Richard Nzerem: Nigeria’s Tourism Needs More FG’s Support to Grow

Former staff of the Commonwealth Secretariat in London, Richard Chima Nzerem, who hails from Imo State, says at 87 years, he has fulfilled his dream of partaking in Carnival Calabar. He is also urging the federal government to assist in the development of the tourism sector. Charles Ajunwa brings excerpts

At 87, you attended the Carnival Calabar for the first time. Why?

It was one of my wishes to my family that I want to witness Carnival Calabar, and I’m happy they honoured my wish. This is an occasion that I never thought would be realised and I’m happy to say that my heart is at rest. It’s not often that one experiences this kind of thing, but I want to specifically thank my son, Ejikeme who’s standing right behind me. As you can see, he’s towering over me, to witness this instant. I hail from Imo State, but I have lived in the UK for well over 60 years and this particular occasion is one that I will never forget.  I want to specially thank my good friend, Chief Gabe Onah, Executive Chairman of the Cross River State Carnival Commission who made it possible for me to stand before you and in the presence of His Excellency, the governor and the Portuguese ambassador, to flag off the Bikers Carnival, which is one of the best of the kind that I have had the privilege of experiencing. I thank God Almighty who made it possible for me to witness this special occasion.

I left Nigeria as a very young man in 1961 to pursue my dream of further education, and I achieved all that I wanted to achieve in terms of academic qualifications. By 1966, then I started working which took me to many parts of the world and brought me back to London where I started. I was working at the head office of the Commonwealth Secretariat in London. I worked there for 20 years the first instance. When I retired they asked me to continue in another capacity for another 20 years. So, I finally retired from daily work in 2020, and ever since then I have been under charge of a lot of people including my son. I also have a daughter, she is in London with her family. Honestly, what I have seen in the last few days, has blown my mind.

Why Carnival Calabar?

Well, this is the only annual carnival in Nigeria. I was told a lot of good stories about Carnival Calabar. That I haven’t seen anything. So, I decided I must come.

What was your impression about Carnival Calabar?

The carnival has blown my mind. I never expected it would be of high quality. The Cultural Carnival, Children Carnival and Bikers Carnival were amazing. I was at the stadium to watch some activities, and I was very happy with the standard of the performance.

What would be your recommendations?

Well, come every year to watch Carnival Calabar because I believe it improves from year to year. So, I would wonder what next year (2026) would be like if this year is as good as I’ve seen it. So, it really has fulfilled my dreams. I’m very happy to be here.

What can you say about the Nigerian tourism sector?

Well, I think it’s a growing thing. I don’t think it has developed to the extent that it should have been able to develop. I wish whoever is directly involved has a good fortune with appropriate assistance by the Government of Nigeria.