ODAHIEKWU OGUNDE, Yenagoa
The Bayelsa State Government has advised traditional rulers and people of the state to make conscious efforts towards harnessing their tourism and cultural endowments for export to the world.
The state Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, made the call when he paid a courtesy visit to the Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom, King Bubaraye Dakolo, in his palace at Gbarantoru.
A statement on Sunday by his media aide, Doubara Atasi, quoted Ewhrudjakpo as saying that Bayelsa is endowed with some of the best tourist sites and cultural resources in the world.
He said when developed, tourism and the rich culture of the various clans in the state have the capacity to raise the standard of living of the people in addition to shoring up the internally generated revenue (IGR) of the state.
Ewhrudjakpo asserted that most of the festivals people spend their fortune to attend in Brazil and other countries of the world are not as meaningful and colourful as some of the cultural fiestas in Bayelsa.
He, therefore, urged the people of the state to cherish their giftings, believe in themselves and take steps to harness their natural endowments for their personal and collective development.
The Deputy Governor assured the people that the Douye Diri administration was putting measures in place to diversify the state economy through agriculture, tourism and entrepreneurship.
According to Ewhrudjakpo, the state government has made the teaching and learning of the Ijaw language in all the primary and secondary schools in the state compulsory as part of its cultural renaissance programme.
Responding, the Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama, His Royal Majesty, King Bubaraye Dakolo, Agada the IV, commended the Deputy Governor for his efforts at promoting the sustenance of tradition and culture in the state.
King Dakolo, who also expressed gratitude to Ewhrudjakpo and his entourage for the visit, noted that part of his vision as a monarch was to develop and project the Ekpetiama culture into international limelight through the Okolede Annual festival.