Rivers: Nollywood actor points to tourism as new economic booster

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)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette

Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Education
NYSC chief urges employers to prioritise corps members’ welfare
The director-general of the National Youth Service Corps, Olakunle Nafiu, has called on employers of corps members in Anambra to prioritise their welfare.

Politics
Ize-Iyamu rallies support for APC candidatesÂ
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has urged his loyalists to support all the party’s candidates in the 2027 elections.

States
FRSC urges motorists to observe safety measures during rainfall
The Federal Road Safety Corps has called on motorists to strictly observe safety measures during the rainy season in order to reduce road crashes.

States
Jobless woman jailed four years for possessing marijuana
A 35-year-old unemployed woman, Mercy Raymond, was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment for possessing five kilogrammes of marijuana.

Economy
UN forum discusses private sector’s role in achieving SDGs
The 2026 UN Global Business Forum on the Sustainable Development Goals has concluded, with participants calling for a greater role for the private sector in achieving the goals.

Hot news Home top
NAHCO vehicle collides with Air Peace plane at Lagos airport
Air Peace said the incident occurred after a baggage conveyor belt vehicle operated by NAHCO collided with one of the aircraft’s engines.





