Rivers’ Cultural Fiesta Begins Today

At last, the Rivers State Cultural Carnival (CARNIRIV) would kick off today with an Arts and Cultural Exhibition at the Elekahia CARNIRIV Village in Port Harcourt.

The one week event which had slight adjustments from last year’s event is said to have huge participation with over 500 different cultural groups participating from different parts of the state.

A break down of the programme of activities slated for the fiesta indicate that the official opening ceremony of the “CARNIRIV Village” would take place on Monday, 14 December, with dances and masquerade displays.

The event is billed to be unveiled by the state chief executive, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi in the company of state executive council members.

Same Monday would witness the commencement cultural competitions from the different local government areas starting with Abua/Odual, Andoni, Ahoada-East, Ahoada-West and Akuku-Toru.

On Tuesday 15th December, groups from Asari-Toru, Bonny, Degema, Eleme, Emohua and Etche would take their turns. And would be followed on Wednesday with cultural groups from Gokana, Ikwere, Khana, Obio-Akpor.

Other local government areas slated fro Wednesday include Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni and Ogu/Bolo, Omuma, Opobo/Nkoro, Oyigbo, Port Harcourt, Tai and Okrika local government areas would take the centre stage on Thursday, 17th December.

The major event of CARNIRIV Street Parade would take place on 18th December and would commence from Rumuola Junction at 10.00am and terminate at Aggrey Road in Port Harcourt.

On Saturday, 19th December, Arts and Cultural Exhibition is expected to continue at the Cultural Village at Elekahia. And the programme is expected to be ended on Sunday 20th December with a thanksgiving service.

Ahead preparations, Weekend Tide learnt that the State Government had directed the joint patrol of both military and police personnel to tighten security within the metropolis.

Last week, state Commissioner for Energy, Dr Dawari George told journalists that measures are being taken by his ministry to ensure that there is availability of petroleum products, to prevent transport hiccups within the period of the festival and yuletide celebrations.

State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Marcus Nle-Ejii said the present administration wants to make the state a tourism haven.