Entertainment
Brooklyn Hotels Boss Advocates Tourism Revival
Chief Mike Amachree (JP)
Following the downward
slide in the Nigerian economy occasioned by fall in oil prices, a tourism practitioner, Chief (Dr) Mike Amachree (JP), has advocated for the revival of the sector to stabilise the economy.
Chief Amachree said this in an interactive session with newsmen and tourism stakeholders at his newly established Brooklyn Tourist centre along the East/West road, near Rumuosi, Port Harcourt.
The elder statesman who is described as the father of tourism in Nigeria said that tourism is presently the key to Nigeria’s economy.
He emphasised that the present global economic realities have underscored the urgent need by both the federal and various state governments in the country to massively invest in the sector as it has the potentials for job creation for the teeming unemployed youths in the country as well as improve its foreign exchange earning capacity.
According to him, tourism remains the highest employer of labour in the country and second to crude oil in foreign exchange earnings.
The father of tourism in Nigeria listed ways in which the sector can be revamped to include, collaboration with private sector to identify tourist potentials as well as documenting tourist sites with the view to developing them.
Others include provision of security at tourist centres, museums and event places as well as relax entry requirements by Nigerian embassy and high commissions abroad to enable more tourists and investors to visit Nigeria.
The rest according to him include, launching of tourism development fund by state governments and the proceeds invested in the development of tourism infrastructures and assistance for tour operators who source for international tourists.
“For instance in 1990, the Plateau State government in collaboration with the private sector practitioners, the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN) organised the launching of the Plateau State Tourism Development Fund.
“Under the chairmanship of General Yakubu Gowon, while the former Head of State General Ibrahim Babangida was the special guest of honour who made sure that all state governments were invited to make donations” he said..
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.’