Nigeria is billed to participate in this year’s
world Junkanoo festival for Tourism and Culture in Canada, The Nation learnt.
The Junkanoo Culture and Tourism festival has been scheduled for July 4th to 8th, 2024 in Vaughan City, Canada.
The event is expected to unite leaders in culture and tourism from Africa, the Caribbean, and the Afro-diaspora worldwide, providing a unique opportunity for cultural exchange, learning, and celebration.
Addressing the press, Ambassador Prince Felix Ihonre, Nigeria Country Representative, World Junkanoo Festival for Tourism and Culture (WJFTC) / World Carnival Commission, (WCC) with headquarters in Ontario, Canada, said the festival will open a new vista of investment opportunities for Nigerians abroad.
Ihonre said Nigeria will have it pavilion where it will showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage at the Festival.
He said: “Therefore, through the Office of the Country Representative, Nigeria is pleased to announce her participation in the upcoming World Junkanoo Festival for Tourism and Culture in Vaughan City, Canada, from July 4th to 8th, 2024.
“This festival provides an excellent opportunity for Nigeria to showcase her rich cultural heritage and tourism potential to a global audience through various expressions, including music, dance, choreography, masquerade exhibitions, art, fashion, and more.
“As we mark a significant milestone of over 400 years, we recognize the importance of sharing our cultural heritage and traditions with the next generation, particularly Africans in the diaspora. ”
On the importance of the festival, Ihonre said: “the upcoming Junkanoo Festival for Tourism and Culture in Canada will provide investment opportunities for Nigerians and Africans abroad.
“The festival will provide us opportunities to have our pavilion and showcase Nigerian cultural heritage.”
He explained “By so doing, this will attract many investors to come and invest in culture, tourism, sports and other sectors of Nigerian economy.”
He also recognised the support of President Bola Tinubu’s administration and traditional rulers, in the successful revitalion of cultural reintegration across the country and internationally.
He said: “This support has been consistent across all levels of government, from local to national and has resulted in a substantial positive impact on these industries.
“Together, we have worked to revitalize Nigeria’s tourism industry and reinvigorate our cultural values, both locally and globally,” he added.
The organisers anticipate the presence and active participation of esteemed custodians of cultural heritage from around the world, amongst which are:
The Ooni of Ife, Oba of Benin, Obong of Calabar, the Supreme Traditional Rulers Council of Akwa Ibom and Mbale of Abia from Nigeria;
The Ashanti, Akyem, Fante, Guan, and Northern Kingdoms of Ghana;
The Voodum Kingdom of Benin;
The Kingdom of Bughere, Uganda; and
The Maroon Leader from Jamaica.
