Entertainment
Revisiting Nigeria’s Tourist Beaches
A beach is defined as a land formed along the coast of an ocean, sea, lake or river. It is naturally made, only weaned by men, it serves as a get away from the hassles and bustles of life. A day in a beach will definitely make an indelible impression in the mind of the Tourist or visitor.
Nigeria is a country of 36 states with over 30 beaches across the different states, some of these beaches are found in Rivers State such as the Port Harcourt tourist beach, Ifoko beach and Yowik’s beach Finima beach among others.
Port Harcourt Tourist Beach
The Port Harcourt Tourist beach is located on an artificial sand beach along the Kolabi Creek, east of the old Port Harcourt township. It is the only man- made beach in the stunning city created in 1988. The designers of the beach created a serene environment for tourists and visitors to the beach to enable them enjoy the white sands and waves. They can also have a picnic on the sand and then take a walk through the hiking traits.
One of the big attractions of this beach is that it is right on the edge of the city. After a day at the beach, the weary traveller can have a dinner at any of the numerous restaurants and hotels as well as enjoy the city’s wonderful night life.
The Port Harcourt tourist beach has also played host to numerous tourists and visitors from different parts of the world who visited the place in the past, particularly during the annual cultural fiesta of the state, popularly known as CARNIRIV, to watch the glamorous and exciting boat regatta organised by the Rivers State Tourism Development Agency (RSTDA).
The Port Harcourt tourist beach which once upon a time was the tourist’s destination has gradually lost its past charm and pride of place due to the dilapidated infrastructure, lack of modern facilities and poor sanitary condition among others. This poor state of the tourist beach has led to loss of patronage and revenue for the state.
The staff of the tourist beach are demoralised as a result of lack of motivation and non- payment of their salary arrears. The place needs to be revisited in order to improve on the structures and other facilities that once made the beach one of the most attractive tourist beaches in Nigeria and attracted increased number of tourists and other classes of visitors annually as well as provided huge sums of revenue to the state government. The Port Harcourt tourist beach deserves to reclaim its lost glory.
Ifoko Beach
This is another popular beach in Rivers State. Unlike the tourist beach, this one is not man- made, it stands as one of the best beaches in the state. It is well maintained by local residents. The local fishermen depend on the sea for their livelihood.
The rain forest borders the shore line, tourists can enjoy freshly caught sea food from any of the local restaurants. After a pleasant launch, the visitor can take a walk along the shore and enjoy the exotic scenery.
It was gathered that it is not uncommon to catch sight of a whale when walking down the shore line, visitors can also take advantage of the natural trails to see the wild life living on the rain forest. Despite the local efforts to maintain the beach, government needs to improve on it and make it more attractive to the visitors and tourists.
Yowik’s Beach
The Yowik’s beach in Kono, Khana local government area of Rivers State is among the private beaches in the state. People looking for privacy and quiet time can find it at a private beach. These resort beaches are popular among honeymooners looking for the enjoyment of a beach and the privacy of a hotel.
These private resorts are typically inhabited by expatriates and tend to have western style accommodation and lifestyle. It is on record that the white sand beaches of Rivers State are considered some of the most attractive and well maintained shore lines in Africa.
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.’