Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has pledged to deliver measurable progress in the state’s tourism and creative economy within four months following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Government under the Renewed Hope Cultural Project.
The governor gave the assurance on Monday in Port Harcourt while receiving the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hanatu Musa Musawa, who was in the state for the formal execution of the partnership designed to strengthen tourism, culture and the creative industry in participating states.
Fubara said the agreement aligned with his administration’s vision of diversifying the state’s economy through strategic investments in tourism and hospitality, adding that Rivers had already commenced projects capable of transforming it into a leading destination for leisure and investment.
He disclosed that the first phase of the state’s new tourist beach, being developed in partnership with Landmark, would be inaugurated in December, describing the project as a major milestone in repositioning Rivers on Nigeria’s tourism map.
The governor also highlighted the strategic importance of the Oyorokoto Road project in Andoni Local Government Area, saying the road would open up the coastal community to investors and visitors by unlocking its vast tourism potential.
According to him, Oyorokoto boasts one of the country’s finest beaches and rich wildlife resources, making it a natural destination for eco-tourism and recreation.
Fubara stressed that long-term economic prosperity could not depend solely on investments in roads, schools and healthcare, noting that tourism, entertainment and hospitality had become major drivers of economic growth and employment in many advanced economies.
“If we cannot go to Dubai, let us build our own Dubai in Rivers State. If we cannot go to Qatar or Spain, let us create our own world-class destination in Oyorokoto,” the governor said.
He assured the minister that the partnership with the Federal Government would be driven by concrete implementation rather than ceremonial commitments, inviting her to return in four months to assess the progress achieved.
Fubara also expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for selecting Rivers as one of the pilot states for the Renewed Hope Cultural Project, describing the initiative as a strategic platform for expanding tourism, stimulating economic growth and creating jobs in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Earlier, Musawa commended the Rivers State Government for embracing the initiative and demonstrating commitment to developing the tourism and creative sectors.
She explained that the Renewed Hope Cultural Project was conceived to diversify Nigeria’s economy, generate employment and foster stronger collaboration between the Federal Government and state governments.
The minister expressed confidence that Rivers would emerge as one of the leading beneficiaries of the initiative, assuring that her ministry would work closely with the state to ensure the successful implementation of the programme.
