By Kenneth Ehigiator

Port Harcourt – Rivers State government has formally flagged off activities for this year’s edition of its internationally acclaimed  cultural fiesta, popularly known as CARNIRIV 2012.

The government noted that Governor Rotimi Amaechi was determined to turn the festival, branded CARNIRIV 2012 Port Harcourt 100 Edition, into a tool to market  the state to domestic and international  tourists.

Unveiling details of the festival, the Director-General, Rivers State Tourism Development Authority, RSTDA, Dr. Sam Dede, said the growth potential for CARNIRIV  was unlimited.

He explained that was the reason the state government was projecting it to become a global brand with the  largest support and attendance possible.

He said:  “CARNIRIV will evolve into a recognizable global brand beyond the  imminent demands of 2012 edition.

“Our projection is to make it a carnival brand of reckon and a recognisable global brand that would become the biggest cultural fiesta by 2015, in terms of impact, benefits and attendance.”
Dede added that the envisioned future for CARNIRIV also included its financial autonomy, stating that the  era of dependence on government subventions was over.

He explained that this year’s carnival had been packaged to attract more corporate sponsors and deliver greater return on investment, and noted its wide acceptance by the people.

State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Nabs Imegbu, said the intention of the state government was not just to make CARNIRIV a platform to project the rich cultural value of the people Rivers State but also make it become a major pillar for the socio-economic growth of the state.

Former Miss World and Face of CARNIRIV 2012, Agbani Darego, has already expressed her delight to be the face of the festival.

She said in her goodwill address:  “It’s great to return home to familiar soil and the loving people of Rivers State for an occasion  that celebrates our rich heritage and buoyant culture in all its splendour.”

The festival, expected to run from November 8-15, is also to feature Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, who will deliver the keynote address at the colloquium, a forum for intellectual discourse on issues, during the opening ceremony.