Barring any change in plan, Nigeria will participate in the World Junkanoo Festival for Tourism and Culture in Vaughan City, Canada, scheduled for July 4 to 8, to showcase the country’s cultural heritage and tourism potential, according to the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy.
Amb. Prince Felix Ihonre, Nigeria’s representative from the ministry, announced in Abuja yesterday that the festival is organized by the World Junkanoo Festival Foundation, the World Carnival Commission, the Africa Caribbean Social Development Council, and supported by the Ontario Black History Society, among others.
Ihonre highlighted that under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, there has been significant support for sports, tourism, ecotourism, medical tourism, and cultural entertainment promotions at local, state, regional, and international levels.
“It is important to let the world know that it has been over 400 years and it is time to teach the next generation our culture and tradition, most especially Africans in the diaspora.
“We expect the attendance and active participation of custodians of cultural heritage worldwide, including the Obong of Calabar, Ooni of Ife, Oba of Benin, the Supreme Traditional Rulers Council of Akwa Ibom and Mbale of Abia from Nigeria; the Ashanti, Akyem, Fante among others.
“Come let us showcase our traditional heritage globally through music, and dance, exhibit our cultural diversities, discuss and learn our history through Junkanoo and promote our heritage Tourism. The past is the key to the future generation born and yet unborn,” he said.
He further said speakers during the events are; Antoine Henry – World Carnival Commission (Canada), Shirley Shellingford (Boston Canal ), and Dr. Kurt Henry (Jamaica). Dr Grace Khadijatu Kamara (Sierra Leone), Ms Jemma Jordan (Trinidad and Tobago), and Ms Frances Delso BBPA Canada among other notable speakers.
