Some Nigerian tourists have called on the Federal Government to harness the country’s tourism potentials for economic growth and employment generation.
Speaking during a beach party at Ikuru Town in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, some of the tourists expressed the hope to see the sector developed.
The beach party was part of activities marking the third edition of Andoni Unity Festival, an annual festival sponsored by the Erastus Awortu’s administration as LG chairman.
The festival was initiated with a view to strengthening peace as well as harnessing the inherent tourism potentials in the area.
One of the tourists, Mr Jonathan Lokpobiri, President, Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), who also attended the beach to unwind with associates, noted that considering the natural ambiance, forest resources and culture of the people, tourism would blossom in the area.
Lokpobiri called on government to begin to harness the economic gains in the state’s tourism sector.
“‘I’m happy entertainment has become a catalyst for peace, uniting our people and restoring the economic values of the people, this to me is quite significant.
“A lot of people are not aware of this gold mine (tourism potentials), the verse sand beach and an endowed rain forest in Andoni.
“Therefore, it is with great pleasure that I call on the government to see tourism as a veritable economic venture and to specifically put Andoni on the spot light in that regard.
“For those who have travelled wide, you will understand that what we have in Andoni is more natural and beautiful than other popular beaches.
“Lagos has become an economic hub because people and leaders chose to invest in that environment.
“Fortunately, we have an already made sand beach that doesn’t require artificial sand filling; what this place needs is slightly bigger than what a local government can undertake, hence, the need for collaboration,” he said.
The Council’s chairman, Mr Awortu, said he would continue to seek collaboration with conservationists and investors.
“We are seeking to let the world know that Andoni is housing large economic opportunities which could contribute to the nation’s gross domestic product.
“When these investment plans materialise, our people will get employments and poverty will be reduced,” he said.
Describing the terrain as a real tourism combination, the council boss called on conservationists, federal and state governments to work towards harnessing it.
He said that the festival, since inception, had continued to impact on the local economy while also expressing optimism towards long term business achievements in the area’s tourism.
Another tourist, and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Sampson Ngerebara, also urged President Bola Tinubu to begin to position tourism as a key revenue earner for the county. (NAN)
