Thrills Of The Abuja Carnival

Interview with Nigeria's Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke

The 2012 Abuja national carnival has come and gone, but its memory will linger for a long time.
The carnival with the theme, ``Carnival of Peace and Harmony’’ was held in Nigeria's capital city of Abuja from Saturday, Nov. 24, to Tuesday, Nov. 27 amid tight security.

Beautiful faces, cool costumes, warm weather and an ecstatic crowd watched the floats of the Abuja 2012 carnival that delivered beautiful and scintillating performances by various colorfully attired Fancy groups representing different states of the federation as the Carnival climaxed.

The event which was lighted-up with cultural performances, colorful costumes, boat regatta event, traditionally decorated masquerade and ethnic food fair also featured special performances by the National Troupes from 15 countries. The countries include Egypt, India, Trinidad and Tobago, China, South Africa, Cameroon, Sudan, Botswana, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Ghana, Namibia, Senegal and Cuba.

Fielding questions from DVB, the minister said the turnout from the foreign countries, was an endorsement of Nigeria, the belief in Nigeria as the cultural headquarters of Africa.

"It is important for us to build on that, to strengthen collaboration with our friendly Nations, and to look at culture as the opportunity to grow enterprises for young people and rural communities." He said.

The minister expressed delight to have all these countries especially China at the event.

According to him, the Chinese performance was not a surprise, because china always defines the perimeter of extremely good performance.

Meanwhile, the minister expressed hoped in subsequent Abuja Carnival come 2013, saying, it will be the beginning of the celebration of one hundred years of Nigeria's amalgamation. Stressing that the carnival would contribute to the economic growth and transformation of the nation.

"We are hoping to have a lot more countries participating in the Abuja Carnival." He said.

The Abuja national carnival is an annual fiesta participated by the 36 states of the federation, bringing all the diversities of Nigeria into Abuja.

Enjoy beautiful pictures from the carnival below: