AS the 2014 Abuja National Carnival kicks off next week, the Federal Government has disclosed that International communities would be bared from this year’s event.
The Artistic Director of the carnival, Mr. Biodun Abe who disclosed this while briefing journalists Tuesday in Abuja said the decision was to guide against spread of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the country.
The Carnival boss who said the 10th edition of the annual carnival will witness a low key event due to the present security challenges facing the country, said Nigeria is under pressure by some foriegn countries who would want to partake in the carnival but said the country cannot risk the spread of the virus which is still ravaging some of the West African countries.
He said all machineries have been set in motion for the fiesta which will run from 24th to 27th November, 2014 with the theme: “Building And Endearing A Creative Nation”.
The Artistic Director who was appointed few weeks ago said he has high hopes that despite the challenges facing the carnival, it will turnout better and stronger.
According to him, “Without hiding the facts, we are having many challenges in organising this year’s event. But having served as the Technical Director of the Carnival for six years, I have seen Abuja National Carnival grow in leaps and bounds since its first edition in 2005.
“It has equally strived to meet its objective of presenting and preserving the rich intangible cultural heritage of Nigeria and showcasing Abuja as a destination of choice”.
Speaking further, Mr. Abe said: “With increase in the number of participation and scaling up of the events each year, the carnival has no doubt come to reflect our unity in diversity, building bridges and enhancing friendship through the unique display of our heritage.
“Abuja National Carnival has become a huge tourism product not only attracting international patronage but also helping to boost the economy of the informal sector and the hospitality industry of the Federal Capital Territory”, he said.
He assured that with a loaded package of events and addition of exciting new events, this year’s event promises to build on the success of past carnivals to deliver a world class cultural extravanga that is second to none, hence the pay-off of the 2014 carnival is…”the last time you saw a carnival”.
He said so far, about 20 states across the country have concluded all arrangements to partake in the fiesta.
