South West absence at National carnival a disgrace, says group
“Tinubu urged to intervene”
By Abiola Ojo

The fickle presence of South West states or complete absence at the yearly Nigerian National Carnival has been described as ‘a huge embarrassment’ to the memory of the region’s founding fathers.

In a statement made available to Irohinoodua on Wednesday and signed by the President, the Nigerian Art and Culture Collective, (NAAC), Chief Adeola Okunade, said the South West States of Lagos, Ogun, Ekiti, Osun, Oyo and Ondo States have shown disregard for the yearly event in the ‘most disgraceful manner.’ He said there is no single presence of the South West states in the carnival’s activities even as this year’s event has been scheduled for November.

According to him, every year, over 50 countries do attend the carnival which he said has seen the “notorious and irresponsible” absence of the South West states to showcase their cultural and art heritage.
He said that in the days of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the South West was the pathfinder that gave hope of Africa Renaissance to the international community through the art and culture wealth of the region. The group call on the All Progressives Congress, (APC) National Leader, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu to prevail on the South West governors to 'behave resonably" adding that their current attidude on art and culture portray them as totally out of tune with the political economy a modern world.
“There is now a downturn. The South West states have been absent since 1999. Foreign visitors who throng the yearly event leave the country with the impression that there is nothing like Yoruba culture in Nigeria. They come to the carnival, take notes and are left with the conclusion that the only existing cultures are those of the states that participate because the South West is completely absent.”
He blamed the lookwarm to the ‘character and form of the uninformed civil servants’ that man the various ministries in charge of art and culture in the South West states.

The Carnival which started since 2005 is a noble initiative that represents our warmth nature and rhythm. It is a platform where talents are showcased, the values of our Cultural heritage are projected and the spirit of national identity, patriotism and understanding is ignited.

The organizers say that the carnival creates seasonal employment, enhances social interactions and foster unity. The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Nkechi Eleje said the carnival is one of the most important ‘melting point of values’ in Afirca. She said “It is worthy to mention that Carnival accommodates unskilled, semi-skilled and skilled citizens of our nation. In short, it has multiplier effect that is why Nigerians look forward to its celebration yearly.”
She said further that the Nigeria National Carnival generates business opportunities for singers, song writers, choreographers, costume builders and designers, make-up artistes and musicians to name a few. “It has also driven the growth and development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sectors of our economy, many of which are skilled-based services. The recognition of the numerous contributions of the carnival to economic development is vital for its sustainability”, she added.