The founder of Idoma International Carnival, Chief Edwin Ochai, has described as painful the way Nigerians have jettisoned their culture.
According to Ochai, Nigeria and Africa at large have beautiful cultural heritages but they are gradually fading away because of clings to westernization.
Addressing newsmen in Abuja ahead of the Idoma International Carnival in Otukpo, Benue State on Friday, the American-based philanthropist harped on the need for Nigerians to revive their dying culture.
According to him, “Well, as it is said, culture is a way of life. It is people’s identity expressed in various forms including the way they dress, the kind of food they eat, their traditions and practices etc. Through the ages, humanity has held culture sacrosanct so much so every race and tribe tries to preserve its own. Culture has become even more important in this age of globalisation.
“About 10 years ago, I was pained over the way western culture was gradually eroding our own culture. Our children hardly speak our language. We no longer listen to those stories our forefathers told us under the moonlight. Our beautiful masquerades are going into extinction.
“I felt we needed a platform to showcase our culture. Hence the birth of Idoma International Carnival, formerly known as Agila Social and Economic Carnival in Agila community in Ado LGA of Benue State about 10 years ago.
“Mind you, I am not against western culture, but we need to marry both. We need to embrace both cultures so we won’t forget where we are coming from and equally move the trends of things around the world.
“Even at Idoma International Carnival, you have the opportunity to enjoy both African and Western cultures on one stage.”
Speaking on why he founded the carnival, Ochai said, the idea was not borne out of a sense of vanity, but out of a deep sense of responsibility to preserve the rich heritage of the Idoma Nation for posterity on the one hand, “and to expose our land and people to investment opportunities, on the other hand.
“The Carnival has also been a veritable platform for social and economic developments. Over the years, hundreds of women and youths have been empowered through the economic component of the carnival. The fiesta has also become a platform that annually makes millionaires and stars through such activities as the Face of Idoma Beauty Pageant, Idoma Got Talent and other competitions. Similarly, several indigenous students are awarded scholarships annually as part of the educational thrust of the Idoma International Carnival.
“Thankfully, the carnival has grown and garnered an international reputation. This further spurs the organisers to use the platform to showcase the tourism potentials that abound in Idomaland, with the ultimate objective to make the domain of the Idoma Nation Africa’s foremost tourist destination.
“The strategic location of the Idoma homeland in the Benue basin, a gateway between Southeast and Northern Nigeria, is an incentive for Idoma indigenes and tourists alike to participate in this great end-of-year fiesta. What is more, the construction of the Loko-Oweto bridge over River Benue has further shortened the distance between the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and Otukpo, the carnival town.”
Speaking on prgrammes lined up for the 10th anniversary of the carnival, Ochai said, “Each year, the Idoma International Carnival gets better. No doubt, the 2022 edition, which is the 10th anniversary celebration, is going to be the best. We have themed it alo Gweye, which means let’s celebrate. A lot of A-list entertainers such as Portable of the Zaazooh fame, Harrysong, Terry G and other indigenous entertainers would be on ground.”
