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Global Dignitaries, Governors, UN, EU Representatives Grace Calabar Carnival 2024
By Divine Perezide
Hajia Aisha Buhari, wife of Nigeria’s former president, alongside her children, joined other dignitaries, including the governors of Kwara and Kogi States, AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq and Ahmed Usman Ododo, as well as representatives from the United Nations and European Union, to attend the 2024 Carnival Calabar in Cross River State.
The event, flagged off at Millennium Park in Calabar by Cross River State Governor Prince Bassey Otu, celebrated the theme “Our Shared Prosperity.” Speaking at the ceremony, Otu emphasized the theme’s global relevance, highlighting the diverse international presence at the carnival.
“The theme of this year is ‘Our Shared Prosperity.’ That shared prosperity is actually internationally engaging because we have the global audience right here; we have people from all continents of the world right here,” Governor Otu said. “There is a need to build economic, social, and cultural prosperity into what we are doing for our people to share.”
Governor Otu expressed gratitude to the visionaries behind the carnival, including former Governor Donald Duke, who initiated the event in 2004, and his successors, Liyel Imoke and Prof. Ben Ayade, for sustaining and expanding it. He pledged to continue enhancing the carnival and announced plans to introduce a Diaspora band in 2025.
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq praised the Otu administration for adding creativity and innovation to the festival. He remarked on the economic benefits of the event, describing it as a global showcase that boosts the state’s revenue.
“This program puts Nigeria on the map because it is a global event. What we don’t realize is the improved internally generated revenue of the state. If I look at it from the economic angle, not just the cultural angle, you see people talking about spending December in Lagos, but this is here to stay,” AbdulRasaq stated. “Hopefully, next year, people will need to spend some days in Calabar before going back to Lagos; that is the joy of it all.”
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State commended Governor Otu’s leadership, which he said was reflected in the vibrant participation and enthusiasm displayed by residents and performers.
Following the flag-off, both competing and non-competing bands embarked on the 12-kilometer carnival route, delighting onlookers and interpreting the theme at designated adjudication points.
Carnival Commission Chairman, Mr. Gab Onah, extended appreciation to sponsors, including Afrexim Bank, MTN, Zenith Bank, Arise, International Energy Insurance Company, DSTV, and First Bank, for their contributions to the event’s success.
The Calabar Carnival, now in its second decade, continues to attract global recognition as a premier cultural and economic event in Nigeria.
By Derick Peretengboro
A community leader and businessman, Comrade Solomon Gbegha, has extended warm birthday wishes to a celebrated personality and seasoned political figure, and mentor, Rt. Hon. Franc Pinapinawei Enekorogha, former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, and former Honourable Member Representing Burutu Federal Constituency, House of Representatives, Abuja, on the occasion of his gracious birth anniversary.
In a congratulatory message made available to IduwiniVoicenewsdesk, Comr. Gbegha joined family members, friends, and admirers of the celebrant to mark the special day with prayers and goodwill.
According to the statement, “On behalf of my family and associates, I, Comr. Solomon Gbegha, hereby join family, friends, and thousands of your admirers to congratulate you on your gracious birth anniversary.
May God Almighty continue to bless you with sound health, long life, and prosperity.
Happy Birthday.”
The message reflects the deep appreciation and goodwill of Comr. Gbegha and his associates towards the celebrant, who have produced many political and social giants across Delta State, while wishing him continued divine blessings, good health and enduring success.
By Divine Perezide
The Information Officer of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Western Zone, Comrade Tare Magbei, has announced plans to organise a two-day digital capacity-building programme targeted at young people across the zone.
The training, titled Media Management, Content Creation and AI Prompting Bootcamp, is scheduled to take place from February 13 to 14, 2026, and is aimed at building practical skills in media, digital communication and emerging technologies for Ijaw youths.
According to the organisers, the bootcamp will focus on strengthening young people’s ability to engage in advocacy, storytelling and community mobilisation through modern media tools.
About 50 participants are expected to benefit from the hands-on sessions, which will also introduce them to viable income-generating opportunities within the media and creative industries.
Beneficiaries will be selected from among Information Officers of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) in the Western Zone, alongside youths drawn from the 24 clans that constitute the zone.
The initiative, being driven by Comrade Magbei, is described as a strategic effort to enhance youth capacity, promote digital relevance and encourage the effective use of technology in today’s rapidly evolving media environment. It is also seen as a timely intervention to improve employability and strengthen advocacy among Ijaw youths across the Western Zone.
By Derick Peretengboro
The Community Liaison Officer (CLO) of Tantita Security Services Limited, Hon. Akpos Seimode, has congratulated the Deputy Chairman of Tantita Security Services Limited and Chairman of Maton Engineering Limited, Engr. Matthew Tonlagha, on the occasion of his 50th birthday anniversary.
In a goodwill message released to mark the celebration, Hon. Akpos hailed the business executive, stating: “HAPPY GOLDEN JUBILEE BIRTHDAY, BOSS!”
According to the statement, “The Community Liaison Officer, CLO Tantita, Hon. Akpos Seimode, hails deputy chairman Tantita Security Service Limited, cum chairman Maton engineering LTD, Engr. Matthew Tonlagha on his 50th birthday anniversary.”
Describing the celebrant’s personality and impact, Hon. Akpos said, “Matthew Tonlagha is a humble and distinguished son of the Izon Nation,” while praising his “visionary leadership and philanthropic contributions to society.”
He further noted that the celebrant’s leadership approach remains a source of encouragement to many communities, stressing that “his leadership style continues to inspire hope and unity across communities,” and describing him as “a bridge-builder who leads with humility.”
Hon. Akpos also offered prayers and best wishes to the celebrant, saying he wished him “good health, joy, and continued grace as he celebrates the Golden Jubilee.”
He concluded the message with the words: “Happy birthday once again, boss.”