Deacon Vincent Erinwo, Mandy Stewart of the Treasure Base Band and Chris Anani of the RSTDA at CARNIRIV BRIEFING
L-R-Deinbofa-Era-Dr.-Sam-Dede-Deacon-Vincent-Erinwo-all-of-RSTDA
The Director General and CEO of the Rivers State Tourism Development
Agency, Dr. Sam Dede has said that the 2014 edition of Carniriv, the Port Harcourt Carnival is set to go down in history as the most colourful and memorable carnival event ever witnessed on the African continent in recent times.
Dr. Dede, an award winning actor and lecturer, gave the hint at a media interactive forum held in Port Harcourt to announce the 2014
edition of the carnival which is scheduled to hold from the 14th –20th of December in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
According to him, an estimated number of over five hundred thousand participants made of residents, tourists, fun lovers and
representatives of corporate bodies will converge in Port Harcourt during the one week period of the carnival with estimated daily business exchanges running into several millions. He also revealed that the carnival is repackaged to deliver value and cement Port Harcourt’s reputation as a foremost tourist city in Africa.
‘Because of the traditional high influx of carnival lovers to our city during our annual showpiece event, we have put in place adequate security measures to ensure the protection of lives and property
during the entire duration of the carnival. We are also working with
other stakeholders in the health and other key sectors to ensure that
we create a conducive environment for our visitors,’ he said.
Dr Dede also spoke about the technical innovation of the 2014 edition
of the carnival. ‘This year, we are set to introduce our state-of-the-art performance stage spanning 140 feet and reputed as the biggest of its kind in Africa. The stage has the capacity to hold a large collection of performers at once and withstand heavy duty equipment and stage accessories. The stage will also be deployed for the first time for the benefit of sponsors in the areas of branding and related purposes,’ he said.
In response to media enquiry, Dr Dede provided insights about the
commercial opportunities available for the 2014 edition of the Port
Harcourt carnival. ‘We have opened up the carnival for commercial
exploitation from interested corporate bodies by packaging at least
twelve signature carnival events into stand-alone brands for category
sponsorships. Each category sponsor is entitled to multiple levels of
commercial and non-commercial exploitations such as publicity,
speaking opportunities, branding, the distribution of company mementos
and other forms of corporate canvassing,’ he said.
Chairman of the Board of Rivers State Tourism Development Agency,
RSTDA, Deacon Vincent Erinwo assured that the RSTDA will judiciously
expend every fund released by the government for the purpose of the carnival, reiterating that the carnival is a project that is dear to the heart of the Government and people of the state. ‘We at the RSTDA have being given a matching order not only to put the scare funds to the best use but to also seek for sponsorship and collaboration from both corporate and non-corporate organisations to make the carnival a self sustaining annual exercise in line with the vision of the state government, he said.’
Deacon Erinwo also promised that the 2014 edition of Carniriv, which
is themed as the One Love, One People edition will be remembered for
its organisation, audience management and satisfaction. ‘We will
exceed the expectation of our guests and indigenes alike with the
quality of world class performers and chart toppers that will grace
our events for one week. I will urge interested carnival lovers from
both far and near to make early preparations in terms of visa secure
and other travel arrangements in order to witness the world-class
fiesta that awaits them from the 14th to 20th of December this year.
Carniriv, the Port Harcourt Carnival is the oldest and arguably one of the
biggest carnival brands on the African continent. The first edition of
the carnival was held in 1988. A total of at least 12 major events are held every year to the delight of indigenes, participants and visitors who throng Port Harcourt during the one week period of the show.
An estimated number of over five hundred thousand revellers including
23 local government floats and scores of international tour groups,
among others are expected at the carnival this year. Carniriv, the Port Harcourt Carnival covers fourteen kilometres of street parade made of colourful displays and entertainment for people of all ages.
Some of the signature events of the carnival set to return this year
include the Kids Carnival, Praise Jam, Dance of Fireflies, Keera –
rhythm of the tribes, Egelege – champion of the sand arena and Hosh
Jam. Others are the International Aquatic Fiesta, Black African
Musical Festival (BAMFEST), Raggae 360, International Heritage Parade,
Garden City Free Style Parade and the World Peace Concert.
Carniriv, the Port Harcourt Carnival, is a fusion of two carnivals: a
purely cultural carnival and a contemporary Caribbean style carnival.
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