irrespective of administrative transience..
Nte who is a retired Director of Academic Planning, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education discribed the annual ‘Andoni Unity Festival’ as a worthy investment so far initiated by the council.
Nte also called on government and private enterprenures to tap into the hidden investment opportunity that had just been uncovered by the festival.
On his part Erastus Awortu Chairman of the council commended guests and participants, he noted the the year’s edition was greeted by lots of creativity and innovation which display the culture and artistry of the people.
Desctbing Andoni boat regatta as most unique, the chairman promised to continue to showcase its potentials with a view of attracting investors and economic growth to the area.