The sky of Otukpo bloomed for five days in vibrant colors, creating a mesmerizing carnival atmosphere. The St. Mary’s Primary School, the venue for the grand gathering, shone with a splendid display of color reminiscent of the Christmas night sky.
Despite the Yuletide season, the dazzling colors were not from fireworks or New Year celebrations. They emanated from the array of stars and cultural hues present at the 2019 Idoma International Carnival.
It promised to be a dazzling and thrilling experience, and it certainly lived up to expectations. Otukpo, the southern enclave of the Benue Valley, was set aglow by the brilliance of the 2019 edition of the carnival, which concluded on December 27.
The event drew dignitaries from the government, business, diplomatic circles, and the entertainment industry, marking the seventh edition of the annual festival.
While the 2019 edition has passed, the memories still linger, especially for those who participated in the yearly festivities.
This five-day event, themed ‘Agbenu Kacholalo’ (Wealth of Our People), lived up to its billing as the biggest street party in the northern part of the Niger, encompassing glitz, glamour, and razzmatazz.
Prior to the main carnival, activities included a football tournament, won by Emirates FC of Otukpo. The festival commenced with a jeans carnival, which held the attention of residents and tourists in Otukpo, often referred to as Africa’s acclaimed ‘Texas’.
Recognitions and awards were given to individuals during the event, with an emphasis on hard work and contributions to the community.
The founder of the Idoma International Carnival, Chief Edwin Ochia, emphasized that the event goes beyond being just a carnival. It serves as a unifying platform for the Idoma nation, bridging gaps and promoting their rich cultural heritage.
Chief Ochia stated, “Idoma International Carnival is here to stay and together, we shall make Idoma land great again,” expressing his commitment to the cultural significance of the event.
On the second day, cultural displays and traditional wrestling took center stage, showcasing the rich heritage of the Idoma people and Nigeria as a whole.
The carnival reached its peak with the parade of bands and an All Stars Party, enlivening Otukpo with a spectacular display of entertainment by various Nigerian artists.
On Christmas Day, the ‘Face of Idoma’ beauty pageant crowned its winner, Abbah Margaret, along with other contestants receiving consolation prizes.
The festivities concluded with a special party for the children, celebrating the young members of the Idoma community.
