The Plateau Christmas Carol Festival 2024 unites faith, culture, and tourism, ushering hope and harmony to Plateau State and beyond.

The Plateau Unity Christmas Carol and Praise Festival 2024 marked a transformative moment for Plateau State, combining faith, cultural heritage, and economic revitalisation.

Under the leadership of Governor Caleb Mutfwang, this maiden event, held at the Ten Commandments Prayer Altar in Jos South, aimed to restore hope and unity in a state historically marred by division and conflict.

Also read: Culturati Festival 2024: celebrating Africa’s diversity and unity in Lagos

The festival, themed “Plateau Unity Christmas Carol and Praise Festival,” was a collaboration between the state government, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and religious leaders.

It drew a crowd of over 15,000 attendees, including prominent figures like former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd), former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and past Plateau governors Joshua Dariye and Jonah Jang.

Governor Mutfwang described the festival as a pivotal step towards Plateau’s recovery and fulfillment of its prophetic destiny. “For too long, we have fought many battles,” he said.

“Now is the time to unite as one people and harness the blessings God has bestowed upon this land for the greater good.”

The event provided a platform for communal healing and economic growth, with local hotels fully booked and traders thriving during the festival.

Traditional choirs from the Ngas, Berom, and Mwaghavul communities delivered captivating performances, while gospel artists Solomon Lange, Panam Percy Paul, and Neken Chuwang inspired the audience with songs of hope and reconciliation.

Gen. Yakubu Gowon praised the governor’s leadership, calling the festival a symbol of healing and a testament to the people’s desire for peace.

Obasanjo echoed similar sentiments, urging Plateau’s residents to embrace their diversity as a strength and an opportunity for growth.

Religious leaders such as Rev. Dr. Amos Mohzo, Rev. Fr. Polycarp Lubo, and Most Rev. Dr. Benjamin Kwashi delivered powerful sermons, emphasising the significance of unity and faith in rebuilding the state.

The festival also highlighted Governor Mutfwang’s broader vision for Plateau State. Declaring December 2024 as Tourism Month, he promised to make the state a beacon of tourism and cultural celebration.

“Jos will shine brightly this Christmas season, showcasing the beauty and spirit of Plateau,” he affirmed.

The success of the Plateau Unity Christmas Carol and Praise Festival has ignited calls for the event to become an annual international celebration, attracting tourists and pilgrims from around the world.

This aligns with the governor’s commitment to transforming Plateau into a hub of peace, prosperity, and cultural pride.

By merging faith, tourism, and community spirit, the Plateau Unity Christmas Carol Festival has set a new standard for how cultural events can inspire and rebuild.

The festival exemplifies the power of shared purpose and unity in steering Plateau toward a brighter, harmonious future.

“Together,” Governor Mutfwang declared, “we will reclaim Plateau’s divine destiny as a city set on a hill that cannot be hidden.”

Indomie Noodles sponsored the 2024 Abuja Carnival, uniting Nigerians through culture, tourism, and delightful brand experiences.

Indomie Noodles has reaffirmed its dedication to celebrating Nigeria’s cultural diversity by sponsoring the 2024 Abuja Carnival.

This highly anticipated event, making a triumphant return after an eight-year hiatus, showcased Nigeria’s rich traditions and vibrant heritage while promoting unity and boosting tourism.

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The carnival began with a captivating opening ceremony, where Vice President Kashim Shettima set the tone with a passionate call for cultural celebration and national unity.

For four days, participants and attendees experienced a spectacular fusion of colour, music, and tradition.

One of the carnival’s most striking features was the grand assembly of participating states at the iconic Area 1 Bridge. Dressed in elaborate traditional attire and vibrant floats, they created a dazzling visual spectacle.

Amidst the celebrations, Indomie stood out by offering magical and memorable experiences to carnival-goers, strengthening its bond with the Nigerian audience.

Indomie’s uniquely decorated experiential booth was a hub of activity. Attendees enjoyed exciting games and delicious servings of freshly prepared noodles, while children enthusiastically joined in on the fun.

The brand’s canvassers mingled with the crowd, further enlivening the festive atmosphere.

Speaking on the sponsorship, Oluwaponmile Alabi, Indomie’s Marketing Manager, shared the company’s vision:

“Indomie is a family brand; we are more than just a meal. Our participation in the carnival is part of our commitment to bringing people together and celebrating what matters most to Nigerians. Every bowl of Indomie served at the Abuja Carnival symbolises our shared identity and culture.”

The carnival hosted a variety of activities, including enthralling street parades, traditional cooking competitions, children’s carnivals, cultural nights, and a grand masquerade fiesta.

Indomie’s presence enriched these events, adding a delicious twist to the celebrations.

Highlighting the company’s cultural alignment, Alabi added:

“At Indomie, we believe that a brand that doesn’t evolve is destined to fade. Culture is the heartbeat of every Nigerian’s way of life, and it’s the perfect bridge to deepen our connection with consumers. We’re stepping into the new year with a renewed focus, aligning our flavours and identity with the vibrant culture that defines Nigeria.”

Indomie’s active engagement at the carnival not only celebrated Nigeria’s heritage but also strengthened its position as a brand deeply woven into the fabric of Nigerian life.

This sponsorship exemplifies its commitment to fostering unity, celebrating cultural diversity, and creating unforgettable consumer experiences.

The Abuja Carnival 2024 will undoubtedly be remembered as a resounding success, and Indomie Noodles played a key role in ensuring its flavourful legacy.

Culturati Festival 2024 celebrates African culture with vibrant showcases, youth empowerment, and economic growth at Lagos’ iconic Freedom Park.

The 18th edition of the Culturati Festival, a premier celebration of African culture and heritage, is set to take place from 5th to 7th December 2024 at Freedom Park, Lagos Island.

Themed “Celebrate Diversity and Unity,” the festival promises a dynamic showcase of Africa’s rich cultural mosaic, blending tradition with modernity in the vibrant city of Lagos.

Also read: Lagos Govt Set To Promote Cross-Cultural Heritage At Culturella Festival

Organised by Culturati Africa in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, this year’s festival features initiatives that go beyond entertainment.

Among these is the Culturati Community Library, a platform advocating for literacy and cultural education, ensuring that the region’s heritage remains accessible and impactful for future generations.

At a recent press conference, Adetola Bakinson, CEO of Culturati Africa, highlighted the festival’s mission as more than a celebration.

“Culturati is a movement dedicated to promoting cultural diversity, fostering empowerment, and creating economic and creative growth across the continent,” she stated.

This year’s festival includes a trade fair for nearly 100 SMEs, organised in partnership with Naijabrandchick, offering businesses visibility, networking opportunities, and access to a broader audience.

The initiative underscores the festival’s focus on economic empowerment, particularly within Lagos’ vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The Culturati Academy, another key initiative, has already empowered over 10,000 young Nigerians with skills in digital marketing, video production, and content creation.

Bakinson reaffirmed the festival’s commitment to equipping more youth with the tools needed to thrive in creative industries, driving sustainable growth in the cultural sector.

Freedom Park, a former colonial-era prison turned arts and culture hub, will undergo further transformation during the festival.

As a symbol of resilience and freedom, the venue will be refurbished to enhance its appeal as a major cultural and tourist landmark.

“This isn’t just a festival,” Bakinson concluded, “It’s a movement for culture, empowerment, and economic growth. By integrating cultural diversity into Lagos’ development agenda, we aim to boost the state’s economy and reaffirm its status as a global cultural destination.”

The Culturati Festival 2024 promises to attract dignitaries, creatives, and tourists from around the world, solidifying Lagos as a beacon of African culture and unity.