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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 Favour Bibaikefie
YENAGOA — IduwiniVoice Media Limited has lauded the leadership of Prof. Benjamin Okaba, outgoing President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), for overseeing what it described as a historic and credible electoral process, with particular emphasis on the successful deployment of a fully electronic voting system.
In a congratulatory message signed by its Chief Executive Officer/Editor-in-Chief, Prince (Dr.) Peretengboro Klintin Bibaikefie, the media organisation commended Okaba for demonstrating “leadership, intellectual capacity and sagacity” throughout his tenure, noting that his insistence on conducting elections ahead of the constitutional deadline preserved the integrity of the council.
The statement stressed that the decision to avoid any form of interim or ad-hoc leadership structure “saved the Ijaw nation from a familiar pitfall that could have weakened its governance framework,” describing the move as a bold commitment to democratic principles.
Of particular significance, the organisation highlighted the introduction and execution of a fully electronic voting system, which it said marked a turning point in the conduct of internal elections within the Ijaw nation.
According to IduwiniVoice, Okaba’s “provision of necessary resources for the deployment of a totally electronic voting system is astutely exemplary,” adding that the process ensured transparency, efficiency, and credibility throughout the April 13, 2026 elections.
The media outfit further noted that the seamless conduct of the poll, characterized by real-time voting and result transmission, has set a new benchmark not only for socio-cultural organisations but also for national electoral bodies. It described the innovation as “a credible lesson” for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), urging that such technology be scaled up and replicated in Nigeria’s general elections to enhance public trust and electoral integrity.
IduwiniVoice also used the opportunity to commend the peaceful transition process initiated by the outgoing leadership, noting that Okaba’s readiness to hand over power to a successor reflects a rare commitment to democratic values in a region where leadership continuity is often contested.
The statement added that, “in a world where privileged individuals often cling to power, Prof. Okaba has once again demonstrated that greed, selfishness, and sit-tight tendencies are not reflective of the true character of an Ijaw son.”
As the INC prepares for a new phase under incoming leadership, the organisation wished the outgoing president a smooth transition and success in his future endeavours, applauding his “true patriotism and unwavering service to the Ijaw nation.”
The April 13 election, widely regarded as one of the most technologically driven in the history of the INC, has continued to attract commendation from stakeholders across the Niger Delta, with observers citing the electronic voting model as a pathway for broader electoral reforms in Nigeria.
By Charity Ebi
The emergence of Chief (Amb.) Sheriff Mulade as National Treasurer of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) has been described as a strong endorsement of accountability and reform within the apex Ijaw socio-cultural body.
Reacting to the outcome of the April 13, 2026 national elections, the Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF) said Mulade’s victory reflects the trust reposed in him by delegates across the region, citing his long-standing advocacy for peace, environmental justice, and good governance.
In a statement issued by its President, Comrade Ozobo Austin, the forum noted that the election outcome demonstrates a collective desire among Ijaw stakeholders for transparent financial leadership at a time when the INC is expected to reposition itself for greater impact.
Mulade, who is also the National President of the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), clinched the treasurer position after a keen contest that attracted widespread interest within the Niger Delta. His emergence, according to observers, signals a shift toward experienced leadership with a proven record in community engagement and advocacy.
The IPF emphasised that the new treasurer’s reputation for prudence and integrity places him in a strategic position to strengthen financial discipline within the congress. The forum added that effective management of resources would be critical in enabling the INC to meet its objectives and respond to the evolving needs of the Ijaw people.
It further urged stakeholders, including leaders, youths, and affiliated groups, to rally support for the newly elected executives to ensure stability and continuity in the organisation’s programmes.
Analysts view Mulade’s election as a defining moment for the INC, expressing optimism that his leadership in the treasury will contribute to improved transparency and institutional growth.
The forum reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote unity, development, and responsible leadership across Ijawland, while wishing the new treasurer a productive tenure.
By Favour Bibaikefie
YENAGOA — The Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF) has congratulated High Chief Barr. MacDonald Ebi Igbadiwei on his emergence as President-elect of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) following the April 13, 2026 election held at Ijaw House in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
In a statement released on Monday, the National President of IPF, Ozobo Austin, described Igbadiwei’s victory as a significant turning point for the Ijaw nation, noting that the outcome reflects the collective will and aspirations of the people.
According to the Forum, the mandate given to the President-elect goes beyond electoral success, representing a deeper trust reposed in a leader believed to possess a clear understanding of the region’s historical struggles and the pathway to its progress.
“Igbadiwei rises from the very essence of our land. His emergence signals that the right leadership has taken charge at a critical time,” the statement noted, adding that the moment resonates strongly across Ijaw communities.
The IPF highlighted Igbadiwei’s experience, communication skills, and intellectual depth as qualities that position him to steer the affairs of the Ijaw nation effectively. It expressed confidence that his leadership would foster unity, strengthen communal identity, and advance the socio-political and economic interests of the people.
The Forum further urged the President-elect to remain guided by the collective aspirations of the Ijaw people, emphasizing the need for inclusive leadership anchored on cultural values and shared responsibility.
Meanwhile, the IPF called on all aggrieved aspirants and stakeholders in the recently concluded election to set aside their differences in the interest of unity and progress. It described the contest as an internal democratic exercise that should not create lasting divisions among Ijaw people.
The Forum stressed that pressing challenges facing the region—including environmental concerns, development deficits, and political representation—require a united and coordinated approach.
It appealed to former contenders to contribute their ideas, experience, and support to the new leadership, noting that collective effort remains essential in advancing the Ijaw cause.
According to the IPF, history will favour those who prioritise the common good over personal ambition, urging all sons and daughters of Ijaw land to rally behind the new INC leadership in building a stronger and more prosperous future for the nation.