The Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi said henceforth all Hotel operators in Rivers State must ensure the availability of condoms in their hotels for customers.
The governor made the disclosure during the 2013 World Tourism day in Port Harcourt, with the theme: “Tourism and Water Protecting Our Common Future”.
The Governor who was represented by the Commissioner for Health Rivers State, Dr. Sampson Parker stated that the enforcement became necessary to curb the menace of the dreaded HIV/AIDS.
He said Rivers State is taking such decision as part of the measure to reduce HIV/AIDS prevalence in the state and stressed the fact that the state is determined to reduce the scourge to about 3 percent minimum by next year.
Dr. Parker restated Government’s Commitment to corroborate with those in the hospitality industry to do their business which must be health friendly and to ensure the safety of their customers.
He said: “Very soon our health officers will be going round the hotels in the state to ensure that condom are provided to all the customers. The hotel managers should take note because it our duty as government to protect and serve the people”.
Dr. Parker assured the people of the state that the measure will reduce the HIV/AIDS and since the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Nabbs Imegwu is a Medical Doctor, he would facilitate the process since tourism and health work go together, especially for the protection of the people and the tourists.
In an interview shortly after the event, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Rivers State, Dr. Nabbs Imegwu the Government is doing everything possible in the area of security as a measure for tourism as no one can sacrifice tourism to safety especially in the area of security, noting that all over the world security is a problem.
Dr. Imegwu maintained that Government take the right step at the right time since security is an anchor to tourism.
It would be recalled that in support of United Nations International year of Water Cooperation, World Tourism Day 2013 was held under the theme: Tourism and Water Protecting Our Common Future. United Nations World Trade Organization Secretary General Taleb Rifai charged Government and Community leaders to take tourism business serious as it is one of the largest economic sectors in the world.
Earlier in the week, the Commissioner of Culture and Tourism, Dr. Nabbs Imegwu has unveiled this year’s “CARNIRIV 2013” with pomps and pageantry.
Highlight of the event was the lecture delivered by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Dr. George Wike, owners of the hospitality Industry participated fully at the event. ###
Pius Dukor
