Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has announced the closure of all markets in the state for one week starting from the 6th to 13th of May, 2014.
This, according to him, is to enable the people of the state participate fully in the 2014 Imo Carnival, which also holds in the same days, adding that markets would be closed from 2p.m.each day of the programme to make it a celebrated one.
Declaring the process open at the government house, Owerri, Governor Rochas Okorocha disclosed that the event would feature youths, children/free education parade, command performance, contemporary music, up-coming stars and night of laughter/comedies.
He explained that the essence of the carnival was to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Imo state to the outside world and enjoined all entertainers to gear up for the programme.
The governor, who described the state as a tourist destination, noted that the programme would attract tourists from far and near thereby boosting the economy of the state.
Okorocha promised that his administration would support the carnival to ensure that the state has other sources of revenue rather than depend solely on federal allocation.
He noted that the 5000 capacity International Conference centre in Owerri is one of the most important tourist attractions in the state and called on Imolites to participate at the forth-coming epoch-making event aimed at bringing Imo to the limelight.
The chairman of the 2014 Imo Carnival and special adviser to the governor on culture and tourism, Mr. Paddy Obinna explained that the carnival which would also mark the freedom day was in commemoration of assumption of office of the present administration.
Obinna said the 7-day programme of activities would kick off from the Imo State University and terminate at the Freedom Square.
He noted that the carnival would feature floats by the governor, the wife of the governor and other dignitaries.
Speaking, the Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere said the carnival would go down on record for Imo state and expressed the hope that other states would emulate the Imo carnival show.
The wife of the Governor, Nneoma Nkechi Okorocha noted that the event would create an opportunity for Imo women to showcase the virtues typical of the Imo woman.
