Tonye Briggs-Oniyide is the current Rivers State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism.[1] She was appointed in 2015 by Governor Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, replacing Nnabuihe Imegwu.

Tonye Briggs-Oniyide
Rivers State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism
Assumed office
18 December 2015
GovernorEzenwo Nyesom Wike
Preceded byNnabuihe Imegwu
Personal details
BornPort Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
Alma materUniversity of Port Harcourt

Early life and education edit

Briggs was born in Port Harcourt with family roots in Akuku-Toru local government area of Rivers State. She attended the University of Port Harcourt for her undergraduate studies, earning a bachelor's degree in Biochemistry.

Career edit

Federal Character Commission edit

Briggs was appointed member of the Federal Character Commission by President Goodluck Jonathan on 9 July 2013.[2] She assumed office on 17 August, representing Rivers State.[3]

Culture and Tourism Ministry edit

On 18 December 2015, she assumed office as Rivers State Culture and Tourism Commissioner, taking over the helm of the ministry from Nnabuihe Imegwu. In April 2016, she facilitated a partnership between the Africa Film Academy and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism through a landmark agreement which secured Port Harcourt as host city for the 12th Africa Movie Academy Awards.[4] She has been criticized for not doing enough for the Entertainment industry in Rivers State, with some quarters calling for her resignation. She was suspended by the governor of the state on 31 August 2016.[5]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ "Rivers State revs for NAFEST 2018". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. 2018-09-30. Retrieved 2022-04-12.
  2. ^ "Jonathan sends request for confirmation of 31 nominees to Senate". Legisreportsng. 9 July 2013. Retrieved 16 February 2016.
  3. ^ "FCC Inaugurates 14 New Commissioners". Nigerian Observer. 17 August 2013. Retrieved 16 February 2016.
  4. ^ Benjamin Njoku (16 April 2016). "Wike set to reposition Rivers as AMAA 2016 berths in PH". Vanguard. Port Harcourt. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  5. ^ DOLLY, MINA (31 August 2016). "Wike suspends 4 commissioners, Head of Service". premiumtimesng.com. Retrieved 22 June 2022.