The federal government, in collaboration with the Rivers government, has signed a memorandum of understanding to advance the Renewed Hope Cultural Project, which focuses on promoting tourism, the creative economy, and job creation.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara disclosed this in a statement by Onwuka Nzeshi, his chief press secretary, in Port Harcourt.

Mr Fubara said that the MoU was signed by Hannatu Musawa, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, for the federal government, while Ishmael Tomonialadeokuma, the permanent secretary at the Rivers State Ministry of Culture, signed on behalf of the state.

Mr Fubara said that the agreement aligned with his administration’s efforts to diversify the state’s economy through sustained investment in tourism and hospitality.

Mr Fubara said the state had, over the past three years, committed significant resources to developing tourism infrastructure for job creation and expanding economic opportunities.

He said work was progressing on the new Rivers Tourist Beach project being developed in partnership with Landmark. He added that the first phase was expected to open to the public in December.

The governor also pledged speedy execution of the proposed Oyorokoto Beach Resort project, describing it as a key tourism asset that would position Rivers as a major destination in Nigeria.

According to him, the Ngo-Atlantic Oyorokoto road project was conceived to unlock the area’s tourism and economic potential.

Mr Fubara said that infrastructure development should go beyond roads and bridges to include investments that promote recreation, hospitality, and economic growth.

He said the state government would ensure that the MoU would be translated into visible projects within the next four months, adding that Rivers remained committed to partnering with the federal government to achieve the objectives.

Ms Musawa described the renewed hope cultural project as a strategic initiative of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to deepen collaboration with states in developing Nigeria’s arts, culture, tourism, and creative sectors.

She said that the project was designed to support economic diversification, stimulate investment, and create employment opportunities across the country.

The minister commended the state government for its investments in tourism and creative infrastructure, describing the state as well-positioned to become a major cultural and tourism hub.

Ms Musawa said the federal government would work closely with the state to maximise its cultural assets, tourism potential and existing infrastructure. She added that the collaboration would contribute to positioning Nigeria as Africa’s leading cultural and creative hub.

(NAN)