Entertainment
RSG Upgrades PH Zoo To Cultural Village …As NAZAP Hails PH Zoo On Standards
The Rivers State Government says it has commenced the process of upgrading the Port Harcourt Zoo into a cultural village.
Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Tonye Briggs Oniyide, disclosed this while handing over the rehabilitation and upgrading of facilities at the zoo to a contracting firm, D 19th Architect Limited.
Oniyide said the ceremony was in line with government’s desire to turn the zoo into a cultural village.
She said all dilapidated structures would be rehabilitated and upgraded, while more animals will be purchased for the zoo.
The commissioner also warned against further encroachment on the zoo by residents, stressing that effort will be made to secure the perimeter fencing of the zoo.
She directed the contractors to commence work immediately, adding that the contract must not last more than four months.
Earlier, while inspecting facilities at the zoo, Oniyide urged the zoo manager to ensure that illegal occupants no longer continue to use facilities belonging to the government.
Also speaking, a representative of D 19th Architect Limited, Nwabushi Azubike, said the firm will deliver the job within the four-month time frame given by the government.
He said the firm had been given the mandate to renovate the administrative block, the Museum staff quarters kitchen used in preparation of food for animals and the fence.
Meanwhile, the National Association of Zoos and Parks (NAZAP) has commended the Port Harcourt Zoo located at Trans Amadi for its high care and diligence in the maintenance of its animals, especially the wild.
This was disclosed by the Port Harcourt Zoo Manager, Mrs Victoria Ovundah, in a chat with The Tide recently in Port Harcourt.
Speaking on the categories of animals available for entertainment of members of the public, Mrs Ovundah said that the zoo has quite some animals to entertain the public during the Christmas. She outlined some species of animal like the monkeys, the African tortoise, water turtle, two Nile and dwarf crocodiles and birds like the parots.
The manager further hinted that what the management of the zoo did not have for now was the wild, such as the giraff and lions, explaining that the two lionesses they had, died of old age. Mrs Ovundah further harped that usually the life span of lions is between 10-16 years but the ones the management had, lived up-to 23-24 years, adding that this was the reason NAZAP commended the Port Harcourt Zoo.
The zoo manager also highlighted that during this yuletide, the zoo may be opened to the public after she had applied to the parent Ministry of Culture and Tourism and approval given.
In another development, Mrs Ovundah revealed that multi-million contract has been awarded by the state government for the total renovation of the Port Harcourt zoo beginning with the perimeter fencing of the zoo and building of official quarters for the members of staff.
She commended the state Governor, Chief Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, for this giant stride in the entertainment industry in the state.
She expressed confidence in the present administration of the state for the political will to take the entertainment industry in the state to another level.
By: John Bibor & Okwein Parker
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.’
