Like every epoch-making event in history, the Imo state carnival, 2015 has come and gone, but the memories is sure to linger for a long time. This year’s carnival, though marred by poor publicity, witnessed better organization from the Cardinal Paddy Obinna led cultural and carnival crew. They were inspired, of course, by the immense support they receive from the Imo state Governor, His Excellency, Owelle (Dr.) Rochas Okorocha.
The Carnival commenced on Friday 18th December, 2015, with the children’s carnival. A novel idea which saw kids from various social backgrounds coming together to forge bonds that may last most of them a life time. It was followed closely on 19th with the cultural carnival which witnessed rich cultural exhibition by the traditional institution in the state, led by the Chairman of Imo state council of traditional rulers, Eze Sam Agunwa Ohiri, the Obi of Orodo. The next day, 20th December, 2015 being a Sunday, witnessed an awesome thanksgiving service at the Victory chapel of Imo state government house, owerri. This was followed later in the day by a wonder festival of Carol of 9 lessons, at the Imo International Conference Centre, Owerri. The super Sunday, ended with the commissioning of Freedom waterfalls and the lighting of the 30-meter high Christmas tree, at the Freedom square. This event was graced by top gospel artistes who took turns to thrill the already enthralled audience.
The grand finale of the carnival took place on Monday 21st December, 2015. It involved a colourful display by about 57 floats powered by top government functionaries and various local governments and tertiary institutions. The parade started from the ultra-modern Imo International Conference Centre, through the city Centre along Wetheral road up till the fire service roundabout and terminated at the freedom square were a dancing competition was staged.
The dancing competition which involved the floats cum bands or groups, strayed far into the night, till about 1:00 am, when the winners emerged. It didn’t come as a surprise that the Anchor Point team led by the Deputy Speaker of the Imo state house of Assembly, Rt Hon. Ugonna Ozurigbo took the lead, with the superb costume and excellent performance of 5 different genres of music, ranging from Ballet, Salsa, Hip hop, contemporary and ultimately, the igbo traditional dance. The anchor point team, though had to share the first position with the team led by Mrs Ogechi Ololo, the Deputy Chief of staff (Domestics) to the Governor. The second position was surprisingly occupied by a new discovery, in the person the Deputy Chief of staff (Operations), to the Governor, the Ohaji-Egbema born Engr. Uju Kingsley. While the Governor’s float and that of the deputy was tied at the 3rd position.
The fulfilled Hon Ugonna Ozurigbo hailed his team, led by Mr. Francis Udoka Ndimkoha for working hard to bring success to the team.
OZB withFrancis Udoka Ndimkoha
