Stakeholders warn of economic instability as Rivers sidelines entertainment sector

By Sandra Kenneth

17\07\2026

The Rivers State government is facing sharp criticism following revelations that the entire entertainment industry and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism were completely excluded from the proposed 2026 budget.

Stakeholders warn that freezing out the creative sector poses an immediate economic threat to thousands of youths who rely on comedy, music, and filmmaking for employment, potentially undermining state security and economic stability.

Speaking on behalf of the state's creative sector, veteran entertainer and former Guinness World Record participant, Angel Attah (popularly known as Angel D’Laff), expressed shock that such a critical sector was omitted from the fiscal proposal currently undergoing legislative scrutiny.

"The entertainment industry in Rivers State is sensitive and has contributed immensely to the growth and GDP of this state," Attah said, warning that practitioners have reached their limit after years of self-funding major events with "zero government representation and zero government input."

Industry leaders are now demanding swift corrective action from Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Martins Amaewhule, to amend the appropriation bill before it is passed into law.

With Rivers State aiming to position itself as a regional cultural hub, stakeholders argue that neglecting the sector directly contradicts the government's job creation and tourism goals, leaving a vulnerable youth population with fewer economic alternatives.