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    Calabar Carnival: Governor Otu Unveils 2023 Theme “Season of Sweetness”

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    The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu unveiled the theme of Carnival Calabar while declaring open the 19th Africa travel event know as Akwaaba in Lagos State, southern Nigeria.

    Concerning the carnival, Governor Otu said “Carnival Calabar represents the most tangible tourism product in the calendar of events of Cross River State and Nigeria in general.

    “It was and still is a strategic plan for the actualization of the vision of transforming Cross River State socio-economically through the instrumentality of the performing arts.

    “The carnival exhibits rare colours, costumes, floats, pyrotechnics, magic, acrobatics and more through the 12 kilometre route.

    “These are by no means overt expressions of the state and people’s heritage of hospitality and Africa’s warmest welcome.

    “Today, we are here to witness another theme unveiling, which stands our carnival out as an intellectual platform to entertain, educate, and inform our publics and audiences.

    “Carnival Calabar, Africa’s Biggest Street Party has always led the cultural interface and ties with other such great cultural and artistic brands that have evolved distinct identities as Nigeria’s best foot forward in cultural diplomacy and at the same time acting as the pull factor to bring tourists to Cross River State and Nigeria every year,” he said.

    According to the governor, the 2023 edition of Carnival Calabar would include the events such as Children’s Carnival and the King’s and Queens Competition previously suspended from the State’s offering by the immediate past administration.

    He explained that the reintroduction of the sub-events would engender private sector participation under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) framework for sustainability of Carnival Calabar.

    Otu stated, “moving forward, it is the belief of my administration that the carnival has come of age and should deploy all efforts at sustainability and inclusion to achieve set goals exploring a robust Public Private Partnership framework to achieve mutually beneficial relations in Naming Rights, Endorsements, Sponsorships, Merchandising and Activations.

    “It is in the realization of these waiting opportunities that I have directed that the Children’s Carnival, Aqua Show as well as the exciting and colorful Night of Kings and Queens to return to the Carnival Calendar to create more opportunities for sponsors visibility.”

    He expressed appreciation to leaders of the carnival bands for creatively sustaining the carnival through theme interpretation hoping that the same energy would be infused into this year’s theme interpretation.
    “May I also thank the band leaders for their creativity to breathe life into the carnival themes in the past and for a job well done,” Otu said.

    The governor also appreciated previous sponsors and media partners for what he described as “a wonderful relationship through the past years.”

    Evolution of Carnival Calabar

    The Chairman of the Cross River State Carnival Commission, Mr. Gabe Onah told Voice of Nigeria that the governor decided to unveil the 2023 Carnival Calabar theme “Season of Sweetness” at the 19th Africa travel event to kick-start the dryruns, which would be flagged off this month in Calabar.

    Onah, who spoke on the evolution of the Carnival Calabar said “it started in 2004 by former governor, Mr. Donald Duke, as a way to promote tourism and particularly improve the local economy.

    “Then, it was Calabar Carnival and started with five original band identified by specific colours. The bands include Bayside, which uses Blue; Seagull that one is identified by Red; Freedom has Yellow; Passion 4 we know is Green and the Orange colour is for Masta Blasta.

    “The carnival as I said earlier is 19 years old this year and has grown to include two more bands, which is Diamond Band in purple and Calas Vegas Band. This year, we will see the reintroduction of the Children’s Carnival and the Night of Kings and Queens. As you know, we have other events on the carnival calendar. We will unfold them soon,” he said.

    The carnival theme unveiling ceremony was attended by key players in Nigeria’s tourism sector.

    Festivals

    Vanuatu trade commission pledges investment for AI training at IPADA Initiative/Carnival 2024

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    IPADA Initiative 2024, Artificial Intelligence training, Vanuatu Trade Commission, African tourism, AI certification

    The upcoming IPADA Initiative/Carnival 2024 in Lagos has secured a major investment from the Vanuatu Trade Commission Ghana, pledging to train five million Africans in Artificial Intelligence certification, boosting Africa’s knowledge economy.

     

     

    The excitement surrounding the upcoming IPADA Initiative/Carnival 2024 continues to grow, with significant investments pouring in from corporations, groups, and individuals across the globe.

    A recent highlight came from the Vanuatu Trade Commission Ghana, which announced its commitment to investing in training over five million Africans in Artificial Intelligence (AI) certification over the next year.

     

    Also read: President Tinubu to host historic briefing on Ipada carnival 2024

     

    This investment aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of African professionals in a rapidly evolving global tech landscape.

    In partnership with the African Diaspora Central Bank (ADCB), the Vanuatu Trade Commission is spearheading an ambitious AI initiative, which will begin with the training of 5,000 participants during the IPADA Carnival in November.

    This training program, named *Business Unusual*, will kick off at the event and is designed to equip participants with critical AI skills that would otherwise cost $1,000 per individual.

    Upon completion of the program, participants will be granted a parity value of $100 and will be registered on a learning management system for continuous professional development and career opportunities.

    The AI training initiative is expected to have far-reaching economic impacts, opening doors for greater AI integration across Africa.

    This is part of a broader vision to empower Africans with high-value, knowledge-based skills, and contribute significantly to the continent’s economic transformation.

    The IPADA Initiative/Carnival 2024 is set to take place from November 29 to December 8 at the award-winning La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, Lagos.

    It will feature cultural and business activities celebrating African heritage and the continent’s potential in tourism. The carnival will include music, dance, fashion, arts, beach polo, and traditional wrestling, offering a vibrant platform for cultural exchange and business networking.

    One of the event’s key goals is to bolster African tourism by attracting millions of tourists annually. The carnival and the AI certification program will help showcase Africa’s unique offerings, from its rich cultural heritage to its burgeoning tech sector.

    Projections suggest that by 2030, Africa could attract over 200 million tourists annually, boosting local economies and creating new business opportunities.

    The IPADA Initiative enjoys the backing of the Nigerian government, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu serving as the Grand Patron. Several state governments, including Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, and Ekiti, have also pledged support.

    The event has garnered the backing of various corporate bodies, including the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), which represents private sector tourism operators.

    As the IPADA Carnival prepares to unfold, it represents a critical moment for Africa to unlock its potential in tourism and technology, bringing together local communities, businesses, and international stakeholders to drive economic growth and cultural exchange.

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    President Tinubu directs FCT to elevate Arts and Culture for unity and economic growth

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    Abuja Festival of Arts and Culture, ASOFEST 2024, FCT arts and culture, Tinubu tourism directive

    In a bid to enhance unity and economic growth in Abuja, President Tinubu has directed the FCT Administration to bolster the capital’s arts, culture, and tourism sectors. This aligns with his vision of celebrating Nigeria’s cultural heritage while creating jobs and skill opportunities.

     

    President Bola Tinubu has tasked the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration with advancing the arts, culture, and tourism sectors in Abuja to promote unity and peaceful coexistence among its residents.

    This announcement was made by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, represented by the Mandate Secretary of the Social Development Secretariat, Ibrahim Aminu, during the opening of the 2024 Abuja Festival of Arts and Culture (ASOFEST).

     

    Also read: Tinubu’s reforms: President scraps Niger Delta and sports ministries, merges tourism with culture

     

    Minister Wike underscored that the FCTA is committed to fostering Nigeria’s cultural heritage in alignment with President Tinubu’s vision, noting that arts and culture can drive economic growth, especially by creating skill acquisition and job opportunities for youth and women.

    “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has specifically tasked us with developing and nurturing the arts, culture, and tourism sectors in the FCT, and we are fully committed to fulfilling this mandate,” he stated.

    Minister Wike announced that the FCT will host the 2024 edition of the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) within weeks, in collaboration with the National Council of Arts and Culture (NCAC).

    This event will unite stakeholders in the sector and showcase Nigeria’s diverse cultural heritage, reinforcing social cohesion.

    Permanent Secretary Olubumi Olowookere highlighted that ASOFEST is more than a celebration—it offers residents a chance to experience diverse cultural expressions, fostering understanding and unity across the capital’s communities.

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    21st Abuja international film festival celebrates cinematic excellence

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    Abuja International Film Festival 2024

    The 21st Abuja International Film Festival highlights exceptional talent with 1,524 submissions and prestigious awards for outstanding films.

     

     

    The 21st Abuja International Film Festival recently concluded, showcasing an impressive array of talent and creativity from around the globe.

    This year’s festival received a remarkable 1,524 film submissions, from which 70 films made it to the nomination list, demonstrating the growing interest in film production and storytelling.

     

    Also read: Abuja International Film Festival Kicks Off With Global Theme

     

    The standout feature of the festival was the acclaimed Russian film “Four Quarters,” which garnered significant attention by winning four awards, including the prestigious Golden Jury Award.

    This accolade underscored the film’s artistic merit and resonance with audiences and critics alike.

    Nigerian filmmakers also made a strong impression at the festival. Femi Adebayo and Stan Nze were jointly awarded Best Actor for their captivating performances in “Jagun Jagun” and “12 Hours,” respectively.

    The Best Actress award went to Tana Adelana for her role in “Tender Edges,” while Lum Norah was recognised for her outstanding performance in “Kismet.”

    The festival featured a total of 18 categories, including the coveted Audience Choice Award, which was claimed by the Nigerian film “Accroche.”

    The film “Kaka” also shone brightly, winning accolades for both Best Indigenous Film and Best Music Score, highlighting the diverse storytelling within Nigerian cinema.

    In addition to celebrating filmmakers, the festival honoured the Governors of Cross River and Lagos States, Senator Prince Bassey Otu and Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, with the Distinguished Merit Award.

    This recognition highlighted their significant contributions to the entertainment industry and the promotion of film and culture in their respective states.

    Overall, the event served as a testament to the vibrant creativity and dedication within the Nigerian film sector, setting a promising stage for future cinematic endeavours.

    As filmmakers continue to explore new narratives and innovative techniques, the Abuja International Film Festival remains a crucial platform for showcasing their work and fostering cultural exchange.

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