Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has declared that the cultural heritage of Rivers people will be showcased annually to the world.
Speaking during the Rivers Golden Jubilee Cultural Festival at the Sharks Stadium in Port Harcourt on Saturday, Governor Wike expressed happiness that the rich culture of the state held the entire country spell bounced.
He said: “After the Golden Jubilee, beginning next year, local government areas will compete annually in cultural competitions, so that we can keep our culture alive.
“There is nothing evil in our culture. We must preserve our culture, so that posterity will know our way of life.”
The governor said the state has a rich culture, which all Rivers people should be proud of and promote.
Thanking the 23 local government areas for their participation at the festival, the governor announced a cash reward of N1 million to each local government and N1 million each, to Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa states participants at the festival.
The procession of the 23 councils and their cultural dance displays formed the major attraction during the festival.
Senator representing Rivers East Senatorial District, George Sekibo and Majority Whip of the House of Assembly, Evans Bipi, performed along with their kin from Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area.
All the serving caretaker committee chairmen also participated in the event.