It is celebration time and one of the busiest periods in the Nigeria tourism calendar with most of the communities, tourist attractions and leisure spots across the country in celebration mood, a prelude to hosting the different annual festivals.

Uturu, in Isikwuato local government area of Abia State,  is already gearing up to host the yearly communal socio – cultural gathering of the people, Igbo Uturu Cultural Carnival, which has become a symbolic cultural and entertainment melting pot for the people of the eastern Nigeria extraction since it made its debut in 2008.

Gregory University, Uturu ,a privately owned university, which is over two years old, which will host the four days cultural fiesta later this month, is already witnessing heightened preparation for the event as the campus which is usually the centre of action all through the days of the celebration, is now wearing a new look with the cultural village almost completed as well. Speaking on preparation for the cultural carnival, Professor Ihechi Madubuike who is the Director of the Centre for Igbo Renaissance, the cultural arm of the university vested with the powers and authority to organize the carnival, said preparation has reached an advance stage as the desire of the institute is to make this year’s fiesta as entertaining, colourful and successful as ever, adding that the mandate is to make the school an international centre of academic excellence and home for cultural tourism.

He said people should expect the best of cultural performances from across the country and Igbo land ranging from dance drama, theatre, music, dance, masquerade and acrobatic displays of various genres and vibes. According to him, this year’s event would witness improved participation and attendance than previous years.

One of the magical and creative element of the carnival that people would look forward to see again this year is the tallest masquerade ever created in the history of the mask culture, standing over 50 feet, a creation of the founder of the carnival – Chief Greg Ibe, which was unveiled last year to the delight of the people, would again lighten and enliven the carnival atmosphere this December.

A special feature this year would be the introduction of a cultural colloquium with the theme: ‘Ibu Anyi Danda’ (Unity is strength), a reflection of the desire of the main brain and sponsor of the annual cultural feast, Dr. Gregory Ibe, the Pro Chancellor of Gregory University Uturu.