Nollywood actor Columbus Irosanga says tourism is an economic window in Andoni LGA of Rivers.

Mr Irosanga disclosed this on Sunday at Asarama, a community in the area council, during a boat regatta which formed part of a programme indicating the third edition of the ‘Andoni Unity Festival’.

“Security is indeed key to harnessing inherent tourism potentials in Andoni. That is why I want to greatly commend the local government Chairman, Erastus Awortu, for keeping the peace,” stated the Nollywood actor. “Tourism can thrive in Andoni, seeing that for more than two years since the inception of the Awortu administration, there has been relative peace in the area.”

He added, “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 are exciting, and I pray that they get better and also give room for more displays from the locality and beyond.”

According to the actor, when investors and tourists begin to visit the area, the people’s crafts, local artefacts and delicacies will start earning economic value, creating employment revenue for the council.

An indigene of the area, Augustus Nte, also recounted the inherent economic and long-term benefits of the festival while also urging the council to adopt it as a yearly ritual, irrespective of administrative transience.

Mr Nte, a former director of academic planning at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, described the annual ‘Andoni Unity Festival’ as a worthy investment initiated by the council.

Mr Nte also called on government and private entrepreneurs to tap into the hidden investment opportunity the festival had just uncovered.

Erastus Awortu, council chairman, commended guests and participants, saying the year’s edition was greeted by lots of creativity and innovation, which displayed the culture and artistry of the people.

Describing the Andoni boat regatta as the most unique, the chairman promised to continue to showcase its potential to attract investors and economic growth to the area.

(NAN)