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NIGERIA’S capital city Abuja, recently played host to a four-day event tagged The Abuja Carnival 2007.
The event, which was flagged off at the Eagles Square, was declared open by the Vice President of Nigeria Goodluck Jonathan.
The opening ceremony was a celebration of culture and colours as people from different ethnic groups in the 36 states of the country, including the FCT, were fully represented. Later in the day, there was an overnight concert featuring Tony Tetuila, Klint da Drunk and some other Abuja-based artistes.
A parade of horsemen also entertained near Aso.
Also on display was an elephant which became the center of attraction. The crowd surged forward to catch a glimpse of the animal.
Kiddies were also part of the show as a special programme was packaged for kids from different schools in Abuja, who gathered at the Millennium Park, Abuja, for the programme. It featured Sir Jimi Solanke who thrilled them with folk stories.
Later in the day there was a boat reggata at Jabi Dam, where participants tried as much as possible to outwit others to the amazement of Jonathan Goodluck and other members of his entourage.
The night dovetailed to a special dance drama by troupes from Ghana, Niger Republic and the Nigerian National Troupe.
There was also a social court dance from Ghana, Biama Dance from Niger Republic, which featured Agade performance, while the Nigerian representatives featuring Adedayo Liadi a.k.a. Olori Oko, did a performance of Dr. Ahmed Yerima’s Iloa.
The show was witnessed by Ghana’s Minister of Chieftaincy Affairs and Culture, Niger Republic’s Minister for Culture and Art and our own Minister for Tourism and National Orientation, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode (SAN).
Another concert took place at the Eagle Square same day, featuring Olu Maintain, Goorge from Abuja, Jerimah Gyana, Weird MC and others. Julius Agwu, who was the compere, put up a spectacular performance at the show as it was laughter all through. |
The closing ceremony was more of a repetition of the opening day as people from the 36 states of the federation did a closing parade featuring cultural performances, among other things, while a spectacular display of fireworks ended the 2007 edition of Abuja Carnival on Sunday.
Communications giant, MTN, sponsors of the event, was there all through demonstrating and offering service to customers and prospective customers.
Speaking with P.M. Entertainment, MTN’s Segment Manager, Mass Market, Saidat Lawal Mohammed, said it was nice to be identified with the Nigerian culture, adding, “from here, we will be in Calabar for Christmas celebration.”
Culled from www.thenewsng.com
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