Osanebi Highlights Economic Gains in the Culture and Tourism Industry

The Chairman, Delta State House of Assembly Committee on Culture and tourism, Rt. Hon. Friday Ossai Osanebi says his committee is harnessing the hidden potentials in the culture and tourism industry in the state for economic gains and development.

Speaking in an interview with newsmen at the 2019 Agip/NAOC Host Community Day Celebration , in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, Rt Hon Osanebi explained that there are many untapped potentials in culture and tourism sector in Delta State.

The Lawmaker who represents Ndokwa East constituency and former Deputy Speaker of the House, said his committee in collaboration with relevant stakeholders in the industry will grow the sector to the envy of other states.

He the sector has all it takes to make meaningful contributions to the overall growth and development of Delta State.

“I must tell you, culture and tourism remains the largest industry across the globe. Apart from the fact that it helps in branding cities, tourism is also capable of generating huge income for government as well as businesses through drawing investors and tourists”. Osanebi said.

Continuing “Over the years this very viable and all important aspect of our economic growth and development has been neglected. Sincerely speaking if our leaders are prepared to diversify the economy, Culture and Tourism sector has a lot to contribute”.

The Lawmaker noted that the Obasanjo administration of 1999 to 2007 tried to have given a degree of attention to the culture and tourism sector by making it among six priority areas to consider when diversifying the country’s economy.

Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Lai Mohammed (R), Others at the 2019 NAOC Host Community Day Celebration, in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State

Osanebi however lamented the far cry to that projection, saying “Nigeria is yet to diversify her economy. The period between 2012 to this present day has not been a very pleasant one for Nigeria’s economy. The federal and state governments have so much depended on oil for revenue to the detriment of all other sectors. Government should as a matter of importance pay more attention and resources in culture and tourism sector.

The NAOC/Joint Ventures host community day is an annual event that gathers host communities in the states of operations and key government functionaries with the various states and communities showcasing their cultural heritages.

Delta State Representatives at the 2019 NAOC Host Community Day Celebration, in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State

Delta State contingent was led by Rt. Hon. Friday Ossai Osanebi in company of the state Commissioner for culture and tourism, Mr Lawrence Ejiofor, Director of Protocol, Government House, Mr Ifeanyi Eboigbe amongst others.

Cultural troops from Delta state performed at the event attended by the Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Lai Mohammed, Imo state Deputy Governor, Eze Madumere KSC, Speaker River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ikuinyi O. Ibani, PDP Chairman Ndokwa East, Chief Ugo Asibelua, Comrade Tony Ndanenu and host of others.

Winners that emerged were presented with prizes.