On Saturday, August 16, 2025, Rivers 2050 hosted its Culture & Tourism Focus Group Discussion, bringing together some of the State’s leading voices in culture, heritage, and creative enterprise to reimagine the future of Rivers State through the lens of culture and tourism.
The conversation featured:
- Yibo Koko – Ex-DG, Rivers State Tourism Development Agency (RSTDA)
- Nonso Iwuh – Convener, Bole Festival
- Tonye Briggs – Founder, PH in Pictures
- ThankGod Okorisha – Founder, ND Archive Project
- Ibim Cookey – Mixed-Media Artist
From the preservation of indigenous traditions to the global promotion of festivals like the Bole Festival, participants shared compelling ideas on how culture can drive identity, tourism can boost economic growth, and how both can be harnessed as pillars of sustainable development in Rivers State.
This Focus Group Discussion is part of the broader Rivers 2050 Vision, Africa’s first citizen-led foresight initiative. Through statewide surveys, intergenerational dialogues, key informant interviews, and thematic focus groups, we are co-creating a long-term development vision for Rivers State that centers the voices of citizens.
Culture is identity, and tourism is opportunity. Together, they hold the key to making Rivers State a global cultural destination by 2050. Join us as we continue shaping the future of our State.
📺 Watch the full discussion below