The Rivers State Tourism
Development Agency (RSTDA) is leaving no stone unturned as it prepares for this year’s mega carnival scheduled for 14th to 20th December 2014 with the them one Love-one people.
Briefing Newsmen on the programmes and modalities of the caniriv at the Golden Tulip Hotel, GRA Phase 2, last Thursday, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, Dr Sam Dede disclosed that up to 500,000 people, 23 local government floats 10 costume bands and visiting troupes from all over the world are expected to take part during the event.
He also stated that musicians and chart topping performers will grace the event during the one week of fiesta. He also disclosed that for the first time there would be a Miss CARNIRIV beauty pageant a celebration of the Port Harcourt girl which is slated for the eve of the carnival on 13th December.
According to him, the focus would be to introduce the Port Harcourt beauty to the world, an event that promises alot and that will deliver a world class contest that is open, rigorious, fair and rich with style as you would expect from the Port Harcourt girl.
The Director General stressed that the theme of the carnival is one- love one people which means that we are all united as a people diverse as we are in creed and culture, and faith and opinion, he said we are celebrating our oneness as people of the greatest city in Nigeria, calm peaceful, fun filled and original.
He noted that CARNIRIV artistic policy under his administration had always being founded on creating platforms for home grown talent and CARNIRIV would contineu to open avenues for good, promising Port Harcourt talent.
He stated that the event would offer opportunities to share the big stage with the biggest artistes as well as give our designers a chance to showcase their talent when it is easier to import.
The DG disclosed that this year a new set of Band managers would carry on the spirit of the Carnival forward. The new managers are:
Lolo Wanago-centenary band, Chike Mordi, Black Gold Band, Emmaneul Abiebi, Jubilee Band, Ombo Whyte Dynamic Band, Millicent Jack, Liberation Band, Miengiye Omelu, Treasure base Band, Mike Ogundu Fusion Band.
Dr Dede also paid tribute to the former band mangers whom he described as the unsung heroes of CARNIRIV who had given their time and resources to ensuring that their bands remained buoyant and competive. They include: Prince Tonye Princewill- BlackGold Band, David Allagoa- centenary Band, Hon Otele Amakiri – Constitution Band.
Hon. Nwokocha Augustine Diamond Band, Ibiye Asime Ekong, Dynamic Band, Nelson Jaja, Jubilee band, Dame Aleruchi Cookey GAm-Liberation band, Mr Bona Seiyefa Starband and Rt. Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi Treasure base band.
The agency also rewarded some of the winners of the 2013 edtion of CARNIRIV they include:
The Treasure BAse band that came 1st. they got a cheque of N3million, 2nd position Black Gold Band, they received N2million and Jubilee Band that took 3rd position received N1million.
Champions of the sand Arena, Uku Victor from Abua/Odual who came 1st got 300,000.00 while Don King Oyigbo from Emolga got N200,000.00
In his vote of thanks, the chairman Board of Directors of RSTDA Deacon Vincent Erinwo noted that the successes so far achieved by the agency in organising the CARNIRIV is absed on the impetus and passion the governor, Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi had shown to the agency.
It said what will happen in 2014 will be monumental, massive and awesome. He said it is going to be a parting gift from the governor so we are going to ensure that the event remains memorable in the minds of people for a very long time.

The Chairman, Board of Directors of RSTDA, Deacon Vincent Erinwo (left), handing over a cheque of N3million to Treasure Base Band that won the first position. Photo: Prince Dele Obinna