Tuface, Portable, Terry G, Duncan Mighty perform at Idoma Carnival

Innocent Ujah Idibia popularly called Tuface Idibia and other top Nigerian artists were among those who performed at the 2023 Idoma Carnival, yesterday, in Otukpo, Benue state.

The event, which witnessed a carnival parade, cultural performances, beauty contest and musical performances by Nigerian musicians was the climax of the three-day carnival.

The carnival opened with dances and cultural performances. Tuface, Harry Song, Terry G, Duncan Mighty, Portable, Chris Morgan, Teddy King, James Agbo and others all thrilled the mammoth crowd with their popular songs.

The carnival which began in 2013 was initially called the Agila Social and Economic Carnival and was only recently changed to the Idoma International Carnival to encompass the entire Idoma land.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, President, Idoma International Carnival, Prince Edwin Ochai, said that the event which showcases the rich Idoma culture, music, dance, fashion, art and culinary, has gained national and international recognition.

He said that the carnival has come a long way since 2013 when it began and has endured 10 years of challenges in staging one of the biggest street parties in West Africa.

According to Ochai, he initiated the carnival for the love of the culture of the Idoma people. “This is why in 2013 we packaged this with the passion not only to preserve, but also to showcase the rich and beautiful culture of Idoma to the world, in addition to exposing our land and people to investment opportunities and take them away from all indices of underdevelopment.

“Since inception, it (the carnival) has been the melting pot of Idoma culture; music and dance, fashion, art, pageantry and food. It is a platform for social and economic development.

“Over the years, the carnival has empowered hundreds of women and youths through its economic empowerment scheme, in addition to the businesses and economic opportunities it attracts to Idomaland, not to mention the scores of youths it has gainfully employed in the carnival team,” he said.