Ika Carnival Entrenching Unity And Love In Ika Nation

The grand finale of the epoch-making Ika Carnival tagged “Night of Rewards and Appreciation” was held on January 2nd, 2016 at the Old Bendel Hotel Ground in Agbor, Delta State.

The 19-days event which began on December 15th, 2016 eclipsed on January 2nd, 2017.

The Carnival which started with Gospel night featured other secular activities; Football Competition, the Kiddies Arcade, Beauty Pageant comprising of three categories, Atilogwu dance, Street parades, Wrestling matches, Talent hunts, Stand -up comedy, Cultural dances, Music and wide variety of mouth -watering cuisines came to end with appreciation and presentation of awards, trophies and prices to winners of the various category events featured.

In his welcome remarks, the convener of the Ika Carnival, Mr Sebastine Okoh, the Executive Assistant to Delta State Governor on Events Management, reiterated the objectives of the carnival which includes fostering of spirit of togetherness in Ika Land and upholding the identity of Ika Kingdom, encouraging of human capita development, through public/private partnership PPP by creating a friendly environment, promoting and showcasing the diverse cultural heritage and dexterity of Ika people, inspiring youths to dignity and comradeship through fruitful engagement thereby discouraging crime, discovering of new talents among Ika youths, furthering the government’s tourism drive, create an environment that will ensure the home coming of our people in Diaspora, engaging our people actively with a view to re-orientate them and develop civic responsibility in the lives of our youths amongst others.

He expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the Delta state Government led by His Excellency, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, All the royal fathers and chiefs in Ika Land, Mr Godwin Emefile, the Governor of CBN, Mr Jim Ovia, Chairman, Zenith Bank, Ika North East and South Legislators, the Chairmen of Ika North East and South LGA’s, Guinness Nigeria Plc, the Nigerian Police, all security outfits, various groups and others for their contribution to the success of the carnival.

He congratulated all winners in various categories of the event, promising that the event will continue to flourish.

Speaking also, the Chairman of the grand finale of this year’s Ika Carnival, Hon. Anthony Emeka Elekeokwuri, thanked the convener and the entire organizers noting that the event have helped to foster unity, love and oneness in Ika Land and improve on the local economy.

He urged for continued support for the administration of the state as led by Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, noting that the present government will continuously respond to the yearnings and aspirations of the people in total fulfillment of its Agenda of Prosperity for all Deltans. He thanked the youths for their orderly conduct during the carnival and promised to continually support and be part of the Carnival.

High point of the occasion was the presentation of prices/awards to winners in various categories of the event, with the star winner- Face of Ika smiling home with a brand new car.