2015 National carnival to hold November 21st; 700 Akwa Ibom contingents to participate

L-R: Mr. John Offfiong, Commissioner for Culture & Tourism - Otuekong Emmanuel Ibiok and South-South 2015 Carnival Coordinator - Mr. Victor Thompson during a press briefing ...recently

BY EMMANUEL AKPAN

All is now set for the 2015 edition of the Nigeria National Carnival to kick start. The carnival which will take place in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja is slated for the 21st to 24th of November, this year.
Briefing pressmen on Tuesday of the activities earmarked for the event at the conference room, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Otuekong Emmanuel Ibiok said the theme of the carnival is “The Creative Industry: Pivot for Economic Growth”, and is born out of the fact that the Nation’s creative industry (Arts and Culture) is abound with enormous tourism potentials capable of growing the National economy.

He said States participating in this year’s National Carnival are expected to package and showcase the potentials that abound in the sector in their States capable of attracting both local and foreign tourists and investors, adding that Akwa Ibom State is already positioned to key into the vision which is in line with the policy thrust of Governor Udom Emmanuel’s administration which aims at exploring the enormous tourism potentials in the State to create jobs for the teeming population, empowering the citizenry, creating wealth as well as raise the living standard of the people.
He disclosed that Governor Udom Emmanuel is planning to transform the present Ibom Unity Park along Udo Udoma Avenue into a world-class tourism village, develop the coastal beach line in Ibeno and its environs into a tourist haven, transform the vast natural forest reserve and water front at the Le Meridien Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort into a Conservation and Wild Life Park to complement the Hotel’s activities.
The Commissioner went further to assured the State that the governor will raise the Inagha Fishing Festival and Boat Regatta at Itu into a yearly signature Tourism activity that will attract tourists and investors from all over the globe, host the Pan-Ibom Culture Carnival as a yearly as well as upgrade the Ikot Abasi Tourism Hub and Mary Slessor Memorial Cairn and other relics at Itu and Ibiono Ibom LGAs into global tourism destination for the State.
According to the Tourism Commissioner, “While we set our eyes on the grand prize at the 2015 Nigeria National Carnival for a record six times running, we want to assure our dear governor and indeed our people that we shall be going to Abuja to market the enormous investment opportunities abound in the tourism industry in our State. By God’s grace and through the usual support and benevolence of the government, we intend to put up our very best performance and presentations in all the events lined up for this year’s carnival. Like I said, God helping us, we shall come out tops again.”
While disclosing that 700 contingents from Akwa Ibom State are expected to participate in the carnival, Ibiok appreciated the National Carnival Committee for the wisdom in appointing Zonal Coordinators for the carnival, and particularly for the choice of an Akwa Ibom son, Mr. Victor Thompson as the coordinator of States in the South-South zone.
Also speaking, the South- South Carnival Coordinator, Mr. Victor Thompson said the carnival is a celebrative expose of the Nigerian creative spirit, hospitality and passion for festivity. He said since its inception, the Nigeria National Carnival has provides a remarkable platform for indigenous and foreign tourists to interact and embrace the spectacular sight and sound of Nigeria within the enchanting ambience of the capital city of Abuja. He disclosed the objectives of the Nigeria National Carnival which include; preservation and presentation of the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria, boosting trade and showcasing Abuja as a destination of choice.
In his words, “The carnival also aimed at celebrating Nigeria as a hospitable country United in its diversity. I am vehemently calling on government, stakeholders in the culture of tourism sector, corporate organizations, groups, leaders of thoughts and well-meaning individuals to support the South-South States and ensure effective participation at this year’s carnival.”