Delta Govt Endorses Ubulu-Uku Carnival, To Hold December 27 Every Year

By Frank Oshanugor

The Delta State Government through its Directorate of Culture and Tourism has officially endorsed Ubulu-Uku Carnival to hold 27th December every year due to the relevance of carnival as a unifying event in the life of a people.

This was disclosed by the State’s Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Engr. Lawrence Ejiofor at the Ubulu-Uku maiden carnival celebration on Monday.

Speaking at the occasion, Ejiofor said “Carnivals are very important events marked in different parts of the world today” adding that he found it relevant to endorse it particularly “for two main reasons,

the first being that it will promote peace and unity among the people and secondly because it keys into Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s vision of developing tourism and entertainment industry in the State.”

The Commisioner expressed optimism that the Ubulu-Uku Carnival “which is an entertainment fiesta shall indeed contribute in making Delta State an entertainment hub in Nigeria.

” He added that Delta State Government has done a lot to develop the culture, tourism and entertainment industry and this is being demonstrated in the ongoing construction of the

Delta State Film Village and Leisure Park in Asaba.”

Earlier in his welcome address, President General of Ubulu-Uku Development Council (UDC), Sir Jonathan Monye said the maiden edition of the carnival which is titled “Carnival of Peace and Reconciliation”

was a day dedicated for Ubulu-Uku indigenes to appreciate God’s infinite goodness upon the town. “It is a day set aside to showcase our unique cultural heritage which encapsulates music, dance, costumes, pageantry and performance.”

The one-day event which took place at CMS No. 1 Primary School expansive field, Ubulu-Uku witnessed array of cultural displays such as masquerade dance, bead making, cloth weaving, soap baking, paintings, flute blowing, etc.

Indigenes of Ubulu-Uku both at home and those in the Diaspora who came home on Christmas holidays were in attendance in large numbers and the social network that took place was the first of its kind as many indigenes who had not seen or known themselves in the past had opportunity to relate affectionately.

Guests from neighbouring towns also graced the occasion which from all indications promised to be greater in the years to come as such carnival had never been witnessed in the

emerging urban community well known for farming, trading and entrepreneurship activities.