Jos set to rock as 2018 Carnival gathers momentum

By Franklin Ihejirika
Jos, the Plateau State capital is set to rock as activities and plans for the state’s 2018 carnival gathers momentum.
The carnival with the theme: One People is set to rock the city of Jos with visitors and tourists expected from across the country.
The event which debuted in 2017 is expected to surpass last year’s records and attendance as the State Government partners with Folks Innovation Limited to organise a grand event that will be remembered many years to come.
Following the protracted crisis which engulfed the Plateau in the Past years and the need to re-position the state on the path of sustainable growth and development using tourism, leisure, Sports and other activities aimed at returning the state to its past glory which used to be the breeding ground for young talents in sports, music and other areas, the State Government is striving to change the narrative by introducing activities that promotes unity and peaceful coexistence among the 54 ethnic groups in the state.
Against this background, activities like Jos carnival, hosting of the National Association of Tour Operators, NATOP AGM and others come to mind in promoting the state government’s efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace in Plateau State.
This is coming as the Governor, Rt Hon. Simon Bako Lalong is working to also provide super infrastructural facilities like good roads, electricity, pipe borne water and others to aid the growth of tourism in anticipation of the influx of tourists.
Speaking in Jos recently, the chairman of the Jos Carnival Local Organising Committee, Mr. Solomon Ejila stated that the government want to use the carnival brand to expose other tourism assets and activities in the state.
Ejila listed events lined up for the carnival to include, the carnival Pageantry, culinary feast, guided tours to Wase Rock which host a specie of bird called the Red Indigo and guided tour to Am-Pidon Lake, mini polo tournament, hiking to Sherre Hills among other activities.
He disclosed that there would be a music fiesta, bikers parade and children carnival.
Ejila disclosed that about 300,000 people attended the last carnival in 2017.
He noted that the essence of the carnival is promote peaceful coexistence among the 54 ethnic groups that make up the state with their unique culture and tradition living together.
Ejila said Jos has brought up a lot of music talents. sports men and women, actors and actresses among others.
He stated that the carnival was deliberately planned to take place after Easter, but had to be postponed tentatively till around May to fine-tune all arrangements to make it a grand event.
According to him, the May date is subject to the state government approval .
He said the last edition was targeted at Jos residence, adding that now, the state is prepared to host visitors from across the country.
Ejila added that the organisers of the carnival has taken a more creative approach to organise a spectacular event that will linger for a long time.
The Chairman of the Carnival Local Organising Committee, stated further that arrangements are on top gear to get the carnival village ready for the event.
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