Carnival Identify As Tool For Unity Peaceful Coexistence

 

Carnival has been identified as a veritable tool to enforce unity and peaceful coexistence in any Nation.

The historical event in Nigeria can be dated back to the 19th Century in Lagos during the colonial period and had been held in some states of the country like Cross River and Rivers State. 

 

In this special report our Correspondent takes a look at the impact of carnival especially in Andoni Local government Area of Rivers State where the council Authority has used the event to bring the people together after years of youth restiveness in the area.

The event has been one of the major events during festive seasons used by some states to attract foreign investors to boost the economy of the area.

For instance, in Cross River state the Calabar Carnival was first proposed when the then governor of the State, Donald Duke, had a vision of making the state a hub for tourism and hospitality in Nigeria and Africa, with a view of celebrating their cultural heritage.

The story is not different in Andoni Local government Area of Rivers State as the Council chairman Mr Erastus Awortu has also  employed carnival to  unite the people of the area.

During the festive seasons lots of activities like boat Regatta, unity walk ,beach party and so on were organized by the council chairman to attract investors and government's attention to the area thereby making the area a tourist site in Rivers State.

Speaking during 2023 carnival in Ngo headquarters of Andoni Local government Area of Rivers State, Mr Erastus Awortu spoke on the importance of the event.

Mr. Awortu who lay emphasis on the need for Andoni people to sustain the existing peace in the Area, called on investors to invest in the area as the environment is blessed with wild lives , aquatic and human resources.

On his part, the Okama of Ikuru town in Andoni, King Aaron Ikuru urged government to build more infrastructure at the Ikuru beach to make it a tourist site.

Similarly,state chairman peoples Democratic party Ambassador Desmond Akawor who spoke during the beach party carnival said there is need for the state government to look into the tourist attractions in Andoni.

Also Speaking, president Obolo Youth Coalition worldwide Comrade Mkpon Amon enjoined the state government to tap into the economy benefits in the area to boost the internally generated revenue.