Ososo: Sounds and colours of carnival to come

Some Lagosians savoured a measure of the history and culture of Ososo, a town in Akoko-Edo, Edo State recently, when the programmes of the 2017 edition of the Ososo Carnival was unveiled.

During the event held in GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, the organisers showcased Ososo’s attractions in terms of its cultural and tourist endowments, as well as its including its fashion sense. But it seemed these were a tip of the iceberg as their projection for the main feast is rich and expansive.

Edo State Commissioner for Arts, Culture, Tourism and Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Osaze Osemwegie-Ero, noted that the state government was ready to give the project the impetus that it required.

The commissioner said the Godwin Obaseki administration would harness the potential of  the carnival as part of its plans to boost the state’s economy through the development of 58 newly identified tourism sites across the state.

 “The natural potential of Ososo community as a tourism hub cannot be overemphasised. It must be highlighted and developed as part of this administration’s deliberate policy to create employment – particularly for the youth. By doing this, we are indirectly curbing crimes as the saying goes that ‘an idle mind is the devil’s workshop,” he added.

The President of the Ososo Carnival Initiative, Mr. Moses  Ajayi also unveiled Neomedia and Marketing Limited as the marketers for the festival. The Neomedia’s team was led by its Chief Executive Officer, Ehi Braimah.

Ajayi revealed the theme for the carnival as Ososo Carnival: A Catalyst For Sustainable Tourism Development. It will feature a bonfire night, a beauty pageant and awards, carnival procession, a musical concert and what the organisers called a formal closing ceremony on Saturday, December 30.

The competitive bands featuring at the carnival include the Orukhu Band, Ikuegbegbe Band, Casablanca Band, Kukuruku Band and Muegbesuegbe Band, while the non-competitive ones are the Governor’s Band, led by Obaseki, and the Akoko-Edo Band.

Moses said the organisers realised the importance of collaboration, hence the new ideas they were incorporating.

He said, “These events are reminiscent of the rich culture, vast tourism potential, hospitality and peace-loving nature of the Ososo people, who are inexplicably obsessed and passionate about their community and natural endowments. I, therefore, urge you to key into this partnership and join us in our bid to make the Ososo Carnival one of the most attractive tourist activities in Nigeria.”

He said that it would be elevated to a world-class event, adding that it would be heavy on both entertainment and business.  This, he noted, was the reason why the organisers consulted the management of the Calabar Carnival, to share its experience since it had become entrenched, having been there for many years.

“On this note, I wish to express, on behalf of the Board of Trustees of Ososo Carnival Initiative our sincere thanks and deep gratitude to the Chairman, Cross River State Carnival Commission, Mr. Gabe Onah, for sending a technical/observer team to study and assist the Ososo Carnival Initiative. The strategic session held with the Executive Secretary of the Cross River State Carnival Commission, Mr. Austin Cobham, and the Head of Marketing of the Commission, Mr. Ojoi Ekpeyong, last night was quite educative and instructive.”

On his part, Braimah said the appointment of his agency was strategic to further entrench the mission and vision of the organisers of the carnival among stakeholders.

He believes the company has all it takes to achieve the carnival’s target.

 “As a carnival that has already taken a life of its own and has appealed to relevant stakeholders, our job is to help the organisers attract potential sponsors and guests that would make it a revered carnival that everybody will identify with. It gladdens my heart personally that the proactive government of Edo State, under the leadership of Mr. Godwin  Obaseki, has not only bought into the carnival, it has also created a good platform for its growth. With what is on ground, 2017 edition will be a watershed’’, he said.