The Rivers state government has directed all media and corporate organisations to seek written permission before sponsoring or hosting any entertainment/hospitality event in the state.
In a statement signed by Micheal Ejiohuo, the permanent secretary of the ministry of culture and tourism, the government said this move was made in order to avoid hosting events in “less dignifying venues”.
“It has come to our notice that entrepreneurs in the entertainment and hospitality sectors of the state, as well as some corporate organisations, have formed the habit of hosting, promoting and or sponsoring events without the knowledge of the ministry of culture and tourism Rivers state.
“This trend has led to hosting of entertainment and hospitality events in the state in less dignifying venues, lacking in quality and leading to a total disregard for regulations in these sectors.
“Accordingly, Tonye Briggs Oniyide, the commissioner for culture and tourism, has directed that all entertainment and hospitality events to be hosted or promoted in all 23 local government areas of the state, should be conducted with the consent of the ministry of culture and tourism, Rivers state effective from Sunday Ist January 2017.”
Hospitality and entertainment centres in the state were also advised to seek written permission before admitting any event into its centres.
“All entertainment and hospitality centres in Rivers state are hereby advised to demand for a written permission from the ministry of culture and tourism, Rivers state before admitting any entertainment or hospitality event into it’s facility.
“Also, all media/broadcast organisation in Rivers state are hereby advised to demand for a written permission from the ministry before airing promotional materials in respect of any entertainment/hospitality event in the state.
“In light of the above, all entertainment or hospitality entreprenuers planning to host, sponsor or promote an event in the remaining days of December 2016 should kindly approach the ministry for culture and tourism for written clearance.
“Entertainment/hospitality event hosts, promoters, or media/broadcast organisations are advised to adhere to this directive as the ministry will penalise any act of disobedience.”