The Honourable Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, received the team of the Kogi International Carnival at his office in Abjua, commending Gov. Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State for the great initiative, which he says would put the state on the global map of tourism.
The Kogi State International Carnival, scheduled to hold from December 1 to December 7, 2024, seeks to showcase the cultural heritage, historic monuments, arts, talents, and mineral resources in the state.
Prince Audu stated that the initiative would project and promote the rich cultural heritage of the state, which would attract both international and local investors into the tourism sector of the state, which would in turn contribute to generating Foreign Direct Investments.
The Honourable Minister also pledged his financial support for the success of the event, which also seeks to promote youths in the state particularly in the entertainment industry.
“This is a very laudable initiative, and I must commend my brother, the governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for encouraging an event as this, which will project the rich cultural heritage of the state and put Kogi on the world map in terms of culture and tourism.
“I also commend the team for the great job you are doing in promoting the state, being at the forefront, and going across the country to pitch this great initiative. It shows the great love you have for the state. I am certain that it will be a huge success,” Prince Audu stated.
Leader of the delegation, Hon. Juwon Olorunnipa, Special Adviser to the Governor on Arts and Culture, popularly known as Jumabee, said that the carnival seeks to showcase all the positive narratives of the state and correct some of the misconceptions about the state in the public eye.
Mr. Jumabee noted that the carnival beyond entertainment and youth empowerment will also showcase the monuments and rich natural resources in the state, which is pivotal in the history of Nigeria.
Describing the event as “one of a kind,” Mr. Jumabee stated that the event would be felt across all three senatorial districts of the state with A-list music artists like OritseFemi and Duncan Mighty performing at the grassroots levels.
‘We are tired of people pushing the wrong narrative about Kogi State; we want to change that and let the world see us for all the positive things in the state.
“The face of the carnival is Nike of Nike Arts Gallery, a kogite who has made incredible marks in the creative industry, and we will be showcasing her and other accomplished kogites to the world,” Jumabee stated.
Hajiya Ayisha Oyiza Omade, Director-General, Kogi State Social Investment Programme (KOSSIPA), stated that part of the component of the program is to empower the youths in the state, especially those with great talents.
She said that fifty youths will participate in the Talent Haunt, with three persons expected to emerge as finalists, with the winner of the grand prize going home with three million naira, the second position two million naira, and the third position expected to go home with one million naira.
Other members of the delegation include Hon. Philip Orebiyi, Chairman, Kogi Hotels and Tourism Board, Hon. Bashir Audu, Special Adviser to the Kogi State Governor on Hotel and Tourism, and Mr. Dami Adenuga, Head of Media, KOSSIPA.
Lizzy Okoji
Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Steel Development
Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu
November 20, 2024.
