Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja
The federal government has agreed that the Abuja Carnival, touted as the biggest cultural party in Africa will be held from November 19 to 22.
This was confirmed yesterday at a stakeholders’ meeting for the 2016 Abuja Carnival by the events Artistic Director, Biodun Abe.
It will be the restoration of the carnival since it was last held in 2014. The carnival would actively depict the nation’s diverse culture as it will parade by all 36 states of the federation and the federal capital territory.
In addition, it would have international outlook as other countries would attend to deepen ties with Nigeria.
The Abuja Carnival, which started as an annual event in 2005, is conceived to preserve and present the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria. As a form of cultural tourism, it is a platform to build bridges and enhance friendship.
The theme for this year’s carnival is ‘’The Creative Industry: A Pivot to Economic Growth’’ as government is determined to use the creative ingenuity of Nigerians to boost the nation’s economy at this period of dwindling oil prices.
A carnival village where Nigerian goods and African cuisines are sold will be set up for visitors and participants to relax after each day, while about a million visitors from within and outside the country are projected to attend the carnival.
The carnival route, where the street party event will be staged, according to Abe, is 20km longer than ever before.
Abe disclosed that six national floats would also be created to represent the six-geo political zones of the country to depict the nation’s unity.
This year’s edition will feature traditional circus show involving fire-eaters, jugglers, animal manipulators, magicians and circus dancers.
Similarly, the carnival will be highlighted by durbar, masquerade dance, boat regatta, food fairs, cultural night and children fiesta
