The Rivers State government for five days lighted up the streets of Port Harcourt with multiple cultural shows and displays that left the ordinary Rivers State man floating in heavenly bliss here on earth, as the 23 local government showcased their cultural heritage in full blast.
From the opening day to the last, CARNIRIV was spectacular in every sense of culture, thereby demonstrating the rich cultural background of the state to the international world.
This could only mean one thing, that the organizing committee of the CARNIRIV must have murdered sleep to have packaged it successfully. The committee headed by Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi (CON, Chairman), includes Dr. Nabbs Imegwu, Vice Chairman commissioner for culture and tourism, Rivers State, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, commissioner for information and communication, Rivers State, Mr. Levi Gogo Charles, Commissioner for budget and economic planning, Rivers state, Mr. Owene Wondi, commissioner for Youth Development, Rivers State, Mr. Peter Esele, Mr. Iboroma Harry, Mr. Yibo Koko, Dr. Sam Dede, Ms. Maxine Menson and Mr. Dan Ibubeleye, committee secretary, Permanent Secretary, ministry of culture and tourism, Rivers state.
It started at Elekahia Stadium on Tuesday December 13, with children street parade and ended with peace concert and presentation of awards at 7pm at Elekahia.
Earlier, before the CARNIRIV kicked off, Miss Ecowas beauty pageant was held on the 10th and was won by Miss Genuine Bissa lagg.
The five days cultural fiesta came to an end with Okrika local government winning the overall best LGA award with N5 million naira to their coffers, followed by Degema LGA and third position went to Eleme LGA in that order in categories. Best LGA boat regatta result went in this order: Okrika came first position, Degema second position and Bonny third position.
In the float road heritage show, Eleme LGA took the first position, Okrika came second position while Obio/Akpor was adjudged the third position. The winner of this category went home with N3 million, same as the best boat regatta race.
In the free style band 1 and 2, Jubilee band came first position and went home with N3 million naira, Treasure base with fusion band was adjudged the third best in the free styles band competition.
The five days Rivers State organized cultural fiesta has the theme, “our culture, our future”. Both old and upcoming comedians, super musicians and upcoming musicians combined to light up the show.
The Monalisa Chinda face was the welcome branded face that depicted the CarniRiv, while Luciano, Psquare, Niger born Timaya, Duncan Mighty, Terry G, Ras ki Mono, I go die, Daniel D Humorous, and others added colour to the glamorous night of culture.
Crackers and fire works were another splendour that was enjoyed by the average Rivers man that was opportuned to be at the closing ceremony. It was indeed a heavenly bliss created by the Rivers State government.
In the special award category, Obio/Akpor LGA came out the best cultural exhibition LGA while best costumed LGA chairman award goes to Ogu/Bolo LGA. Okrika second and third position Bonny.
Beauty pageant saw miss Guinea Bissau coming tops while Miss Senegal claimed the runners up position, Bayelsa born (miss Nigeria) Layefa Gariga became the second runners- up.
The night ended peacefully with colourful rendition of songs from the invited musicians amidst fire works to the admiration of spectators. ####
Allanso Jonathan Allanso
