Entertainment
CARNIRIV 2012’ll Promote Rivers Economy – Dede
As preparations for the 2012 edition of the Rivers State Carnival, popularly referred to as Carniriv, intensify, the Rivers State Tourism Development Agency, RSTDA, has explained that this year’s event is targeted at impacting the economic prosperity of the people of the state. Carniriv 2012 holds from December 8 to 15, 2012 at the Liberation Stadium, Elekahia, Port Harcourt.
Dr. Sam Dede, the Director-General, Rivers State Tourism Development Agency, RSTDA, speaking on the level of preparedness for Carniriv 2012, said government is desirous of making this year’s event one of the major platforms to bring about significant economic well-being and empowerment for the people of the state.
He added that the prosperity of the people will ultimately result in exponential growth in the overall Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the state put currently at US$21,073,410,422. With a population of 5.1 million people and GDP per capita of $3,965, Rivers State is Nigeria’s second largest economy after Lagos State.
”The hosting of Carniriv offers a strategic connection for the people of Rivers State. The reason is that Carniriv is a brand that is owned by the people. Our strategic intent is, therefore, that the carnival must not just be a showcase of the pristine cultures of our people to the world, but a tool for the empowerment and socio-economic prosperity of the people of Rivers State. We are persuaded that ultimately, when the people prosper, Rivers State will prosper, and Nigeria will also prosper,’ Dede said.
The RSTDA Director-General further noted that the strategic linkage between economic prosperity and destination marketing is compelling for countries in view of the current global economic recession. ‘We are well-focused in our hosting of Carniriv for the sixth time, and the positive impact we intend to see on the economy of the state.
”We intend to see more than a good show. We intend to see recorded economic growth. We intend to use this edition of the carnival to put money in the hands of the average man and woman on the street who will engage in one socio-economic activity or the other during Carniriv. That is how Carniriv can impact and improve their lives. We are therefore focusing on the economy of the carnival itself,” he explained.
‘’In South Africa, tourism rose from being the fifth contributor to the GDP to the second position by the year 2007, second only to mining. This is where we have our eyes on from this year. We intend to track the economic impact of the carnival from this year going forward.
Popular businessman and socialite, Pascal Okechukwu, aka Cubana Chief Priest, has said that his relationship with singer Davido is beyond money and gossip.
He stated this in a recent interview with BBC Igbo.
“Davido is my friend. He is my in-law; he married Chioma who is from Imo State where I hail from.
“So the relationship I have with Davido is beyond money and gossip,” he said.
DAILY POST reports that Chief Priest disclosed via his Instagram page that his outfit for the wedding of the singer, Davido and his wife, Chioma, in Lagos on Tuesday cost seven million Naira.
The socialite recently appreciated Davido for not “discarding” Chioma.
He stated that the DMW boss has made Imo State proud by choosing to marry from the state.
Nigerian singer Simisola Kosoko, popularly known as Simi, has lent her voice to the ongoing anti-tax hike protests in Kenya.
The Tide’s source reports that Kenyan youths are marching against tax hike in widespread demonstrations tagged ‘RejectFinanceBill2024.’
Five people were shot dead and dozens wounded after police clashed with protesters who stormed the parliament building in Nairobi on Tuesday, according to Amnesty Kenya.
Reacting via her X handle on Tuesday night, Simi declared her support for the demonstrators.
She stated that “it is both powerful and heartbreaking for a people to have to fight and die for freedoms and rights.”
The singer wrote, “I stand with the people of Kenya. It is both powerful and heartbreaking for a people to have to fight and die for freedoms and rights. Godspeed and Strength. [Hash tag] RejectFinanceBill2024.”
In a series of other posts, she wrote: “Wow. When you’ve had enough, the fight is almost inevitable.
“African leaders- have not you done enough?
“I can’t wait for the day Africa is not a weapon fashioned against Africans. All of this amazing Black power and human resource, but the majority are not likely to thrive unless they run.”
Famous Nigerian Afrobeat singer, Davido was spotted among other top artistes at Asake’s ‘Lungu Boy’ tour concert in Atlanta, Georgia.
Asake’s performance at his sold-out show at the 17,000-capacity State Farm Arena in Atlanta began on August 16, 2024, and is set to run for 10 days.
In a trending video on social media, Davido appeared backstage with American rapper Quavo to support Asake during the live performance.
Other musicians in attendance included Nigerian hitmaker Zlatan and American rapper Russ Millions.
The Tide’s source reports that Asake’s ‘Lungu Boy’ tour is set to cover six U.S. cities, where he will headline notable venues including Madison Square Garden in New York, the Toyota Center in Houston, and the State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
Asake’s tour comes just days after the release of his latest hit, ‘Lungu Boy,’ which features several superstars, including Wizkid, British rappers Central Cee and Stormzy, Travis Scott and Brazilian singer Ludmilla.
‘Lungu Boy’ set a new record for the biggest opening week on Spotify Nigeria, garnering 18.9 million streams in its opening week and breaking the previous record of 14.4 million streams held by Davido’s ‘Timeless.’