The people of Rivers State and participants at the just concluded 2011 Carviriv has described the 2011 Carniriv as the best since its inception.
Participants at this year’s event made the remark at the end of the 2011 Carniriv on Saturday, December 17, 2011, at the Peace Concert and the Presentation of award to winners by the Governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi and the wife Dame Judith Amaechi, at the Liberation Stadium, Elekahia PortHarcourt.
The week long event was organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Rivers State and managed by a Consultant.
At the Presentation of awards to winners of this year’s Camiriv 2011, the Governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi said those who won in the different categories this year should expect greater challenge next year. There was prize of N3m each to the best local government areas.
In his remark, the state Governor Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi explained the importance of the event to the people of the state, stating that in 2007 it was impossible for people to live a life devoid of fear and apprehension in Rivers State, but today the story has changed, as the carnival has open the window of togetherness.
Speaking during an interview at the event, the chairman of Andoni Local Government Area, Hon. Orom Nte, described the Carniriv as a money spinner where people of the state are empowered economically through their various businesses at the Carnival sites.
The event also attracted dignitaries such as the Deputy Governor of Rivers State Engr. Tele Ikuru and the wife Dr Mrs. Mina Ikuru, the Chairman of PDP Rivers State, Chief CU. Ake, Senator Magnus Abe, Commissioners of various Ministries, Permanent Secretaries, LGA Chairmen among others.
Highlights of the event include the Miss ECOWAS Peace Pageant 2011, Boat Regatta at the Port Harcourt Tourist Beach, LGA performances at Carnival Village, Ladies Nite, LGA Heritage float, freestyle bands, street parade and the Reggae Nite that featured a renown International Reggae Super Star and Jah Messenger, Luciano from Jamaica.
Other Nigerians Artists who performed at the Closing ceremony are Raskimono the Rubber Dub Master, The Port Harcourt Crown Prince Jerry Demue, the Winner of this year’s Odudu Musical award, while P. Square thrilled the crowd till late midnight.
Earlier, the commissioner for Culture and Tourism, in the State, Dr. Nabbs Imegwu has enumerated the numerous gains and achievement of organizing the carnival and thanked the state Governor Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi for approving the funds for the programme.
Dr. lmegwu further stated that the peaceful conclusion of the carniriv was another demonstration that peace has finally returned to the state.
The theme of this year’s Carnival ‘Our Culture our Future” also showcased different cultures and traditions of Rivers people, as it has also attracted international communities and neighbouring. ###
Pius Dukor
