The 24th edition of the Au-Ukhua Carnival, held in Iviukhua, Edo State, has been hailed as a major success in promoting unity and economic growth in the region.
Constitutional lawyer and human rights activist, Chief Mike Ozekhome SAN, praised the carnival for bringing together people from all walks of life and fostering a sense of unity and togetherness among communities and villages in Etsako East LGA.
“I must commend the organizers of the Au-Ukhua Carnival for a job well done. This carnival has brought together people from all walks of life, promoting unity and togetherness among communities and villages in Etsako East LGA,” Ozekhome said.
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Ozekhome, who received the award of Ambassador of Au-Ukhua Carnival, called on the organizers to take the carnival to the next level by involving communities from the entire Edo North.
This, he believes, will not only ensure the sustenance of the cultural heritage of Afenmai Land but also promote the rich agricultural and economic resources of the region.
“I urge the organizers to take this carnival to the next level by involving communities from the entire Edo North.
This will not only ensure the sustenance of our cultural heritage but also promote our rich agricultural and economic resources,” Ozekhome added.
The carnival, which was sanctioned by the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), attracted dignitaries and participants from all over Edo State, Nigeria, and the Diaspora.
The event featured a cultural match past, traditional masquerade groups, and dance performances, including a group from Cameroon.
President General of Iviukhua Community Worldwide, MSHC (Dr) Kennedy Izuagbe, noted that the carnival has brought about improved structures of empowerment and economic development for the Iviukhua people.
“The celebration of the carnival has brought about improved structures of empowerment, as well as improved structures of economic development for Iviukhua people.
That is what Au-Ukhua stands for, to bring all sons and daughters, our families together, to ensure unity, oneness, and continuous development of both human, materials, and agricultural as well as cultural resources of our communities,” Izuagbe said.
Izuagbe emphasized that the carnival has become a major source of attraction, not just for the community but for the entire Edo North and beyond.
“With the gracious endorsement of the Carnival by the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) last year, the Carnival has been a major source of attraction to not just our Community but the entire Edo North (Afenmai Land) and beyond.
The award-winning Carnival has over the years improved in all spheres, including the geometrical growth of tourists from all over the world,” Izuagbe added.
This year’s edition of the carnival featured a Trade Fair and Raffle Draw, which resulted in an increase in participants and tourists.
A Toyota Sienna Salon Car was won by the winner of the Raffle draw, while Itosimhe Michael Agwayambe emerged as Miss Au-Ukhua Carnival 2024.
Other dignitaries who received the award of Ambassador of Au-Ukhua Carnival alongside Ozekhome included Dr. Usman Tony Ododo, the Otono of Eppa Clan, High Chief Abu Agbonoga, and High Chief Tony Akiotu.