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Abuja
Carnival I am proud of my
position as a magnet for world class meetings and
events. For example I just finished receiving
visitors from over 60 countries, including heads of
state, at the Africa- Latin America Summit.
Visitors CommentsHere are some current comments
about my lifestyle and attractions from a variety
of U.S. visitors and residents from other
countries: "Originally from
France, I have lived and taught school in Abuja for
five years, and appreciate the easy going lifestyle
and friendliness of the people. Here, we enjoy a
comfortable year round climate and really
appreciate the absence of mosquitoes and similar
insect pests. It's good to know that this city is
virtually malaria free." " I was very
impressed by the recent renovations that were being
made at Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport and was
pleased to learn that the Nigerian government was
really serious about improving the infrastructure
of its airports for incoming tourists and business
people." " Your exciting
Abuja Carnival rivals those in Rio de Janeiro,
Brazil and Mardis Gras in New Orleans.". Many say,
Latin America's carnivals and music originated here
in Nigeria." "My impression of
Abuja was that it is truly a 'City of the Future'
set in a scenic environment." " Located
approximately one hour by air from Lagos, Abuja has
excellent conference and accommodation
facilities." "Throughout Abuja
there is much construction going on and the people
truly exhibit an excitement about living in what is
perhaps the most modern city in Africa." "We were
quite surprised at the relative ease in our
processing through immigration and customs. Much to
our pleasure, we were told that both the Ministry
of Aviation and the Ministry of Tourism have done
an excellent job in alleviating the extreme
bottlenecks that travelers were accustomed to
experience upon arriving in Nigeria." Excerpts from The
Guardian (Nigeria) by Andrew Iro Okungbowa and
Stella Agbala "Here in this country where we have
well over 350 ethnic and linguistic groups,
diversity of culture, diversity of language,
diversity of foods, and unity in diversity. We owe
it a duty to ourselves, the rest of Africans and to
African in Diaspora to showcase what is
authentically Africa and what is authentically
ours." Former President
Obasanjo said, "In the next four days, you will see
the different forms of art, dances, different
aspects of our way of life, boat regatta,
masquerades, that would be breathtaking in one
spot." Referring to the
unique nature of the carnival, he added, "We have
come together, all as Nigerians, in one spot; we
have brought together what will take anybody who
has to go over Nigeria days and even months in a
space of few days.'' Dream Becomes
RealityThe Carnival debuted in 2005 as part of the
Government's dream to promote Nigeria as a tourist
destination and to expose Abuja, the Federal
Capital Territory (FCT) to the world as a promoter
of tourism as well as showcase to the world the
cultural beauty and business opportunities that
abound in the country. Last year's celebration was
almost marred by outcries and criticisms by some
Nigerians, especially religious organizations,
which saw the event as fetish and profane. But the
President addressed these charges when he informed
the nation that among others, it was meant to
promote Nigeria and her people to the global
community. With nothing short of joy and
excitement, the President said the carnival is to
be entrenched as a yearly celebration that would
give people room to explore Nigeria. Visit
www.africa-ata.org/nigeria.htm |
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I
am Abuja, capital of Nigeria, Africa's most
populous country. I am confident about my future as
a world center and as a magnet for cultural,
adventure, educational and leisure tourism in all
of Nigeria. My broad, well maintained paved
streets, attractively landscaped boulevards and
modern overpasses keep the traffic flowing
smoothly, morning, noon and night With my wide,
cinemascopic vistas in every direction, you won't
feel hemmed in by gridlock. Being in Nigeria's
heartland, I am adjacent to Kogi, Niger, Kaduna and
Nassarawa states. Carnival week in late November
showcases the culture of all 36 states, with
rhythmic, pulsating music, exotic tribal dances,
durbars on horseback and camels from the far
Sahara. It's an unending kaleidoscope of colorful
regalia, fun activities, parade floats, tribal
masks and costumes unique to various states. Born
in 1976, I am considered a model city for all of
Africa, and one of the world's handful of totally
planned cities.