Highs, lows of Abuja Carnival 2016

It was a mixed grill at the 2016 Abuja Carnival with some events outstanding while others underwhelmed.

GIVEN the circumstances under which it held, especially the recession that has necessitated a cut in expenses; it was not a surprise that the 2016 Abuja Carnival lacked the colours that many wanted to see.

In fact, that the fiesta themed ‘Creative Economy: Pivot to Economic Growth’ happened at all was due  to the collaboration between the Ministry of Information and Culture and the Federal Capital Territoryand the ingenuity of the Carnival Management Committee led by Abiodun Abe.

Having initially secured the commitment of a major telecommunications firm, which then pulled out weeks to the carnival, the organisers were almost left with eggs on their faces. They, however, quickly rallied and with the assistance of ex -Eagles’ player, FolorunsoOkenla’s marketing company secured the backing of the likes of UBA, Nigeria LNG Limited, Nigerian Communications Commission, MTN and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency.

Given this background, it is understandable that the 11th edition of the carnival held from December 3 to 6 had issues including low turnout of participating states and spectators, and late commencement ofscheduled activities. However, since there was no carnival in 2015, failure to hold this year would not have boded well for what organizers are trying to achieve with the festival.

 

Subdued opening

The fiesta opened on a somewhat subdued note on Saturday, December 3 with 12 states participating in the street party.They included Kwara, Bayelsa, Kogi, Yobe, Delta, the Federal Capital Territory and Nasarawa; with all attempting to interpret the theme with their costumes, floats and dances. Though a gay affair, tragedy almost struck when the beautifully decoratedKatsina State float caught fire around Area One. The float touched a high tension wire and subsequently went up in flames. Happily, it was promptly put out by the state contingent and spectators.

Speaking at the occasion, President MuhammaduBuhari, who was represented by the FCT Minister, Muhammad Bello, described the theme as apt, adding that all hands must be on deck to diversify the nation’s economy by prioritizing the creative sector.

He said: “The 11th edition of the Abuja Carnival is not just another theme, but a declaration of one of the cardinal principles that we have consciously identified to bail out our nation from the grim of economic challenges that we face today.

“The robust contribution of the creative sector, particularly the performing musicians and Nollywood extraction to the Nation’s GDP are not only heart-warming but phenomenal.In this era of search for non-oil alternative, creativity no doubt is key and this government will accord it the priority it deserves.”

 

Colourful Durbar

Though it featured just two states, Bauchi and Yobe, the durbar was one of the most enjoyableevents of the 2016 carnival. Held at the Eagle Square,it was a spectacular show of skills by the horsemen on the expensively costumed horsesalso adorned in glittering silver and bronze.

The colourful parade took off fully after Director General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Mansur Liman, had given an insight into the history of durbar. He disclosed that it has military roots but has since metamorphosed into a cultural movement in Northern Nigeria.

Thereafter, the Bauchi State contingent led by the MadawakinBauchi (Grand Commander of the Bauchi Army) and with about 500 horses and horsemen representing different groups, opened the parade.Some of the groups included MakamaBabban led by the state governor’s first son; Dan MadaminBauchi; SarkinDawaki Mai Tuta, UbanDawakinBauchi and Mai BornonBauchi.

Members of the SarkinSodam (Chief Security Officer) to the Emir of Bauchi, AlhajiSulaimanAdamu, who sent his personal horse, confirmed their military antecedents with some eye-popping displays. While most fired gunshots into the air, one of them slashed parts of his body with a sword but no blood came out.

The BabadenGabas, led by a member of the House of Representatives, Aliyu Musa, were also an attraction with their dancing horses and silver shields and spear while horsemen of the GaladimaBauchi stood on their animals andraised their spears in tribute to the Emir.

The displays of the about 300 horses from Fika and Machina Emirates in Yobe State were no less attractive.Some of the horses, it was later learnt, were adorned in silver and bronze worth N2.5 million.In fact, the silver ornaments on the Emir of Fika’s horsewas worth N5 million.The Emirs of Damaturu and Machina were among those who witnessed the fine equestrian display.

 

Children’s fiesta/Masquerade display

Held at the Arts and Craft Village, the children’s fiesta was a fun event which featured drama and dances.  Speaking before the children gave their presentations, wife of the president, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, who was represented by one of her aides, Dr. HajoSanni, urged them to be creative and be proud of their culture. “Cherish your culture, be proud of where you are coming from and be proud of Nigeria,” she enjoined pupils and students of the participating schools including Saint Aloysius Basic School, Presbyterian Divine Academy, Federal Government Boys College, Apo  and Sam Kings College.

Unlike previous editions, the masquerade parade at this year’s carnival didn’t really sparkle as only four states,Kogi, Bayelsa, the FCT and Nasarawaparticipated. Having seen the radiance of masquerades including the Ijele at past editions, this year’s show with Soroniya and Agbaka from Kogi; Gbandoko and Adamaroko from the FCT and the three masquerades from Nasarawa was a bit of a letdown.

 

Boat regatta

Like the masquerade parade, only four states featured in the boat regatta held at JabiDam.They were Kogi, Delta, Ogun and Bayelsa. Interestingly, it was the first event that the Minister of Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed would attend. He had been away representing President MuhammaduBuhari at the two-day International Conference on Safeguarding of Cultural Heritage in Conflicts Areas in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Mohammed, had, at the summit, called for the sensitization of local communities across Africa in order to raise their consciousness about the importance of protecting cultural heritage against marauders.

But speaking at the regatta which was also attended by chair, senate committee on culture, Mathew Urhoghide, Mohammed highlighted the importance of culture as a revenue earner, explaining that is more than singing and dancing.

Appearing to draw from the same spring of inspiration, Ogun and Bayelsa decorated their boats like fishes while that of Kogi was bland. Delta’s was in betwixt. And in ensuring that they win, the four states embarked on various gimmicks. Bayelsa, which had music blaring from its boat, also treated spectators to some suggestive dances during their parade while Kogi made up for the beauty its boat lacked with the athleticism of its crew. At a point, they all abandoned their paddles, lied down with heads touching the water and rocked the boat rhythmically from side to side. But Delta would not be outdone. The crew, comprising mostly women, at a point also lied down and clapped their hands while the boat drifted.

 

Command performance

“I have seen better presentations,” one of the guests at the command performance held at the Aso Villa Conference Centre on Monday, December 5, said in appraising the event. Though the participants tried, it was nowhere near quality presentations of the past. Gombe, Abia Delta, the National Youth Service Corps Drama Group and Katsina were among states that entertained at the occasion where the FCT Minister represented President Buhari.  Curiously, the National Troupe of Nigeria, which has always featured in the event, was absent.

 

Winners

While AkwaIbom emerged overall winner at the last carnival held in 2014, Kogi State carried the day at this year’s fiesta which ended with another street party. The display took off from the Old Parade Ground, through Ahmadu Bello Way to the Eagle Square and featured more states like Lagosthat arrived well into the commencement of the carnival.

Kogiwon six trophies in different categories to emerge overall winner while Nasarawa, Bauchi, Abia, Katsina, Gombe, Ogun, and Bayelsa also took home prizes in other categories.

Though held successfully in the face of the recession, efforts must be made to ensure that issues including accommodation, medicals and late commencement of events amongst others are tackled going forward. With the 12th edition planned for next year, the carnival has come of age and should no longer contend with the same teething issues.