How Rivers Won Abuja Carnival

Shrugging-off apparent despondency arising from last year’s lack-lustre performance, the Rivers State contingent to the just concluded Annual Abuja Carnival returned home, Wednesday cultural conquerors.

The Rivers team finished over-all best performing state in a cultural fiesta that witnessed some of the best and brightest of contemporary Nigeria.

Before receiving the over-all winner’s giant trophy, the Mr Dan Ibubeleye-led Rivers contingent had won gold in six categories and performed creditably in others.

The Tide learnt that Team Rivers came first in the Best Masquerade Costume category; Food Fair, Best Boat Regatta, Best Carnival King, performed by ace Nollywood actor, Gentle Jack.

Rivers State also came third in the most spectacular masquerade display category and finished fourth in the cultural night performance which Lagos State eventually won.

But leader of the state’s theatre team, Adafe Jaja wondered how Lagos State that was not shortlisted as some of the best to perform at the Aso Rock Banquet hall could emerge winners in that category.

According to him, screening of the best few groups, was done during the day out from which only a few were shortlisted to perform. That list did not include Lagos which was announced eventual winners.

In the end however, Rivers won a total of nine laurels and emerged over-all best performing state troupe in the Abuja carnival. Bayelsa finished second, Akwa Ibom, third while the fourth position was shared among Oyo, Benue and Kogi States.