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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.
IduwiniVoice Adds
Ambassador Tom Ebiakpo Willy has extended warm Yuletide greetings to his family, friends, and the entire Ijaw Nation, urging unity, peace, and renewed commitment to shared values as the year draws to a close.
In his Christmas message, Amb. Willy expressed gratitude to God for life, preservation, and the bonds that hold families and communities together. He described the Yuletide as a season that reflects love, sacrifice, and togetherness, calling on everyone to uphold these virtues in their daily lives.
He also commended the Ijaw people for their resilience and cultural pride, encouraging them to remain united and peaceful in the pursuit of progress and development. Amb. Willy concluded by wishing all a joyful Christmas and a New Year filled with hope, good health, and greater opportunities.
By: Divine Perezide
Amatu-1&2 communities in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State will come alive on December 29, 2025, as top entertainer Chief Kingsley A. Takemebo (DJ Leader Marrow) headlines the Amatu Unit end-of-year party organised by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.
The event, according to the programme sighted by Iduwini Ibe Reporters, will be coordinated by Comrade Ebi O. Rames, former Chairman of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Iduwini Clan Central Zone, who chairs the Planning Committee.
Renowned Niger Delta philanthropist Chief (Hon.) Berry Negerese will serve as Chairman of the Occasion, while the Royal Fathers of the Day are HRH Dr. Decca E. Keredei, Amananawei of Amatu 1 Community, and HRH Eric Ebifiegbenne, representing Amatu 2 Community as Special Guest of Honour.
The celebration will feature rich side attractions, including inter-quarters canoe races, female football clashes-Agge vs. Ezetu and Ogbotobo vs. Ekeremor-and cultural dance competitions for both male and female groups. Chief hosts of the occasion are the Amatu Unit coordinators of Tantita, Mr. Man Job and Mr. Firstboy Job.
This is coming in the wake of many other events to mark the yuletide as Amatu will also play host National Union of Ekeremor Local Government Students Worldwide (NUES) holds its 22nd Annual Elective Convention from December 28-30, 2025, themed “Empowering Minds Through Education, Shaping the Future.”
Organisers are using this medium to invite the general public to join both celebrations, with activities peaking on December 29.
IduwiniVoice Social
The Indorowei family of Liomoni Quarters, Okunwei family of Ewodeware Quarters, Donye of Azina-ware Quarters, all of Ofougbene Community, Iduwini Kingdom, Burutu LGA announce the burial ceremony of their illustrious son and father, Late Capt. Edward Olayerinmene Forcados, who passed at the age of 84.
Service of Songs:
4pm, Monday, Nov. 24, 2025, at his residence, Efosa Street, Off Jakpa Road, Effurun
Funeral Rites:
10am, Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, body leaves Ame Specialist Hospital Mortuary for his hometown, Ofougbene via MillarJetty, for funeral rites and Interment.
An All-night Social Wake-keeping follows from 7pm till dawn.
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