CANIRIV: A 5% Contribution to Rivers State GDP — Victor Tubotamuno

First I’ll start by sharing a famous quote by Oliver Wendell Holmes (An American jurist and Legal Scholar), were he said;

Many ideas grow better when transplanted into another mind than the one where they sprang up.”

I decided to write this piece today as a passionate advocate for the economic prosperity of our beloved Rivers State.

Specifically, I wish to address the absence of the Caniriv, a major event that holds immense potential for our region.

Caniriv has long been a source of pride for Rivers State, celebrating our rich cultural diversity and attracting visitors from far and wide. However, in recent years, its absence has been deeply felt by our community.

I humbly request that the Rivers State Government consider the reinstatement of Caniriv.

My proposal is for the government to make the Carnival a 30-day celebration and. incorporate prestigious independednt events like the Bole Festival, Startup PH Week for creatives and tech enthusiasts, Chowfairng, Native Carnival, and Plugged. This could spill to even comedy shows like Sabinus in PH, PH Comedy CLUB, Funky 4. Festival etc…

I aslo suggest the program run from December 1st till December 31st. (Full one month festival)

By integrating these independent events into a unified Caniriv, we can create a more comprehensive and impactful celebration of our culture, innovation, and heritage. This would not only rekindle the spirit of unity and pride among our people but also bolster our state’s tourism industry and provide a platform for local businesses to thrive.

One of the most significant advantages of this approach is the potential for job creation and business opportunities. With the increased scale and reach of the Caniriv through the PPP, many vendors, artisans, and small businesses can benefit from increased patronage, leading to job creation and enhanced economic activity across various sectors.

I would also like to draw the attention of the Rivers State Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara to the potential of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in realizing this vision.

The carnivals would also take place in various local government areas of the state for a week, dedicated to showcasing diverse cultural experiences. These events are powered by private partners and culture development collaborators.

Engaging private entities to collaborate on organizing and sponsoring Caniriv and its associated events can help alleviate the financial burden on the state government.

Furthermore, the government can harness the expertise and resources of the private sector to ensure the success and sustainability of the carnival.

This collaboration could build an entire ecosystem for cultural heritage, incorporating initiatives like an investment summit to attract business ventures and investors in the Rivers state tourism sector, a cultural talent pipeline, and the export of unique cultural attires, thereby further bolstering our economic growth.

Moreover, I firmly believe that implementing a PPP for Caniriv could contribute significantly to increasing our state’s GDP. If the government would be open to consulting with experts in this field, such as myself, we could explore strategies to leverage PPPs effectively, potentially leading to a 5% increase in the state’s GDP.

Rivers State possesses a unique blend of culture, talent, and entrepreneurship, and #Caniriv can serve as a powerful platform to showcase and harness these assets for the benefit of our state.

I am willing and ready in making this vision a reality.

I hope the government considers this, and I look forward to the opportunity to also contribute to the resurgence of Caniriv and the continued prosperity of Rivers State.

Victor Tams

A Concerned Rivers Man.