ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State’s rich cultural heritage is poised for a grand showcase as comedians of Delta origin and entertainment enthusiasts prepare to descend on Asaba for a two-day cultural carnival organised by D. Sinatral Entertainment in collaboration with the Delta State Directorate of Culture and Tourism.
Scheduled to take place from December 19 to 21, 2024, at the Event Centre in Asaba, the festival, titled “Delta Youths and Cultural Carnival: The Afrocentric Experience 2024,” promises to be a significant celebration of the state’s diverse cultural landscape. The event will be held in partnership with the Delta State Government through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
Comrade Chuks Golden Benye, Director of Media and Communication, and Onyeka Steven, Marketing Manager, revealed at a press briefing that the carnival, which has been running for 13 years, aims to harness the talents of Delta’s youths, connect the past with the present, and steer young people away from negative influences.
Highlighting the essence of the event, Benye stated that the cultural fiesta would feature traditional masquerades, cultural dances, exhibitions, and other displays that will spotlight the rich cultural heritage of Delta State. “This carnival is designed to help Delta youths and residents appreciate our cultural diversity and celebrate the unique traditions of our people,” he said during a media briefing at the Directorate of Culture and Tourism.
The event seeks not only to entertain but to rebrand Delta State by linking modern tourism trends with its deep-rooted cultural past. Benye emphasised that the carnival aims to inspire young people to embrace the beauty of Delta’s cultural identity.
Participants are expected from all 25 local government areas of the state, with D. Sinatral Entertainment actively collaborating with the Delta State chapter of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) to ensure wide representation. “We are also engaging with the Ministries of Youth Development, Transport, Trade and Investment, and Local Government Affairs, alongside all Local Government Chairmen, to ensure their full support and involvement in the carnival,” Benye added.
The three-day event will feature masquerade performances and cultural troupes drawn from across the state, with various cash prizes of one million, five hundred thousand, and two hundred thousand naira to be awarded to winners in different categories. The best cultural and masquerade performances will be recognised at a special Gala Night, which will see over 10,000 participants, including residents, tourists, investors, and cultural enthusiasts.
“This event is a unique platform to showcase Delta’s cultural diversity, promote tourism, and strengthen the bonds between the youth, investors, and the community,” Benye noted.
On the economic impact of the carnival, Marketing Manager Onyeka Stephen highlighted that the event is expected to provide a significant boost to the state’s economy, with local businesses benefiting from increased patronage during the festivities. “Many states thrive on their culture and tourism, and Delta has much to gain from this carnival,” he said.
- Sinatral Entertainment, with over 13 years of experience in organising cultural events, is committed to promoting Delta’s rich heritage. The Delta Youth & Cultural Carnival has become a flagship event, drawing thousands of participants and offering a blend of culture, entertainment, and tourism.
Mrs Charity Mordi, Deputy Director of Culture, representing the Delta State Directorate of Culture and Tourism, assured organisers that the state government is fully on board to support the success of the carnival. She affirmed Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s commitment to the development of Delta’s cultural heritage and pledged that the government would provide every necessary assistance to ensure the event’s success.
