The 2020 Enugu Carnival kicked off with a praise and worship session on Sunday, December 20. With an atmosphere and space ground fully decontaminated by men of the fire service jointly trained with health workers of the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre of the Enugu State Ministry of Health, the safety of guests were guaranteed.

Filled to the brim by thousands of joyous citizens, the audience where entertained by the live performances of their favorite gospel artists which include; Chinyere Udoma, and Evangelist Chidi Ibenado and the Enugu Choral Group.

The scripture readings were taken by the state governor, Mr Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, the state Chief Judge, Justice Priscilla Emehelu, and a former Minister of Power, Prof Barth Nnaji.

In a sermon, an Anglican priest, Ven. Emeka Ezeji, urged Nigerians not to lose hope over the prevailing economic challenges and the coronavirus pandemic but to trust in God.

UGAMATV spoke to a few attendees and they expressed how glad the Igbo culture is slowly penetrating the hearts of Nigeria and this carnival will announce the beauty of the Igbos at large to the ends of the earth.

“It has been fun since I got here, I have even made some new friends and this is a really good opportunity for us Igbos to showcase our culture to the world,” Tochi said.

Another attendee who spoke on condition of anonymity had this to say, “the atmosphere here is welcoming, as you can see I am having a great time, the security personnel and Covid-19 preventive measures taken here has made the environment safe”.

Motorists and those who relied on public transit experienced a little traffic jam as all roads leading to Michael Okpara Square, the venue of the carnival was blocked.

In a bid to control the spread of coronavirus, the the Enugu State Ministry of Health, the State COVID-19 Emergency Committee headed by the Deputy Governor, Hon. Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo and the Governor’s Task Force on COVID-19 Containment have directed that entry into the venue of the soul-lifting event must be with a face mask.

Announcing the decision, the Deputy Governor, Hon. Mrs. Ezeilo, led a joint team of the Committees and State Ministry of Health on inspection tour of the venue on Sunday morning, ahead of the event, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Emmanuel Ikechukwu Obi, disclosed that “nurses will use hand-held thermometers to monitor for high body temperature at the entrance” adding that “hand wash stations will line the entrance and be at strategic points at the venue and people will be encouraged to use them”.

Highlighting the importance of showcasing the Igbo culture to the world, the state government said, the carnival is back to stay despite its 6 years hiatus, urging the citizens to adhere to the preventive measures stipulated by the NCDC as regards the stop of the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Other activities for the weeklong carnival include entertainment with artists like Davido, Flavour, Phyno and Patoranking, masquerade festival, fashion and fitness day.

Dr. Obi further disclosed that “Ambulances are already on ground at the venue” maintaining that “other activities of this occasion will receive the same attention for the safety of our citizens”.  

While advising residents of the State to take responsibility, prevent disease spread this season”, the Health Commissioner said: For medical advice and questions, call the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre Number on 08182555550 or 09022333833″.