Rivers State Governor, Sir (Dr.) Siminalayi Fubara has said his administration will soon initiate a talent hunt programme to harness the latent potentials and talent of youths in the State.

Gov. Fubara made this disclosure while addressing the Organisers of Abuja International Carnival and Rivers State contingents who visited him in Government House, Port Harcourt on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 to present laurels won at the carnival.

The governor noted that the programme to be initiated will provide some of the gifted youths the opportunity to showcase their talents and when they succeed it will be a springboard for their career.

He commended the Abuja Carnival Organisers and congratulated Rivers State contingents for doing the State proud at the event and expressed happiness that the State emerged over all best.

“We want to thank the organisers for putting together this wonderful festival. Over the years, Rivers State has been very outstanding when it comes to this festival, and I also believe that it will not be in our own administration that we will do less. We will keep doing better. So, I’m happy that we came back with the overall best and with a lot of other awards. It shows that we were really prepared and we demonstrated our preparedness at that event.”

“I’m even more excited, with the kind words that the organisers used here. Some of these things the media needs to send out; let it be widely spread. Detractors paint a lurid picture of the State like what you see in foreign movies, but it’s not true. This is one of the most peaceful states.”

The governor applauded the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism and the Permanent Secretary for working together to accomplish the feat, and also commended the entire contingent who went to showcase the unique culture of Rivers State, adding, “We are blessed, and the only thing we can do is to use this blessing to improve our state.”

Gov. Fubara reiterated that the duty of government is to provide the enabling environment, with the necessary support, and making the people happy, stressing, “We didn’t make announcements, we didn’t advertise it, but the number of youths from our state who were involved in that carnival and were paid some stipends during that period is significant.

He charged the Commissioner for Culture not just to engage in winning awards at the Abuja carnival but to device ways to bring out the State’s best as according to him, “In this state, we can bring out our best, have a programme, one series that will showcase the culture of Rivers State.”

The governor urged the Abuja Carnival Organisers to come up with laudable plans and proposals to project the talents and entertainment potentials of the State, noting, “You said that you have the contacts to bring more events. You have seen that Rivers State is a good and fertile ground for events. So, bring good events that will engage our youths—not things that will create problems for us, but things that will bring life. We are expecting to hear from you with one package, but let it be a good package that will be educative, motivate our people positively, and also help us economically. We need more money to do more things for our people while we are here.”

On his part the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Dr. Israel Ngbuelu said the success of Rivers State contingents is ascribed to the fatherly support of Governor Siminalayi Fubara which is a practical demonstration of his commitment to Rivers people.

He expressed gratitude and assured that the Ministry will continue to make the State and the governor proud, stating, “Rivers people are proud of you and by the grace of God this is just the beginning because when you have a good father you will go far. We are ready to stand by you any day and anytime as a ministry. We are here today to tell you thank you for your unwavering support that you have given to us as a ministry.

Speaking on behalf of the Abuja International Carnival Organisers, Mr Kehinde Adegbite, said Rivers State emerged the overall winner of the event for showcasing the cultural heritage of the State and bundle of talents by its youths at the event.

He decried the negative spotlight of the State in the media and attested to the peaceful and secure nature, since on arrival and promised to deploy some of his entertainment programmes to the State to tell the world that Rivers State is peaceful.

Adegbite praised the committed spirit of the Rivers contingent that enhanced their performance to win at the carnival and assured of working with the State to bring events of international repute that will further announce the State and its talent before the world.