Organizers of the maiden edition of the Annual Warri Carnival have announced September 28 to October 1 as dates for the five-day cultural event.
With preparations reaching advance stage, chief promoter and initiator of the carnival, Sunny Nikoro, announced in Lagos that the Carnival is targeted at entrenching Warri as a gateway to the Niger Delta region, and listing it as a tourist destination in Nigeria.
Nikoro noted that the Warri Carnival is being organised to also coincide with the Nation’s 56th Independence Day Anniversary celebration on October 1, this year, and assured that the event which is already attracting tourists’ enquiries from African countries and across the world, will be nurtured to become Africa’s biggest street carnival.
Activities lined up for the five-day event include unveiling of Symbol of Unity, top Artists Performance and Comedy Fair, Carnival Float/Street Parade, Land Boat Regatta, Miss Warri Beauty Pageant, Cultural Dance and Performance, including Carnival Cup 2016 – Football Novelty Match.
The match will feature the likes of ex-Nigerian Footballers, Segun Odebgami, Frank Obire, and Henry Nwosu among others who will be playing alongside the Warri Wolves, local team.
Land Regatta will feature the festival that offers a breath taking display of the wealth and artistic splendour of the heritage of the riverine people of Delta State.
It provides an opportunity for all riverine communities and dwellers to showcase their dexterity in boat building, decoration, parading, paddling and manoeuvring. The most artistic and creative boat will win a trophy.