Engineer and community activist Justus Ngerebara urged federal and state authorities, as well as private investors, to move beyond crude‑oil dependence and harness cultural tourism to spur economic growth and social cohesion in Rivers State. Speaking at a press briefing ahead of the Isiama Homecoming Festival scheduled for Saturday in the Andoni Local Government Area, Ngerebara highlighted the state’s missed opportunities in tourism and called for immediate action.
Key points raised
- Ngerebara noted that Rivers State’s economy remains heavily weighted toward oil, a sector whose price volatility threatens fiscal stability.
- He cited his recent trips to Spain and Italy, where cities such as Florence attract nearly one million visitors annually and generate substantial revenue without any oil resources.
- The engineer warned that the state’s cultural assets—traditional masquerades, moonlight games, and riverine dances—are fading, and urged the festival to serve as a platform for reviving these customs.
Why tourism matters for Rivers State
Ngerebara explained that the Isiama Homecoming Festival is designed to bring back diaspora youths, blend indigenous heritage with Christian faith, and foster a sense of belonging. “The idea behind the festival is homecoming. We want to give our people a sense of belonging,” he said, emphasizing unity as the event’s core objective.
Preserving the Obolo language
The engineer also expressed concern over the rapid decline of the Indigenous Obolo language. Admitting his own limited proficiency, he pledged to ensure his children learn the tongue, stating, “The language is fading, if it is not already faded. We can use this festival as a springboard to promote it.”
Tourism expert’s perspective
International event manager and tourism consultant Uk Oyet echoed Ngerebara’s views, describing Andoni as an untapped destination capable of placing Rivers on the global tourism map. Drawing on his experience with the Calabar Carnival and the former Rivers State Carnival (CARNIRIV), Oyet warned that tourism momentum in the state collapsed after 2015, creating a sizable revenue gap.
Environmental focus
Oyet added that the festival will showcase Andoni’s biodiversity, partnering with environmental groups such as the Nigerian Conservation Foundation. He highlighted the presence of endangered species like the bald vulture and the locally known Andoni elephant, urging the event to raise awareness of these assets.
Creative opportunities
Local musician Ntedeng Walter, known as Black Ice, praised the festival as a catalyst for indigenous talent and creative content. He noted that Andoni’s beaches and architecture provide ideal backdrops for music videos, positioning the festival as a launchpad for artistic expression.
The combined efforts of community leaders, tourism specialists, and cultural advocates aim to transform Rivers State from an oil‑centric economy into a diversified hub of cultural tourism, heritage preservation, and ecological stewardship.