Nigeria set for Igbo Uturu Cultural Carnival

In Nigeria, the Yuletide celebration is rising to a climax as different festivities are taking place in various towns and cities across the country. One of the major towns for celebration is Uturu in the Abia State. The main attraction in the Uturu is a cultural feast, which is tagged the Igbo Uturu Cultural Carnival. It begins on Saturday, December 28, and spans until December 31.

The Uturu community in the Isikwuato local government area of Abia State, known by the sobriquet “God’s own State,” is already gearing up to host the yearly communal socio-cultural gathering of the people at the Igbo Uturu Cultural Carnival, which since it made its debut in 2008, has become a symbolic cultural and entertainment melting pot for the people of the eastern Nigeria extraction not only to showcase their cultural beauty and wealth to the world but to be a rally point for the exposition of Nigeria’s cultural platitudes as it is opened to all the states and ethnic nationalities across the country to partake in.

Gregory University, Uturu (a privately-owned university, which is over two years old), will be the venue of the four-day cultural fiesta, which took over the organization of the carnival since it fully commenced academic activities as part of promoting the culture of the people and forging an affinity with them. It is already witnessing heightened preparation for the event on the campus, particularly the arena for the showpiece and the carnival village, which is usually the center of the action all through the days of the celebration, and is now wearing a new look with the village almost completed as well.

Speaking on preparation for the cultural carnival, Professor Ihechi Madubuike, who is the Director of the Centre for Igbo Renaissance, the cultural arm of the university vested with the powers and authority to organize the carnival, said preparation has reached an advanced stage as the desire of the institute is to make this year’s fiesta as entertaining, colorful, and successful as ever, adding that the mandate is to make the school an international center of academic excellence and home for cultural tourism.

He said people should expect the best of cultural performances from across the country and an Igbo land ranging from dance drama, theatre, music, dance, masquerade, and acrobatic displays of various genres and vibes. According to him, this year’s event will witness improved participation and attendance compared to previous years.

For instance, he said over 18 states in the country have so far indicated interest at performing at the carnival compared to the eleven that attended last year’s feast. Also, he revealed that events to be featured include children’s calisthenics, a Christmas Cantata, and entertaining traditional wrestling bouts as well as musical concerts.

A special feature this year will be the introduction of a cultural colloquium with the theme: “Ibu Anyi Danda” (unity is strength), a reflection of the desire of the main brain and sponsor of the annual cultural feast. Dr. Gregory Ibe, who is also the Pro Chancellor of Gregory University Uturu, will use the platform of the carnival to rally his people and bring about unity of purpose and re-enact the once strong bond that existed among the people.

One of the magical and creative elements of the carnival that people look forward to seeing again this year is the tallest masquerade ever created in the history of the mask culture, standing over 50 feet tall, a creation of the founder of the carnival – Chief Greg Ibe, which was unveiled last year to the delight of the people, would again lighten and enliven the carnival atmosphere this December.