Given that the economic value of properties and estates in given locations is dependent on how peaceful the area is, among other factors, the Mayor of Housing, MY-ACE China has urged stakeholders in Rivers State to build on invest in peace building in order to achieve exponential growth and drive up profits.

My-ACE China, who recently bagged a Peace and Tourism Award from an arm of the Rivers State Government,
This is as the tourism value chain of the oil-rich state has been estimated at N4trillion.

The Rivers State Ministry of Culture and Tourism had bestowed the prestigious award of ‘Beacon of Peace Award’ to Governor Siminalayi Fubara; Director General of the Rivers State Tourism Development Agency (RSTDA), Yibo Koko; and My-ACE China for their contributions in promoting Tourism and Peace in Rivers State.

Governor Fubara, who was said to have stood for peace all through the political turbulence that have rocked the State since October 30, 2023, was conferred with the award at an event, which was part of activities to celebrate the World Tourism Day 2024 in the State at the Atlantic Hall of the Hotel Presidential in Port Harcourt.

My-ACE China, who is the Chief Executive Officer of the Housing and Construction Mayor Limited, promoters of the upcoming Alesa Smart City Highland, has been promoting peace in Rivers State so that houses and estates can attract value.

“Actually the award is coming a little bit earlier than I thought because I’ve been trying to promote peace and tourism within the state especially since the last economic summit that took place in May, 2024.

“We have been pumping a lot of energy and effort into that space and into promoting peace. We highlighted peace and tourism in the last economic and investment summit because we found out that peace is actually the precursor for investment and you can’t really get investment without first promoting peace.

“Again, once there’s no tourism, there’s no housing because houses become valuable where people go to. Land is actually worthless without people and that’s why the Sahara Desert is not worth anything because nobody wants to live there.

“So, as the Mayor of Housing, I’m concerned about the values of the commercial property and estates I build. This is because they are finite and they rise and fall based on the rise and fall of peace.

“I decided to take it upon myself to promote peace so as to promote my business; but today’s award is a testament to the ripple effect of the effort of one person.”

“I say it comes prematurely because I was thinking before I can make a difference, it’ll probably take me a decade, but this is just about six months and we are already being noticed and rewarded.”

He said it is not only a boost for him to do more but for others that are watching to jump in and then let them make a difference.

He said Governor Fubara has showed that peace was the most important gift he has for the State by resisting all provocations and attempts to stage fights.

Representative of the Governor and Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Victor Oko-Jumbo supported the notion earlier espoused by the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Dr. Ishmael Dieokuma, that the body language of the Governor exuded peace.

“This particular State called Rivers State is pragmatic and has a peace-loving Governor. The Governor has considered this event a priority in ensuring that our dear Rivers State is part of the commemoration of this very significant global event.”

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Dr. Ishmael Dieokuma said the World Tourism Day celebrated every September 27 creates awareness among international communities on the need to create the peaceful environment needed to incubate tourism as the second biggest sector of the economy.

Dr. Dieokuma said the body language of the Governor oozed peace, noting that the World Tourism Day with the theme: “Tourism and Peace”, matched very well with Rivers State that was returning to peace and happiness.

During the event, the State’s Cultural Troup showcased many dances and songs while other invited cultural troupes also performed to standing ovations. All presentations were geared toward peace.

The newly crowned Rivers Queen of Peace, 18-year-old Tobechi Elendu, graced the occasion with her team