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Tag: carnival

  • FG endorses Ogbomoso cradles carnival

    FG endorses Ogbomoso cradles carnival

    The Federal Ministry of Tourism Art, Culture and Creative Economy has endorsed the ‘Ogbomoso Cradle Carnival 2024’ holding in December.

    It said the festival will help revival of cultural and economic growth of the nation through creative industry.

    The maiden edition of the carnival initiated by the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Gbandi Afolabi Olaoye is slated for December, 2024.

    The Ministry, in a letter dated October 9, 2024, commended Oba Olaoye for dedication to fostering social and economic growth within his community through culture.

    According to the letter by Mrs. Akudo-Nwosu, Director of the Ministry’s Entertainment and Creative Economy Department, the ministry emphasised the importance of the event as a platform for job creation, social mobilization, and socio-economic empowerment.

    The Ministry further acknowledged the role the carnival would play in promoting Nigeria’s art, culture, and the creative economy.

    “This initiative by the Soun of Ogbomoso aligns with our national vision of driving economic empowerment through culture,” the letter reads

    The Ministry expressed support for the carnival and confirmed the Minister’s intent to attend, underscoring the government’s commitment to advancing cultural programs that contribute to local and national development.

    The Ogbomoso Cradle Carnival promises to be a vibrant celebration, drawing attention to the town’s rich heritage, as well as offering opportunities for local businesses and artisans.

    The chairman of the planning committee, Hon. Williams Adeleye, while commending endorsement of the Ministry said the carnival will showcase diverse cultural performances, craft exhibitions, and other activities that highlight the unique heritage of Ogbomoso and its people.

    He added that Oyo state Government has also included the carnival in its annual tourism calendar.

  • Methodist Girls marks 145th anniversary with communion service, carnival

    Methodist Girls marks 145th anniversary with communion service, carnival

    As part of the weeklong celebration marking the 145th anniversary of the prestigious Methodist Girls’ High School, the institution hosted a Holy Communion Service followed by a vibrant street carnival that brought life to Adekunle and its surrounding areas in Yaba, Lagos State.

    The weeklong celebration of Methodist Girls’ High School’s 145th anniversary underscored the institution’s rich heritage and its continued role in shaping the future of education in the country.

    The celebrations, which began with a Holy Communion Service led by the Archbishop of Lagos Mainland Diocese, Most Rev. Obafemi Adeleye, set a spiritual tone for the festivities.

    Shortly after, the carnival procession kicked off, featuring both current students and alumnae as they proudly marched through the streets.

    Participants waved banners representing different graduating classes, each set distinguished by unique attire, adding to the colorful and festive atmosphere.

    The Nigeria Civil Defence Corps and volunteers ensured security and smooth proceedings throughout the event. Alumnae, including members from the 1960 set, participated with enthusiasm, showcasing their enduring connection to the school.

    In his address, Most Rev. Adeleye emphasised the significance of the milestone, stating, “This anniversary is a time to celebrate God’s grace and faithfulness over the past 145 years.” He expressed gratitude for the school’s legacy and reaffirmed the Methodist Church’s commitment to upholding its reputation for excellence.

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    “Methodist Girls’ High School is renowned not only for academic excellence but also for its contributions to nation-building,” Adeleye said.

    “Many of our graduates hold prominent positions in society, continuing to make impactful contributions.”

    He encouraged the current students to carry forward the values of honesty, integrity and excellence that have long defined the school. “We hope today’s students will follow in the footsteps of their predecessors, maintaining the high standards of character and excellence that this institution is known for.”

    Adeleye also called on the government to extend financial support to private schools, stressing the importance of including them in national education policy.

    Princess Roeselyn Olayemi, who served as head girl from 1960 to 1966, shared her reflections on the school’s impact.

  • Committee fixes December for maiden Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival

    Committee fixes December for maiden Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival

    The Ogbomosoland Committee for Culture and Tourism has announced December 19-23 for the maiden edition of the Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival.

    The Committee said this was part of efforts to revive and promote the rich cultural heritage of Ogbomosoland.

    Speaking with newsmen at the palace of Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye, the chairman of the Committee, Prince Williams Adeleye, a former media Adviser to President Muhammad Buhari, said the cultural festival was part Soun’s 25-year development plan to boost the economy of Ogbomosoland.

    According to him: “Ogbomosoland, a conglomeration of over 1,000 communities spanning five local government areas, is renowned for its rich agricultural heritage, diverse cultural traditions, and thriving tourism potential.

    “The people are endowed with a vibrant cultural heritage, including ancient palaces, shrines, cultural festivals, deities, masquerades, and a variety of traditional cuisine.

    “We are now working towards rejuvenating the cultural heritage and showcasing it to the world, with the intent of promoting peace, creating jobs, and developing the city economically,” said Prince Adeleye.”

    He added the Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival will feature a diverse lineup of activities, including the Egungun festival, the Odun Oole Oba (a traditional cuisine festival), the Oba Ghandi Golf tournament, a masquerade parade, traditional cuisine displays, stage plays, musical concerts, and others.

    Adeleye also disclosed that Ogbomoso-born international artiste, Mr. Alexander Akande Abolore, popularly known as 9ice, will be officially unveiled as the face of the festival during the unveiling of the logo and stakeholders’ forum, the date of which will be announced soon.

    “The committee has been working closely with traditional rulers, local stakeholders, and the Federal and state governments to ensure the success of the maiden edition and subsequent editions of the Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival.

    Read Also: Abuja Carnival: Ministers, stakeholders, Mallam Yankee, others task youths on culture, creativity

    “Many countries, including the United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Malaysia, Kenya, South Africa, and Rwanda, have thrived on tourism. And we are aligning with the position of the federal and state governments in promoting domestic tourism, arts, and Culture,” Prince Adeleye added.

    The Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival presents an exciting opportunity for cultural enthusiasts, tourists, and collaborators to experience the vibrant heritage of Ogbomosoland.

    The committee invites all stakeholders, sponsors, and interested parties to join in making the maiden edition a resounding success.

    Oyo Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade said the carnival will have huge impact on the economy of Ogbomoso.

    He said: “All over the world culture cannot be separated from the economy, we have a new Oba who is promoting the tradition and culture of Ogbomoso, the new Kabiyesi has taken it upon himself that culture will achieve and attain a frontrunner row in all his activities.

    “The same Kabiyesi has highlighted a 25-year development plan for Ogbomoso. He has taken it all over the world, aside selling it to the people in Nigeria, he has taken it to the UK, then to the United States, we saw the sheer enthusiasm with which he was received.

    “To call a long story short, the idea of having the carnival is multi-faceted, it will enhance and consolidate the culture of Ogbomosoland and will open the eyes of the world to the possibilities that abound in our land.”

  • Dreams models hosts carnival dance fame in Lagos

    Dreams models hosts carnival dance fame in Lagos

    Dreams Models has celebrated its 15th anniversary with the hosting of Lekki Carnival Dance Fame.  Dreams Models is an international media platform which was founded in December, 2008.

    The event which took place at the Lekki Miami in Lekki Phase 2, Lagos State attracted dignitaries from the entertainment industry and from within and across the globe. The event was covered by several Television stations, social media influencers and other online platforms.

    Dreams Models has featured in many Magazines, Newspapers, TV stations, and other social media platforms. Besides, Dreams Models has also produced movies and season titles including “Agatha of Jezebel Country” currently showing on YouTube channels @Kingdaniel6451.

    According to the MD/CEO of the brand, King Daniel popularly known as   Kingmodel, the entertainment platform has trained and promoted over 200 upcoming boys and girls in Modeling, Dancing, Music, Comedy, and Acting.

    The several awards winner on Media and Entertainment, who is also a film maker and an editor, has obviously made strong impact in the entertainment industry as some of his students have been exposed to international platforms thereby helping them to realize their dreams.

    Currently, some of them are brand ambassadors to reputable organizations in both Nigeria and abroad. Kingmodel is also an entrepreneur with interest in several other businesses beside entertainment.

  • Carnival: We will set new record of success, says Cross River govt

    Carnival: We will set new record of success, says Cross River govt

    Cross River State Government has assured tourists and fun seekers that this year’s Carnival Calabar, being the first to be hosted under the administration of Governor Bassey Otu, would set a new record of success by any measurement standard.

    It gave the assurance at a news conference addressed by the Commissioner for Information, Police  Commissioner, Special Adviser (Security) to the Governor, Executive Secretary, Carnival Commission and Special Adviser, Events Management.

    Information Commissioner Erasmus Ekpang said Cross River State was ready for the Season of Sweetness Calabar Festival, stressing that security architecture was in top shape.

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    Executive Secretary, Cross River Carnival Commission, Mr. Austin Cobham, said Carnival Calabar 2023 would be an opportunity to set a new record and set a mark to prove to the world that the carnival was running 20 years already, except for the two years that were lost to COVID-19.

    Police Commissioner CP Gyogon  Grimah, represented by Deputy PPRO, DSP Igri Ewa, said security was a holistic issue that involved all citizens, adding that the command was working to ensure peace and unity.

    State Security Adviser South, Rtd Commander Patrick Odiong, said security was in top gear, stressing that there was a good working relationship between the security agencies.

    Special Adviser, Events Management, Office of the Governor, Mr. Effiong Ekpenyong, said a full timetable showing 31 days Calabar festival activities would soon be released to the public.

  • Carnival platform for job creation, says minister

    Carnival platform for job creation, says minister

    The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has described the Calabar Carnival as a veritable platform for job creation and promotion of creativity.

    He spoke at the weekend in Calabar, Cross River State.

    Mohammed said the carnival has grown beyond being a mere street procession and dancing to a venture that is positively impacting on the economy and unity of the country.

    “What we have seen today is an industry that is making use of the abundant talents of Nigerians, not just in dancing, but even in manufacturing and creativity. We have seen the shoes they are going to wear, they are made in Nigeria – the design and materials. So Calabar Carnival provides a platform to give vent to your creative energy,” he said.

    The minister highlighted the critical role of the themes of each band, which include “Climate Change”, “Bush Burning” and “Environmental Degradation”, describing them as topical issues in the global discourse on the ecosystem.

    He said the carnival has keyed into the vision of President Muhammadu Buhari towards promoting locally-made products in order to make the country self-reliant.

    “The President said until Nigeria produces what it consumes and grows what it eats, it cannot be economically independent… This is a very good example of made-in-Nigeria both in terms of materials, in terms of the labour force and creativity. So I am fulfilled coming here because I see how much the carnival is contributing not just to the economy, but to bringing individuals to self-reliance,” Mohammed said.

    He hailed the band managers, whom he described as patriots not driven by profit, but by the passion and commitment to grow the economy.

    The minister appealed to the private sector to show more interest in the carnival because of its huge impact on the economy.

  • Lagos to shut down Oba Akran Road for carnival

    The Lagos State Government yesterday said it is set to stage this year’s edition of the Lagos Street Carnival scheduled to hold on December 3 on Oba Akran Avenue in Ikeja.

    The Special Adviser to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon Adebimpe Akinsola, in an interview with reporters, said the venue of the carnival would be shut down but adequate preparations have been made for alternative routes to mitigate the impact of the road closure on motorists and residents.

    Dubbed: “Lagos Street Party” in its maiden edition last year, the event has grown into a carnival to mark the  beginning of the Ministry’s end of the year activities.

    It is also designed to celebrate the multi-cultural nature of Lagosians and reposition the State as a formidable cultural destination.

    Speaking on security arrangements already put in place, Akinsola said: “To this end, several adjoining roads would be closed on the day of the carnival while alternative routes could be accessed by road users.

    “We like to assure Lagosians and visitors that efforts are in place to ensure that the venue and environs are safe and incident-free.

    “We expect more visitors this year and a lot more will be coming. In terms of security and crowd control, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture is not working alone. We are working with the police, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Fire service, LASAMBUS and the Lagos State Waste Management Agency (LAWMA). All of them are onboard and people are not going to see Oba Akran on Monday in a dirty state,” Akinsola said.

    Giving details about the carnival, Akinsola said: “Last week, we rolled out our end of the year programme. The Lagos street carnival is to herald the yuletide season. When you talk of carnival, it is to showcase all the diversity of cultures in Lagos State.

    “There is going to be an overflow all through Oba Akran; people dancing, eating, showcasing diverse cultures from different local governments and other estate groups that are resident in Lagos State.

    “That was how it was done on the Island and this year we are bringing it to the mainland and of course next year, we would be looking at another location because the aim of government is to take this carnival all round Lagos. It is not a programme that would be static, but would move round across Lagos State, why because the Governor in his acceptance as the helmsman  promised Lagosians that he is going to run an all inclusive government where no one would be left behind, not in infrastructure alone, but in every sense of governance and he has been doing that systematically since he assumed office,”  Mrs Akinsola said.

  • Lagos plans 12-hour street carnival

    A 12-hour street carnival will hold on Oba Akran Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos on December 3, ahead of Christmas, the Lagos State Government said yesterday.

    Special Adviser to the governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Adebimpe Akinsola, told reporters that the  carnival will boost economy of the state.

    She said the Lagos Street Party metamorphosed into the carnival which would take place on the whole stretch of Oba Akran Road from noon till midnight.

    She assured that arrangements were in place to ensure security and traffic control.

    Akinsola said alternative routes would be provided to motorists.

    Over 700 revellers, she said, are expected to attend the carnival in colourful costumes, design and animation in a controlled procession.

    According to her, there is provision for virtually all categories of people from kids, adults and the aged.

    She said the carnival would be used to showcase the abundant indigenous culture, food and lifestyle of Lagos.

    Besides entertainment and fun making, Mrs Akinsola said the carnival would offer upcoming artistes and tradesmen the opportunity to exhibit their skills and market their products.

    Commissioner for Information and Strategy Steve Ayorinde, said it would also allow Lagosians to unwind, relax and allow small scale entrepreneurs to make brisk businesses.

    Ayorinde said it would as well showcase the diversity of Lagos culture.

    He said the event would also showcase veteran and new artistes in the music industry and comedians

  • Osun set for ‘biggest street carnival’

    Organisers of the maiden Osun Carnival have said it will be the biggest street carnival in the state.

    The Media Communication Officer for the carnival, Mr Obasijuade Adedokun, addressed reporters yesterday in Lagos.

    The spokesman noted that the event, which will hold in December, will be historic and hilarious.

    He said: “It is completely different from the usual Osun Osogbo Festival.

    According to him, the carnival will showcase the state’s cultural heritage to the world to attract tourists and investors.

    Adedokun said: “Osun maiden carnival will kick off in December at two localities: Osogbo and Ile-Ife.

    “It is an initiative aimed at celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba race by adopting Osun as a base.”

    The spokesman said Osun would join other states and foreign countries, such as the United Kingdom, Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago and Kenya as well as Calabar and Abuja, whose carnivals have got global recognition.

    Adedokun said the carnival was the initiative of Lekmog Projects, in collaboration with Osun State Ministry of Tourism, Royal Planet Media, Cream Entertainment and Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi.

    He said the week-long event will feature colourful displays of drums, Yoruba songs and poetic renditions, dance, traditional attires and food.

    The spokesman said other events for the carnival will include traditional games, such as Ayo Olopon, quiz competition in Yoruba for pupils, a beauty pageant, visits to heritage sites, musical concerts and street parade.

    Adedokun added: “We are aware of the cultural gap that exists between the old and young generations of the Yoruba race.

  • Guinness, Sprite back Carnival to set Suya record

    Guinness, Sprite back Carnival to set Suya record

    In its quest to set a world record of world’s longest Suya/Steak of 50ft, top brands like Sprite and Guinness Nigeria have thrown their weights behind the Lagos City Suya Carnival scheduled for October 1, 2017.

    The record which is first in this category will see a procesion move through Awolowo way in Ikeja with a VIP session at the Ikeja City Mall car park.

    According to the executive producer of the carnival, Kehinde Talabi, the carnival which is organised in conjunction with the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture is in commemoration of the Lagos at 50 celebrations.

    The event is also in conjunction with the Guinness Book of World Record in Lagos, Nigeria.

    Talabi while assuring security added that the event will bring so many people together and afford opportunities for small businesses to showcase themselves.

    The event’s producer, Mr Timothy Nostradamus said that the event will take a three-course shape. The first will be a morning session of yoga, spa and other exercises at the carnival ground. The second will be the carnival proper and the kick off of the grilling of the 50ft long Suya steak on the carnival ground. And the third session holds at Quilox night club, Victoria Island.

    Also, Mr Damilola Odujinrin, the Experiential Execution Excellence Manager at Nigerian Bottling Company said the reason Sprite has endorsed the carnival is that of the belief in the landmark achievement while supporting the Lagos State government.

    “We are always willing to support indigenous events as well as Lagos State. For us, we have carefully carried out a food test, which revealed that Suya goes down well with Sprite. The feeling consumers get after eating suya and drinking Sprite is better felt than imagined,” Odujinrin said.

    The Lagos City Suya Carnival is organised by Suya Stops in conjunction with Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.