NKECHI BLESSING, PAPA AJASCO ARE NIGERIA CARNIVAL USA AMBASSADORS
As preparations for its second edition enters top gear, organisers of the Nigeria Carnival USA have unveiled its ambassadors.
At a media event in Lagos recently, the organisers announced Nollywood actresses, Deihlar Musa and Nkechi Blessing Sunday, also known as Omoge Lekki, and prolific comic actor, Abiodun Ayoyinka aka Papa Ajasco, as flag bearers of the annual event.
Also unveiled as ambassadors are Kannywood star Abdul Mohammed, teen reality TV prodigy, Ibukunoluwa Ayomikun Sobowale, and comedian, Kelly Ighoyota, also known as Kelly Blind.
The carnival, a yearly Nigeria music, cultural and comedy event in the United States of America, is an initiative of TKY Global Investment Limited. The oneweek long 2017 edition of the carnival, slated for July 23 - 31, 2017, will hold in Maryland, U.S.A.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Mr. Benson Akinkuebi, Chief Operating Officer of the carnival, said the aim of the organisers is to promote Nigeria diverse rich culture and hertage.
“Apart from sports, there is no other thing that can bring Nigerians together than culture and entertainment. We are bringing Nigerians together through culture and make them cherish their culture like the Chinese and other culturally-inclined countries. We also want to sell our culture to the people of other culture across the world,” Akinkuebi said.
He noted that while many did not believe in their dreams when the project debuted last year, yet, they thank God that the maiden edition suceeded beyond their expectation as the carnival recorded over 300 participants and hope that there will be a significant increase this year.
Akinkuebi however allayed fears over the emergeance of President Donald Trump whose immigration policy has created a lot of concerns for visitors and US citizens alike.
“The law is there to guide everyone. America is a country where true federalism is practiced. And besides, the Nigeria Carnival is a legitimate concern, more so, we are in the business of promoting culture, thus we have nothing to fear about the new administration of Mr. Trump,” he assured.
On the choice of ambassadors, Akinkuebi said, “Since it’s a pan Nigeria thing, we have to bring everyone together. We picked Kelly Blind to represent the South-South region and also the physically challenged persons; Papa Ajasco from the South-West, Deihlar Musa and Abdul Mohammed to represent the North-Central and North-east, and Ibukunoluwa, who is 11 years old, to represent teenagers.”
Also contributing, Nollywood star actress, Foluke Daramola Salako, who is also the Public Relations Officer of the carnival, said: “The first edition has only one person (Yemi Blaq) as ambassador but we decided to expand it this year to capture nearly the whole Nigerian region. We were specific and precise in picking the ambassadors for the carnival so as to carry along everyone and to appeal to brands and relevant government agencies.”
She noted that as part of the activities leading to the Carnival, the team will be visiting royal fathers in different parts of the country to intimate them of the programme and the main carnival.