Governor Sim Fubara has vowed to transform Rivers State into Nigeria's premier tourism destination, with the Oyorokoto Beach Resort sitting at the heart of his vision. The state and federal governments signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday at Government House in Port Harcourt to drive forward the project under the Renewed Hope Cultural Project, a federal initiative aimed at boosting the creative economy.
Fubara spoke during the signing ceremony, emphasising his administration's three-year push to expand the tourism sector. He outlined plans to create leisure destinations, generate employment and diversify the state's economy beyond oil.
The Oyorokoto site, a forest area jutting into the Atlantic Ocean in the coastal town, has attracted global interest online for its elephant and wildlife populations. "All over the internet, I've been seeing pictures of elephants, lions, and other sorts of wildlife being showcased as part of the tourist attractions on that new road," Fubara said.
The governor disclosed that work on a new tourist beach in partnership with Landmark began months ago. According to him, "by this December the first phase will be unveiled and made ready for public use."
Landmark is investing ₦10 billion in the project, with an initial startup fund of ₦2.5 billion. The state's contribution consists of the land that forms the beach area in Borokiri, though the precise value of this equity hasn't been disclosed.
Fubara linked the Oyorokoto development to his administration's earlier decision to extend the Ngô-Atlantic Oyorokoto Road into Andoni Local Government Area. "It is a project that will open up that axis of Rivers State," he noted.
The road extension earned widespread praise from observers who believed it would catalyse tourism growth if the beach was properly developed. Many saw the infrastructure investment as a strategic move to unlock the region's potential.
The governor argued that modern infrastructure goes far beyond roads, bridges and hospitals. He stressed that successful economies depend on hospitality industries that offer comfort and leisure to visitors.
He pointed to examples from Europe and the Middle East, citing the United Arab Emirates and Qatar as models. "Their economies are not just boosted by their good roads, but also by the hospitality industry they have created to provide comfort and relaxation to tourists," Fubara explained.
Questions have recently emerged about specific budget allocations for tourism and entertainment initiatives, particularly in the 2026 spending plan. Critics have called for transparency on how much public money has been committed to these projects.
The Oyorokoto Beach Resort project represents a significant bet on diversifying Rivers State's economy. Success would position the state as a major player in Nigeria's tourism sector and generate new revenue streams beyond traditional industries.
