Friday, 13 January 2017

LETS TALK ABOUT PORT HARCOURT . BY OVIEZAKUME OBONNA

A lot has been said about this city called Port Harcourt, and mostly negative. Every city in the World has its vices. Let us give Port harcourt a break, and talk about her sunny side.

Port Harcourt is the capital of Rivers State, and this state was created on the 27th of May 1967 from the old Eastern Region of Nigeria.


    Port Harcourt Sea Port
                                                    
                                                     courtesy: www.google.com.ng

This city was named after Lewis Vernon Harcourt, who was the then secretary of state for colonies during the era of Lord Lugard- the then Governor General of Nigeria.



                          
Aerial view of Risonpalm Estate.
                                                 courtesy: www.google.com.ng        
                                                    
Port harcourt is located in a coastal state situated at the southern border of Nigeria, and surrounded by a few islands, arable land and a natural harbour. The locals speak different tongues such as Ikwerre, Kalabari,Ekpeye, Engenni, etc. which is a good sign because variety is the spice of life. 

Port Harcourt has always had a cosmopolitan setting because  it offers an enabling social and economic environment and also a level playing field for all.It was a hub for most people in the south-east region of Nigeria and, has evolved into same for the Rivers people. Port harcourt is famous for its various festivals, high life,vibrant night life,cool DJ's,food, wonderful radio personalities and platforms the locals and visitors can attest to this.




  Aerial view of the city of Port Harcourt.                                                                                                                                        courtesy:www.nairaland.com

Port harcourt prides itself as the only city globally where the names of some of her
communities begin with a prefix, examples are Rumuigbo, Rumuola, Rumuomasi, Rumuokoro, and so forth.


 The common language spoken is the Pidgin English  this makes communication  easy among the different nationalities. To some Port harcourt is referred to as PH, Pitakwa, Potakot, Porakot,Iguocha, etc. 


It all depends on the age, social status, educational background,mood, and nationality of the individual. It is also home to the famous delicacy, Boli( roasted ripe or green plantain) and roasted fish eaten with pepper sauce.



  Boli and roasted fish with pepper sauce                    
                                    courtesy :  www.dobbyssignature.com

How can I forget the famous fish pepper soup which can be eaten alone or swaggerliciously with boiled yam or green plantain sprinkled with seasoned palm oil.
The unique culture of the people is expressed in their dress style for example our famous Etibo which has been replicated by other nationals.




   Boat Regatta Festival                      
   
                                                 Courtesy www.google.com.ng
Some have made this city their home, and others have chosen it as their business capital or destination. We have all seen this city evolve over the years and weather many storms.



          Etibo( our traditional dress)         
                                                                            www.olx.com.ng

As Rivers State turns 50 this year, I wish this great state capital  greater and prosperous years ahead. God bless Rivers State- the Treasure Base of Nigeria.God bless Port Harcourt her State capital.

Stay with me on this page,and lets continue the conversation about this city.
Please do let me know your thoughts on this topic. I would love to hear from you.

Links:

www.allnigeriafoods.com
www.dobbssignature.com
www.google.com.ng
www.hellonaija.ng
www.nairaland.com
www.olx.com.ng



ovieobonna@gmail.com
like destination portharcourt on
                         www.facebook/destinationportharcourt
follow me on           twitter.com/destinationphc lets continue this conversation on Port Harcourt.

The world is your Oyster!

                                            Oviezakume.


No comments:

Post a Comment