Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon Chibuike Amaechi said the state carnival, is fast achieving its objective as a stimulant to the local economy.
The Rivers State Governor made the assertion while fielding questions during the street parade for the free-band style aspect of the CARNIRIV, over the weekend in Port Harcourt.
Amaechi said: “if the micro-economy is reactivated, people will come out, and would not be scared to do business”. He dismissed the views of critics on the festival, explaining, “when we started this, we looked at the whole economy, even though it might not be tangible to the ordinary man on the street or to the ordinary eye, but if you look at the effect, you will see the buying and selling going on in the state, as well as people who are celebrating and dancing”.
Rt. Hon Amaechi stressed that the festival provides a platform for the government to gauge the effects of it’s politics and align them to the needs of the citizenry.
He noted that neighbouring states like Bayelsa, Abia, Akwa-Ibom and Cross Rivers will tap from the festival, and declared that it will stir each member state to pursue it’s comparative advantage, considering the huge natural resources replete in the region.
The Governor’s wife, Dame Judith Amaechi, who was in company of her husband during the road show, said, “the spirit of a new Port Harcourt is here again and I think everything is working for the good of the state”.
Dame Amaechi, expressed delight over the huge turnout witnessed during the festival, as she lauded all foreigners and other participants for demonstrating the spirit of oneness and brotherhood.
Meanwhile, Okrika Local Government Area emerged the overall winner of the carnival. The local government council, also took home N5 million for coming tops in the boat regatta competition followed by Degema Local Government Area.
On the other hand, Ogu-Bolo Chairperson, Hon. Maureen Tamuno emerged the Best Costumed chairman of the festival followed by Okrika and Bonny chairmen.
However, Eleme Local Government Council beat other councils to clinch the best float of the festival taking home N2 million. Okrika came second in the boat category, while Obio/Akpor came third.
For the free-style band category, Jubilee band emerged tops and was trailed by the Fusion band, while Treasure band came third. Jubilee band also won the best King and Queen Display.
Expressing happiness over the development, Chairman of Okrika Local Government Area, Barrister Tamuno Williams attributed their success to hard work and preparation, “As I speak with you, Okrika people are jubilating, so for us, you can’t quantify this in naira and kobo”.
Barrister Williams maintained that the development is a demonstration of peace returning to the area and promised to sweep all trophies in next year’s festival. ###
By Jeff Oguike
