The 2011 general
elections have come and gone. Like in every other state of the
federation, Edo State participated fully in the exercise, except for
the governorship election which was put on hold till 2012 when the
tenure of the current governor, Adams Oshiomhole will expire.
In appreciation of
the unwavering support of the people and for voting overwhelmingly for
the candidates of the ruling party, the Action Congress of Nigeria
(ACN), Mr Oshiomhole on April 24 threw a party by staging a music
carnival in the ancient city.
Musicians and
entertainers that performed at the event include: P Square, Edris
Abdulkareem, Timaya, Maleke, I Go Die, I Go Save and budding artist,
Starry Williams. Others were Benin-based Osayemore Joseph, Mo Cheddah,
Bolivia Osigbeme and several others who trilled fans, including ACN
leaders to an all night dance.
The crowd was
unprecedented, as the Kings Square was filled to capacity, spilling
over to the adjoining roads and streets. Not even the Mobile Policemen
on guard duty at the Central Bank end of Akpakpava Road could hold back
the enthusiastic crowd that besieged the front of the bank from dancing
to the melodious tunes dished out by the musicians.
Plans for Igue festival
Speaking to the
crowd at the Kings Square,venue of the carnival, Mr Oshiomhole promised
another music carnival to coincide with the 2011 Igue festival. He
added that his government would “collaborate with the palace to make
the annual Igue festival a bigger and better one by turning it into a
world-class carnival. There would also be a youth angle to the festival
to make it more interesting,” he said.
He also assured the happy crowd that government would from time to
time, hold such youth carnivals to let the whole world know that night
life is back to the city.
