Authority of Andoni Local Government Area in Rivers State says the untapped Exquisite Wildlife and rich Ocean Economy of Andoni are springboard for economic diversification.
Chairman of the council, Barrister Erastus Awortu made this known when speaking on concluded plans to host a Unity Carnival during the Yuletide this year.
Our Correspondent reports that the decision is part of moves to further demonstrate the level of peace and stability in the area and to showcase its rich Tourism Potential and Cultural Heritage.
The Carnival is to awaken the world to the rich cultural heritage and Tourism potentials of the Andoni people that can serve Rivers State, Nigeria and the World at large.
Chairman Andoni Local Area Barrister Erastus Awortu while unveiling the Logo of the Unity Carnival at an event in Port-Harcourt said the move is aimed at fostering peaceful co-existence among the people.
He said the Unity Carnival which would be sustained throughout his term in office will also establish the identity of Andonis to the World.
"I’m sure many people don’t know that the stretch of Beach we have in Andoni cannot be found anywhere else in Nigeria. Something divine happened the moment we came on board, some Elephants came out to also call the attention of the world to say Andoni should be known for something different because the land is truly endowed with diverse traditions, with diverse cultures, positive ones and of course the huge Forest that traverses several communities, that houses not just the Elephants, but Antelopes, there are some wild Cats, very big Cats, I don’t want to say Lion, I have seen one sometime, its very huge, and Monkeys in hundreds as well as big Snakes. "
"We know, we have talked about insecurity in the past but I can assure the world that all that is in the past and that all the energies of the Youths that were used in negative vices and would now be channel towards developing our Land, towards ensuring that the World enjoys the hospitality of Andoni. "
The Andoni local government boss explained that the move is also borne out of the need to preserve the environment from further degradation as a result of oil exploration and exploitation in the area.
“We want to position Andoni to benefit from Tourism. We have enough of Oil and Gas, but we know the effect of benefiting from Oil and Gas on the environment, Tourism does not affect the environment, we want to preserve our environment, so we want to promote Tourism. We want us to be known more for the Tourism potentials and not for the Oil and Gas."
In her remarks, Rivers State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Mrs.Tonye Briggs-Oniyide represented by Mr. Ken Kovu lauded the Andoni Council Chairman for the initiative which she said would consolidate on the existing peace in the area
The Unveiling of the Andoni Unity Carnival Logo was attended by dignitaries across party line including a former Council Chairman of the area Mr. Orom Ereforokuma
The event also witnessed performances by different Cultural Troupes.
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