The Acting Director, Rivers State Council for Arts and Culture, Mr. Dike Eleberi has asked investors to take advantage of the huge tourism potentials in Andoni local government in Rivers state and invest.

Speaking to journalists on the sideline of the official unveiling ceremony of the “third edition of Andoni Unity Festival” weekend in Port Harcourt, the Rivers state capital, Eleberi described tourism as a huge investment standpoint even as he urged investors to harness its potentials in the State.

He commended the Chairman of Andoni local government Area, Barrister Erastus Awortu for paying diligent attention towards growing the tourism sector.

Eleberi noted that arts and culture is a huge revenue earner next to oil and praised the council for adopting various strategies towards promoting business in that sector.

“Mr. Chairman, I want to say kudos to you and your team for promoting tourism. The people may not appreciate what you are doing today but I can assure you that your vision is apt because tourism is a reliable revenue earner,” he said.

Meanwhile, the council Chairman, Barrister Erastus Awortu has emphasized that his administration has successfully enshrined by-laws that would enhance the ease of doing tourism business, having passed law against poaching.

Speaking further he said “we will continue to project Andoni through our annual Unity Festival, this is a long term effort and I can say that our motive is becoming more feasible as the year rolled by.”

“From what we see here today, I can assure you that this year’s carnival is going to be the biggest and most decorated, it is going to project further our rich tradition and culture to potential investors,” he said.

The council boss also noted that the essence of the annual carnival was to project the area to the world, ensure sustainable peace and also to attract investments using the natural habitats as focal points.

“The winding creeks, beaches, exquisite aquatic and terrestrial wildlife are some of the peculiarities of our area.

“‘There is no other place here in Rivers state where you have the elephants, countless antelopes, crocodiles, sea turtles, sharks, dolphins as well as other wild creatures and that is the reason we are calling on the government and investors to tap into our huge tourism potentials,” he added.

On his part, Mr. Frank Macurley, the Carnival committee Chairman described the annual event as a result-oriented program having stood as a unifying factor in over two years since its inauguration.

The Andoni Unity Festival, a five-day entertainment programmme is scheduled to take place on 15th December which is a Christmas Carol and 30th, December, 2023 for Boat Regatta.

Others include, Coconut Festival scheduled for the 3rd January, Beach Carnival for 4th January and the carnival parade, the climax of the program that is slated for 5th January 2024.



Bon Peters Writes from Port Harcourt, Rivers State

Rite Foods Limited, Nigeria’s leading food and beverage company renowned for its diverse range of award-winning brands, made a remarkable statement as one of the proud sponsors of the revered Ojude Oba festival in Ijebu-land. Themed “Ojude Oba- A Lesson in Religious Harmony,”, the festival was infused with vitality and cultural splendour, captivating participants, indigenes, visitors, and consumers alike.

As a market leader in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, Rite Foods Limited showcased its iconic products, which have gained widespread popularity and earned numerous accolades. Among these are the 13 variants of the Bigi Carbonated Soft Drink, Bigi Premium Water, Sosa Fruit Drink, Fearless Energy Drink, and Bigi & Rite Sausages, all of which have become integral to the festival’s traditions.

The historic city of Ijebu-Ode came alive with the festivities which commenced on Friday, June 30, 2023, with a vibrant carnival that set the stage for the grandeur of the Ojude Oba festival. The occasion witnessed the participation of the esteemed “Regberegbe” groups, dating back to the 17th century, adorned in exquisite traditional attires, adding an air of excitement and cultural richness. The event featured enthralling cultural performances by various age grade groups, showcasing traditional folklore, modern music, captivating drummers, dances, and mesmerizing equestrian displays by the warlords’ families.

Dignitaries from various walks of life graced the festival, including the revered Royal Monarch, the Awujale of Ijebu-land, His Royal Majesty, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, Ogbagba II, alongside the Executive Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and the Chairman of Rite Foods Limited, Alhaji Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa OFR. The presence of distinguished guests like the esteemed business magnate, Sir Clement Oluwatumininu Okeowo, National Assembly members from Ogun State, diplomats, royal leaders, business tycoons, senior government officials, and dignitaries from within and outside Nigeria as well as notable sons and daughters of Ijebu-land further added grandeur to the festival.

Drawing both Ijebu-land natives and visitors from around the globe, the Ojude Oba festival remains an iconic celebration cherished by the community and beyond. Rite Foods Limited’s Managing Director, Seleem Adegunwa, emphasized the company’s commitment to preserving cultural values through significant initiatives like the Ojude-Oba festival, which has contributed immensely to the artistic and tourism potential of Ogun State.

Adegunwa reiterated Rite Foods’ dedication to engaging with the local community through its distinctive brands, fostering growth and prosperity. He praised the efforts of the respected Monarch, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, Ogbagba II, for his enduring efforts in upholding the legacy of Ijebu-land during his over six-decade reign as the supreme ruler. He highlighted the Monarch’s trustworthiness and emphasized the importance of supporting his cause for the well-being of the populace.

Rite Foods’ support for the Ojude Oba festival reflects its profound belief in Nigeria’s cultural diversity and its commitment to fostering harmonious co-existence among communities. The company’s participation in the festival on power bikes, showcasing its products, added excitement and engagement for competitors, spectators, and customers alike.

Throughout the festival, participants enjoyed the refreshing taste of Bigi carbonated soft drinks, savouring the distinct flavours. Those partaking in various activities were re-energized with the invigorating Fearless Energy Drink. Furthermore, the premium Sosa fruit drink, available in five delightful flavours – Orange, Apple, Cranberry, Orange Passion Mango, and Mixed Berries – offered a refreshing treat to the festival-goers.

The Ojude Oba festival stands as a testament to Rite Foods’ dedication to community development and empowerment, and the company was commended by the esteemed Monarch of Ijebu-land for its support in bringing the festival to life. The Royal Father extended his prayers for the company’s continued expansion and its contributions to the state’s progress, including youth employment and other aspects of community development.

Rite Foods Limited’s sponsorship of the Ojude Oba festival exemplifies its commitment to preserving cultural heritage, connecting with consumers, and promoting peaceful coexistence. The company’s array of renowned brands continues to play a significant role in celebrating the rich heritage and traditions of the Ijebu-land community.

Total telecommunications solutions provider, Globacom, has reiterated its support for Nigeria’s customs and traditions in the light of nation building.



The National Commercial Coordinator of Globacom, Mr. Yomi Ogunbamowo, stated this in a goodwill message he read on behalf of the Chairman, Dr. Mike Adenuga, Jr., at the 2023 Ojude Oba Festival sponsored by Globacom.



He said Globacom was determined, more than ever, to continue to take the lead in the promotion of Nigeria’s cultures and traditions with a view to showcasing them to the world at large and conserving them for posterity.



It should be noted that the company has been participating as the main sponsor of the cultural event since 2006. Addressing this year’s theme of the festival, OJUDE OBA: A LESSON IN RELIGIOUS HARMONY, the telecommunications giant opined that it underpins the basis of the nation’s existence as a religiously pluralistic entity.

“The religious liberality which is one of the hallmarks of the success of the Yoruba race is a major feature of this festival which has become a heritage not only to the Ijebu, but to the entire Yoruba nation in Nigeria and in the Diaspora”, it said.



While felicitating the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, for the success of the 2023 edition of the festival, Globacom disclosed that it had made vast investments by constantly upgrading its telecommunications infrastructure to enable Nigerians to continue to communicate seamlessly with loved ones and business associates within and outside the country.

Globacom also gave out fantastic prizes to the different age grades and winners of various competitions at the festival. Egbe Obaneye Okunrin Asiwaju came first in the Regberegbe competition, winning N500,000, while Egbe Bobagunwa Okunrin and Egbe Tobalase Okunrin Isokan which finished in the second and third positions won N300,000 and N200,000 respectively.

In the same vein, Egbe Gbobaniyi Olori Obinrin came tops in the female category with a N500,000 prize, while Egbe Obaneye Obinrin Asiwaju and Egbe Bobamayegun Obinrin Asiwaju were runners-up with N300,000 and N200,000 respectively.



The Balogun competition was no less exciting as Balogun Kuku emerged the best horse-riding family for the year 2023 Ojude Oba, winning N500,000, while Balogun Odunuga and Balogun Shote came second and third with N300,000.and N200,000 cash prizes respectively.