Nigeria Representatives For International Junkanoo Festival, Arts, Culture Announces Canada World Event

By Joseph Sunday

The Nigeria representatives for the International Junkanoo Festival, Arts and Culture has officially announced a World Junkanoo Festival for Tourism and Culture, WJFTC / World Carnival Commission, WCC, with the Headquarters in Ontario Canada holding in July, 2024. 

Also, the Nigeria’s representatives while addressing the press on Monday in Abuja seek the participation of all the first class traditional rulers in the Country and equally commended the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his contributions since assumption of office last 

Speaking during the press conference on Monday in Abuja, the Nigeria Country Representative, Ambassador Prince Felix Ihonre on behalf of the CEO of the International Junkanoo Festival for Tourism and Culture Canada 2024 officially revealed that the 2024 World Junkanoo Festival for Tourism and Culture to be hosted by the Vaughan City in Canada will take once from the 4th of July to the 8th of July, 2024

Ihonre however sought collaborations with the Federal, State and local government areas in the Country. He also enlisted traditional institutions such as the Palaces of the Sultan of Sokoto, Ooni of Ife, Oba of Benin, Obong of Calabar, the Supreme Traditional Rulers Council of Akwa Ibom State and the Palace of King Ateke Tom in Okirika, Rivers State as the expected audiences among others.

He expressed the hope that the partnership has successfully promoted cultural reintegration across the country and internationally.

He added that event will cover the areas of Sports Tourism, EcoTourism, Medical Tourism and Cultural Entertainment a d that performances will be displayed in various expressions, including music, dance, choreography, masquerade exhibitions, art, fashion and many more.

Ihonre further explained that the prestigious event will unite leaders in culture and tourism from Africa, the Caribbean, and the Afro-diaspora worldwide, thereby helping to provide  a unique opportunity for cultural exchange, learning and celebrations. 

“By celebrating our cultural diversities and sharing our history through the vibrant lens of Junkanno, Ihonre revealed event will promote the heritage tourism and ensure that the legacies continues to inspire future generations, both born and yet to be born. 

“The past holds the key to unblocking a brighter future, and through this festival, honour our ancestors while shaping a lasting will be conferred as legacies for generations to come.

“The Festival will feature a distinguished line-up of speakers, including Antoine Henry – World Carnival Commission (Canada), Shirley Shellingford – Boston Canada, Dr. Kurt Henry – Jamaica,

Dr. Grace Khadijatu Kamara – Sierra Leone, Ms. Jemma Jordan – Trinidad and Tobago, Ms. Frances Delso – Black Business and Professional Association, Canada; Ms. Rosemary Sadlier – Ontario Black History Society, Honourable Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy – Nigeria and the Honourable Minister of Tourism in Nigeria.

“The above lists of esteemed speakers will share their insights and expertise, enriching our and understanding of cultural heritage, tourism, and arts.

“The International Junkanoo Festival is proudly organized by the World Junkanoo Festival Foundation, 

World Carnival Commission, Africa Caribbean Social Development Board

And ably supported by the People and Government of Canada as the Host Nation, City of Vaughan, OBHS (Ontario Black History Society), BBPA (Black Business and Professional Association, JCDC (Jamaica Cultural Development Commission), ACIJ (African Caribbean International Journal) and JNHT (Jamaica National Heritage Trust.

We are grateful for the collaboration and support of these esteemed organizations and governments in bringing this vibrant Festival to life.

In the light of the aforementioned, we extend a warm invitation to delegates, vendors, exhibitors, traditional rulers and institutions, government officials, parliamentarians, private sector organizations, cultural troupes, civil societies, women, youth, non-governmental organizations, academics, religious institutions, and media representatives from around the world to participate in this groundbreaking event in Canada.

Also, he announced a date for the much  highly anticipated ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival (EFCF) which will take place from October 6th to 11th, 2024 to be hosted by the Akwa Ibom State Government in collaboration with the Cross River State Government as co-hosts.