The organisers of the annual Idoma International Carnival have unveiled the logo for the 10th edition of the festival which is expected to hold in December in Otukpo headquarters of Otukpo local government area of Benue State.
Addressing a world press conference in Abuja yesterday, the vice president, Idoma International Carnival, Mr Henry Ipole, said the carnival was in its 10th year and its primary objective was to provide a platform to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Idoma people of Benue State.
Ipole said the carnival would expose the world to the rich potentials of the Idoma culture and its positive effects on business investment and tourism.
He said the carnival also aimed at providing a forum for participants and investors to enjoy the rich cultural heritage of the land, identify broad policy options and develop strategies for mobilising capital and investment that will help unlock the vast resources and potential of the land.
Ipole listed some of the activities to include: “The Face of Idoma International, Carnival Band Procession and Competition, Street Party Cultural Display/Competition, Ogbureke Traditional Wrestling, Idoma Youth Football Tournament, Arts and Food Exhibition/Mini Trade Fair, Idoma Merit Awards, Carnival Village, Fireworks/ Burn Fire Night, music and comedy.
He stressed that the carnival would have participants from across the country and some West African countries as guest participants.
“The carnival comes up every year from 23rd – 26th December at St. Mary’s Primary School (Carnival Village) in Otukpo headquarters of Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State,” said Ipole.
Also, the deputy director, Culture, Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, Mr Festus Ojieh, said the Ministry gave the carnival technical support to achieve its objectives.
He called for support for the festival saying culture had become a rich source of revenue worldwide as nations make money from tourism and culture.
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