Igbinedion named Grand Patron of Abuja Carnival

Performing the investiture that was attended by friends of the Esama of Benin and the diplomatic community among others, the Honourable Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Alhaji Sadiq Abubakar Mohammed, said that “We are gathered here today to add a very essential element to Nigeria’s national carnival ‘Abuja Carnival’ to install a carnival […]

Performing the investiture that was attended by friends of the Esama of Benin and the diplomatic community among others, the Honourable Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Alhaji Sadiq Abubakar Mohammed, said that “We are gathered here today to add a very essential element to Nigeria’s national carnival ‘Abuja Carnival’ to install a carnival Grand Patron.”

According to the minister, “Human beings are so used to having support in their buildings that they often take for granted that a support determines how much weight a building can carry; it determines whether a building will rise to storey level or to be forever condemned to remain a bungalow; in bridges, it determines how much traffic the given bridge can carry and it is thanks to support that man has been able to bridge troubled waters”.

With the aforementioned renditions, the minister noted that with such consciousness, “We are not only very careful of how we choose a Grand Patron who is expected to provide support to the carnival, but we also hold the personality in great reverence”.

He stressed further that the call to service aspect lies in the future, but it presents one mystery to us, having found the carnival a Grand Patron that has demonstrated a rare and ideal combination of ability and willingness to serve.

The carnival is billed to begin from November 27th at 7am with the street carnival from Area 1 and the opening ceremony at Eagle Square at 4pm. The children’s fiesta is slated for day two at the Millennium Park, as well as the Durbar, at the Equestrian Club, Asokoro and the Traditional Food Fair and Cultural Night at the Old Parade Ground. Day three is scheduled for the Masquerade Fiesta along the Carnival Route to the Eagle Square, the Boat Regatta at the Jabi Lake and the command performance later in the day at the Sheraton Hotel.  Day four is set for the second street carnival from Area 11 to the Eagle Square where the closing ceremony will take place. Alongside these activities will be an arts and crafts display at the Old Parade Ground.