NEW BRAND IDENTITY FOR RIVERS STATE
To re-position Port Harcourt, Rivers State as a centre for tourism and business, the Rivers State Government will on Wednesday at the Presidential Hotel, Port Harcourt launch the state's rebranding campaign.
With the theme, The Taste of Rivers, the Rivers State Government celebrates the state and the elements that make it successful-business, community, trade, resources, and people.
According to a statement by the state Commissioner for Information and Culture, Ibim Semenitari, the coming change in Port Harcourt Rivers State will unveil a Port Harcourt with an identity that captures the vibrancy, dynamism and potential that is inherent in us all. A place where all indigenes of the state and Nigerians in general will be inspired to be part of a collective vision- to make tomorrow's dreams, today's reality.
Her words, 'From today, a new energy will be seen sweeping across our state. It will leave in the air, the taste of change, renewal and of a brighter tomorrow. We have heard of change, but from now on, it will be fully experienced in greater dimension in the development of infrastructure, building of schools, medical facilities and the tarring of our roads. We will experience the transformation of our beautiful state into the world-class piece we know she can be.'
On the benefits derivable from the state's rich tourism potential, Semenitari said it is time the state shifts attention from oil and gas and give more focus to its rich cultural heritage and tourism potential as a revenue channel.
'With the rich tourism potential of Rivers State, it is time we establish and brand the state as choice destination for cultural tourism capable of attracting international, national and local tourists to savour our rich cultural activities and tourist sites for relaxation and education.
'We all have the collective responsibility for our state; its successes, investments, upliftment and future. This means we must all see the same vision, imagine the possibilities and begin to live in the way that emulates what place we would like to live in.'
Other activities heralding the state's re-branding campaign include the International Film Festival to be hosted by the state on Thursday, the National Sports Festival and the Rivers State Christmas Carnival, also known as CARNIRIV.