Warri set to host maiden carnival…Five days of music, dance, and comedy

Plans have reached advanced stage for the maiden edition of Warri Carnival in Delta State. According to the organisers, the event has been confirmed to hold September 28 to October 1.

Announcing this at a media briefing in Lagos, the chief promoter and initiator of the carnival, Sunny Nikoro, stated that the Carnival is targeted at entrenching Warri as a gateway to the Niger Delta region, and listing it as a tourist destination in Nigeria.

“The carnival also aims at unifying the diverse ethnic nationalities that existed to make Warri the cosmopolitan society of old, and foster peace, unity, love and cordial co-existence between the ethnic groups that Warri was identified with in the past,” he said.

According to Nikoro, the carnival is being organised to also coincide with the nation’s 56th Independence Day Anniversary celebration on October 1, he, therefore, assured that the event, which is already attracting tourists’ enquiries from African countries and across the world, would be nurtured to become Africa’s biggest street carnival.

He said, “Apart from entertaining the anticipated millions of spectators coming from within and outside the state, the Warri Carnival will bring out the joy and bliss associated with the season, while also promoting commerce, laughter and love among the indigenes of Warri.”

“With the key objectives of fostering peace and unity, creating an ideal opportunity for the continuous development of the metropolis, boosting its image, creating tourism attraction and culture both locally and internationally and re-creating opportunities and encouraging human development among the people of the metropolis. The city and its environs would witness five day of transformation,” he added.

Activities lined up for the five-day event include unveiling of Symbol of Unity, artistes performance and comedy fair, carnival lloat/street parade, land boat regatta, Miss Warri beauty pageant, cultural dance and performance, as well as a Novelty Football Match tagged Carnival Cup 2016.

The football will feature some ex-Nigerian internationals, including Segun Odebgami, Frank Obire, and Henry Nwosu among others, who will be playing against local team, Warri Wolves.

Land Regatta will feature the festival that offers a breath taking display of the wealth and artistic splendour of the heritage of the riverine people of Delta State. It provides an opportunity for all riverine communities and dwellers to showcase their dexterity in boat building, decoration, parading, paddling and manoeuvring. The most artistic and creative boat will win a trophy.

Asides the estimated millions of audience which include, youths and adults, captains of industries, Warri indigenes and residents, foreigners, government agencies and functionaries, top Nollywood artistes, comedians and musicians, the grand opening will also attract other dignitaries from across the country with the Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, rendering the keynote address and unveiling the Mascot representing the Symbol of Unity, amid colourful display of fireworks.

There will be special musical performance by top Warri artistes with Tony and Emma Grey as main performers among other notable artists. “The rich cultural heritage of the ethnic communities will be represented, showcasing their highly entertaining dance steps through locally rendered music and rhythmic movements,” the organisers announced.