Th
e President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, has stated that the Abuja National Carnival has continued to offer a forum through which creativity and culture engender peace and unity in Nigeria. 
President Jonathan, who was represented by the Secretary to the Federal Government (SFG), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, while declaring the 2012 Abuja Carnival closed, at the Eagle Square, Abuja, said that for the past seven years, the Carnival has been consistent in giving joy to Nigerians.
His words: “Abuja Carnival is a source of joy to Nigerians. It is quite spectacular the way all Nigerians come together and parade the street with our rich cultures. The Carnival has been using culture and creativity to provide unity, love, peace and harmony. These are things that will enable us build a prosperous nation.”
Noting that the Carnival gets better by the year, President Jonathan commended the Minister for Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke, as well as the participants for the display of maturity, adding, “I am proud of all of you. We have shown the international community that we can use our culture to prove that we are a nation in harmony with one another through our multiple cultures. The transformation agenda focuses on providing enabling environment for all Nigerians and culture and tourism are useful in this regard. So, I enjoin Nigerians to support the Government in building a virile nation that will transform Nigerian economy.”
The results, as announced by the Artistic Director of the Abuja Carnival, Professor Bakare Ojo Rasaki, had Rivers State emerging the Overall Best State.
The second position went to Bayelsa State, the third position to Akwa Ibom, while three states, Oyo, Benue and Kogi, tied in the fourth position.
Nwagbo Nnenyelike
Corporate Affairs