Beautiful Rivers: A Peaceful Platform for African Unity and Development

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike plays host to contestants of the Miss University Africa Beauty Pageant in Port Harcourt

Simeon Nwakaudu

All across Africa, well-meaning people are trooping to Rivers State to have a feel of the outstanding transformation taking place under the leadership of Governor Nyesom Wike
The news of the wonderful works of Governor Nyesom Wike has permeated every nook and cranny of the continent and everyone wants to be associated with his developmental achievements.
The last time, it was the African Bar Association. This time, beauty queens from 54 African countries have converged on Rivers State to compete for the Most Beautiful Girl in African Universities.

One by one, the girls expressed their gratitude to the government and people of Rivers for providing the right platform for the exhibition of African unity, beauty, security and development.
In the best of the African tradition, each of the girls presented special gifts to the state governor. They explained the importance of their gifts, their love and respect for the people of Rivers.

The significance of their action was not lost on the Government and people of Rivers State. In the midst of the Federal Government’s persecution and deliberate falsehood, other African countries have come to appreciate the peace of the state and the revival of development in Africa.
They visited from distant places to say to the governor, “Continue to be an icon of development”; “Continue to be an apostle of unity”; “Remain focused on the creation of a new Africa.”

Managing Director of Visions, Innovations and Concepts, organisers of the pageant, Taylor Nazal, praised the governor for accepting to host the pageant.
He said that contrary to the negative media reports about the state, the contestants and organizers found Rivers to be a peaceful place.

“Since we came to Rivers State, we have witnessed an atmosphere of peace. This event would put Rivers State on the global stage. This is a non-bikini event aimed at discouraging indecent dressing. That is why we have Muslim and Christian countries participating in this beauty pageant,” Nazal said.
He added that the contestants would engage in charity works across Port Harcourt and that they would also pay visits to hospitals, elderly people’s homes and orphanages.

“They call you Mr. Projects and we have seen several projects across the state. These are projects that are empowering women on the continent,” Nazal told Wike.
The Rivers governor called on the 54 contestants to serve as ambassadors of the state, promoting the state as a centre of peace, development, unity and growth.
Governor Wike said the pageant contestants’ presence in the state is a positive testimony and endorsement of Rivers.

He said, “We must express our gratitude to you for coming to Rivers State despite the negative propaganda unleashed on us by the APC Federal Government. As you return to your respective countries, we urge you to serve as ambassadors of Rivers State. Tell people about the beauty and peace of Rivers State. Tell them that the negative propaganda is politically motivated”.
He expressed satisfaction with the infusion of charity works in the pageant, assuring that his administration will support the beauty queens.

The governor also explained the structure of government in Nigeria and the state.
“Move around and enjoy the beauty of Rivers State. Make sure that you anchor at Port Harcourt Pleasure Park. This is a tourist state with a hospitable population. After your visit, you will desire to return to Rivers State,” Wike said.

A firm believer in the politics of ‘seeing is believing,’ Governor Wike took the beauty queens around to see first-hand the projects his administration has executed in the state. He took them to sites of completed projects within the precincts of the Government House.
They inspected the reconstructed Brick House, the New Government House Chapel of Everlasting Grace, the new Government House Amphitheatre and the extended Government House Corridor of Power.

Like a good teacher, Governor Wike explained the essence of each completed project. As he reeled out statistics, the beauty queens applauded in appreciation of Mr Project’s good works.
Miss University Africa (Nigeria), Opara Ibinabo, a student of University of Port Harcourt, commended Governor Wike for providing the platform for 54 African countries to gather in Rivers State.

Miss Fatima, (Miss University Africa, Namibia) in her contribution said, “Your Excellency, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, thank you for supporting women, unity and tourism.
Blessing Obioria, Miss University Africa (Cameroon ) said, “I am so happy to be in your state, Rivers, and I am saying a big thank-you for hosting African countries.”
Miss African University Zambia, on her own part said, “Thank you for your hospitality and hosting beautiful African women.”

In profound ways, Wike is re-defining the Rivers narrative. Hundreds of APC apologists holed up in dark places cannot stop the movement of God’s people in the Treasure Base of the nation.
The more they struggle to de-market Rivers State, the more the news of Governor Wike’s exploits filters out to the global audience. Like it is said, a good product needs no advertisement. The new Rivers product is an outstanding product that draws all people to the state.

For Africans, they want to identify with the beautiful Rivers State because it has been transformed into a home of exploits and economic prosperity. Rivers is a state where the governor ‘eats and sleeps projects’; where the people’s resources have been effectively deployed to prosper the state.

As these beauty queens exited Rivers, African wrestlers from 54 countries will arrive the state in February, 2018. This is a revolving glass of economic multiplier syndrome for micro-small and medium-sized businesses within and outside Rivers State. Hoteliers, souvenir traders, transporters, hair dressers, market women and shop owners are feeling the impact of this new wave of tourism.

Indeed, Wike has transformed the beautiful state of Rivers into Africa’s platform for peace and development. For the most illogical critic, the only option is to remain quiet and watch in awe the unprecedented growth brought about by the state governor.