The Abuja International Carnival, a celebration showcasing Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, is set to return after an eight-year hiatus. Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, officially unveiled the logo of the rebranded carnival at a ceremony in Abuja. The event, organized by the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy (FMACCE) in collaboration with Yankee Entertainment, will be held from November 21 to 23 in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In her speech, Musawa emphasized that the carnival aligns with the Ministry’s goals of promoting cultural diversity and supporting the creative economy. She highlighted that the carnival would serve as a platform to showcase Nigeria’s cultural heritage, promote national cohesion, and boost the country’s international profile.
“The Abuja International Carnival aims to boost cultural tourism and enhance Nigeria’s international profile and foster national unity, boost international culture promotion and create economic opportunities for local artists and entrepreneurs,” Musawa stated. She also emphasized the need to create sustainable events that attract investments and tourism, continuing the legacy of the Abuja Carnival started by the former administration.
Kehinde Adegbite, Managing Director and CEO of Yankee Entertainment, mentioned that the rebranded carnival would display Nigeria’s cultural diversity and creativity to a global audience. The carnival will feature various activities, including floats and street shows, musical concerts, traditional food competitions, a boat regatta, Durbar, children’s fiesta, and art exhibitions.
Adegbite reflected on the carnival’s history, created in 2005 by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and its pause in 2016. He expressed confidence that the rebranded carnival would be bigger and better, meeting international standards, hence the name change to the Abuja International Carnival. “The carnival belongs to all of us, it is our pride, and no matter where you go in the world, you still carry a green passport which shows that you are a Nigerian,” he added.
The unveiling ceremony was attended by notable figures from the public and private sectors, including Sen. Ben Murray-Bruce, Ayodele Olawande (Minister of State for Youth Development), Ben Igweh (FCT Commissioner of Police), and Uche Nwosu (former Governorship Aspirant in Imo State). The event also featured performances by various artists, including the renowned Nigerian R&B and pop musical group Styl-Plus.
