World Tourism Day: CEPEJ, Bayelsa State Ministry of Culture/Tourism Mark Event
Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice, CEPEJ, in collaboration with the Bayelsa State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, on Monday, September 27, 2021, commemorated this year's World Tourism Day in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The programme began with a peace and cultural rally around Bayelsa State, starting from Yenagua Park to the State Secretariat and climaxed at Oxbow Lake Area in the State Capital. The rally saw various types of Bayelsa cultural dressing and food on display.
The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Bayelsa State, Dr. Iti Orugbani, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Ruth Ouserigha-Etebu, Directors and Heads of Department in the Ministry appreciated all who took part in the rally, as well as participated in the enlightenment lectures on peacebuilding, sustainable environment, culture and tourism.
The Culture and Tourism Commissioner specially appreciated CEPEJ for its role and support during the programme, and for attending the event to make it a success.
The occasion was marked by cultural displays, traditional dances, masquerade displays, food presentations, and lectures on tourism, peace building, sustainable environment, culture and unity by the staff of the Ministry, CEPEJ officials and invited guests.
Speaking on behalf of CEPEJ, its Country Director, Chief Comrade Sheriff Mulade, who was represented by the NGO's Programme, Environment and Communications Manager, Mr. Dan Tonfawei, thanked the organizers of the occasion especially the Bayelsa State Ministry of Culture and Tourism for commemorating the World Tourism Day and for putting up such a display of the rich culture and tradition of Bayelsa State. He also stressed the need for the environment to be protected because without the environment there will be no culture and tourism.
The highlight of the event was a display by various cultural groups, lectures from speakers, invited guests, NGO officials and group photographs.
Those who represented CEPEJ were the Corporate Manager, Administration and Accounts, Mrs Agidi Tina; Programmes Manager, Environment and Communication, Mr. Dan Tonfawei; the Logistics Manager, Mr. Dimeji; and the ICT Manager, Mr. Olatoke Olasupo.