The Executive Secretary of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Dr. Barclays Foubiri Ayakoroma was at Jabi Dam, Abuja on Monday, November 28, 2011, to address participants and spectators at the opening of the boat regatta competition of the 7th edition of Abuja National Carnival.
In his welcome remarks, the NICO Boss commended the Abuja National Carnival Committee, led by Professor Bakare Ojo Rasaki, for their efforts to ensure that this year’s edition of the carnival is upgraded to meet national aspirations and international standards.
Expressing optimism that the redefinition of scope and content of the carnival in all ramifications will stimulate creativity and also enhance national and global appeal in subsequent editions, Ayakoroma further extolled the choice of “Carnival of Reconciliation” by the Carnival Committee as theme, stressing that in view of the present political experience in the country, there would have been no better choice.
Seven States including Bayelsa, Kano, Kebbi, Kogi, Niger, Ogun and Rivers states participated in the Boat Regatta event, which presented an aquatic performance of mind-blowing displays of the rich artistic splendor and sea-faring heritage of the riverine communities in Nigeria.
For the first time in the history of the carnival, the Boat Regatta event presented an uncommon platform for creativity as participating states displayed wonderful cultural expressions that captivated the audience with their dexterity in boat building, decoration, paddling and maneuvering.
Present at the event were the Honourable Minister for Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, High Chief Edem Duke, the Trinidad & Tobago High Commissioner, Mr. Nyahuma Obika, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Culture and Tourism, Senator Hassan Barata Ahmed, the Executive Director of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Mr. M.M Maidugu, Director of Culture at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Mr. Nkanta George Ufot, and former House Committee Chairman on Culture and Tourism, Rt. Hon. KGB Oguakwa, among others.
Caleb Nor
Corporate Affairs