By; ISAAC ODEH, Kaduna
The cultural heritage of Delta State is set to experience a boost as comedians of Delta origin and lovers of entertainment, culture and tourism are billed to storm the city of Asaba for a two-day event to be organized by D. Sinatral Entertainment in partnership with Delta State Directorate of Culture and Tourism.
The event, according to Comrade Chuks Golden Benye and Onyeka Steven, Director of Media and Communication and Marketing Manager respectively, is billed to hold between December 19 to 21, 2024 at the Event Centre in Asaba, the Delta State capital.
The cultural fiesta with the theme, “Delta Youths and Cultural Carnival, the Afrocentric Experience 2024 is holding in partnership with Delta state government through the ministry of Culture and Tourism.
According to Benye, the cultural fiesta which D. Sinatral Entertainment has held annually for the past 13 years, is seeking to harvest the talent of youths, connecting the past with the present and take Delta youths away from the streets.
Benye revealed that the events would involve display by masquerades, cultural dances, exhibitions and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the oil rich Delta state.
He told journalists at the conference room of the Directorate of Culture and Tourism, that the carnival is aimed at making Delta youth and other people to appreciate the rich cultural heritage and celebrating the diversity in Delta State.
He said the event is billed to rebrand and repackage Delta State, with an attempt to connect new ages, culture and present tourism patterns with the old and make youths see the need to embrace the culture and beauty of Delta state.
Comrade Benye who spoke alongside Onyeka, said participants will be drawn from across the state, noting that the group has made contacts with all the local governments in the state through the Delta state chapter of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON).
He said the three day events will feature masquerade dance and cultural troupe which will be drawn from the 25 local government areas of the state.
He added: “We are also in active discussions with the Ministry of Youth Development, Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Trade and Investment, Directorate of Local Government Affairs, ALGON, and all Local Government Chairmen to further solidify their support and engagement in the carnival.
“We anticipate fostering even greater collaboration as we work towards making this event a milestone in Delta State’s cultural calendar.”
He listed one million Naira, five hundred thousand Naira, two hundred thousand Naira and other category of financial prizes to be given winners of different events.
He said prizes for the best cultural and masquerade parade performances will be awarded at the Gala Night, adding that over 10,000 participants including residents, tourists, investors, and cultural enthusiasts are expected.
“This event is a unique platform to showcase Delta’s cultural diversity, promote tourism, and strengthen the bond between the youth, investors, and the community,” Benye said.
On its benefits to the state, the organisers marketing manager, Onyeka Stephen said many states are surviving through culture and tourism, saying Delta has a lot to gain from the three day event
He said for the period the event would last, the economy of the state would boom as all kinds of businesses in the state would experience huge patronage.
With over 13 years of experience in curating cultural events, D’Sinatra Entertainment is committed to promoting Delta State’s rich heritage through its flagship events.
The Delta Youth & Cultural Carnival has established itself as a premier event, attracting thousands of participants and offering a unique blend of culture, entertainment, and tourism.
Mrs. Charity Mordi, deputy director of culture, who represented the directorate of culture and tourism, assured the organisers that the state government would partner with D. Sinatral Entertainment so as to realise its goal in the state.
She said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is interested in developing the cultural heritage of the state, hence every assistance needed for its success would be provided.
