The Director General of Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mrs. Sally Mbanefo has called on the Rivers State Government to resuscitate the Tourist Beach in the state to enhance tourist activities.
Mrs. Mbanefo, who made the call in Port Harcourt at a book presentation, titled: “Memories of the Niger Delta Slave Routes”, enumerated some of the policies that NTDC has out-lined to encourage private sector participation in developing and promoting tourism in the country.
The NTDC boss, who analyzed that every Nigerian has a GSM hand-set, wondered why the GSM service providers among others cannot give back to the society that has patronized them over the years, even though she admitted that some have done one thing or the other, adding that such was not commensurate with what they are getting from the people in Nigeria.
Mrs. Mbanefo, who was honoured among others with an award by Centre for Promotion of Peace, Tourism, Arts and Culture (CEPTAC), for bringing back their organization to lime light, said she will be completing her visit to about 10 states of the federation before the end of this year, promising to reach-out to other states of the nation in her quest to educate and sensitize all and sundry on the need to preserve and create tourist attraction areas.
Those who spoke to journalists at the end of the event include, Prof. Henry Leo-pold Belgam, Director of Administration, CEPTAC and Otumba A. Wale, one of the awardees commended the book presenter, Chief Dr. Mike S. Amachree, President of CEPTAC for his numerous contributions to the development of tourism in Nigeria.
While Emeritus Professor E. J. Alagoa, stated that book was an expression of what they want from the Niger Delta and Federal Governments, considering the sacrifices and commitment of the Niger Deltans during the slave era.
By Blaise Elumezie
