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Local Festivals To Attend In Nigeria During December Holidays

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The wheel of 2023 is about to turn full circle and thus many Nigerians are making plans to unwind in the coming days after about 345 days of hustling and bustling.

The December festive period is also a time that Nigerians come together to celebrate, and party with friends, family, and loved ones.

Also, the festive period is the time that top entertainers in the country stage their concerts to showcase their talents and entertain their fans while ensuring fun seekers have an unforgettable experience.

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In this report, The PUNCH highlights seven must-attend events during the festive season in Nigeria.

READ ALSO: JUST IN: PDP Rejects Suspension Of Imo Chairman

Calabar Carnival: The Calabar Carnival takes place in the city of Calabar, Cross River State. The festival, which runs for two weeks, features colorful parades, music, and dance. The quality of the festival has grown over the years making it Nigeria’s biggest carnival and an internationally recognised festival. It used to be a month-long event that began on the 1st of December until the administration of Governor Benedict Ayade reduced it to two weeks.

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The Experience: The Experience is an annual, free gospel music concert held at the Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos Island, Nigeria. The concert features local and international artists such as Kirk Franklin, CeCe Winans, Donnie McClurkin, Don Moen, Frank Edwards, Nathaniel Bassey, and Chioma Jesus. The Experience is recognised as one of Africa’s largest musical events.

Lagos Countdown: This annual event is held at the Eko Atlantic City in Lagos and features fireworks, live music, and a carnival atmosphere. The countdown to the New Year is a highlight of the night, with crowds gathering to watch the spectacular display.

Ogwashi-Uku Carnival: This is one of Nigeria’s oldest and most colourful carnivals that attracts thousands of people to Delta State. It is a three-day carnival that begins December 24 and ends December 26 featuring a carnival float procession, cultural dances, musical concerts, fashion shows, dinner parties, quizzes, competitions, talent hunts and displays targeted at the progress and development of the community.

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Lekki Sun Splash: Organised at Maiyegun Beach on Lekki Peninsula in Lagos on December 25 and 26, Lekki Sun Splash is a music festival with different artistes showcasing their talents. Renowned artistes from all genres of local music such as juju, fuji, gospel, reggae, disco, and high life among others attend the event.

Igue/Ewere festival: The Igue or Ewere festival is an annual cultural event in Benin, Edo State. The festival which takes place in December in Benin City boasts of acrobatic displays, costumed dancing and a procession to the Oba of Benin Palace. It is a festival showcasing the rich Benin culture.

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CARNIRIV: This is one of the biggest festivals in Nigeria that is annually held in Rivers State. It is a free 7-day funfair with an abundance of seafood. The carnival is a blend of culture, tradition, fashion and lifestyle fused to showcase the rich heritage of Africa. The carnival is used to display the rich cultural heritage and glamour of the Rivers people.
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Group Throws Weight Behind Benin Monarch’s Decision On Iyaloja

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Group known as Edo Art and Cultural Heritage Institute (EACHI) has thrown its weight behind Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, on the royal father’s stance on the traditional leadership of markets in the Benin Kingdom.

A statement isdued by Okpioba Osaro Idemudia, on behalf of the group, said the “institute aligns with the Oba’s stance that the Iye-Eki is the only recognized traditional head of the markets, and we believe that this position should be respected and preserved in accordance with our cultural heritage.

“EACHI stands firm on the ground that the Iye-Eki holds a significant and revered position in the Benin Kingdom, serving as the main market traditional head. We believe that any attempts to impose external leadership structures that contradict our cultural norms and traditions would undermine the rich heritage of the Benin people.

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READ ALSO: Benin Monarch To Tinubu’s Daughter: Do You Know Role Of Iyeki In Benin Culture?

“We are proud of our royal rather, for his unwavering commitment to upholding the cultural values and traditions of the Benin Kingdom.

“EACHI reassures the people of Edo State and the broader community that we will continue to support and promote the preservation of our rich cultural heritage.”

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The group, while calling on Edo sons and daughters in home and in diaspora to “stand in unity to support our royal father Oba Ewuare II’s disapproval of IYALOJA,” commended
Edo market women for talking a bold stand against the imposition of IYALOJA

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JUST IN: Tinubu’s Minister Resigns Amid Allegations

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The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, has resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet amid controversies surrounding his academic records and allegations of certificate forgery.

Nnaji, who was appointed in August 2023, announced his resignation in a letter to the President on Tuesday, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to serve.

Confirming the development in a statement on Tuesday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, following some allegations against him. President Tinubu appointed Nnaji in August 2023.

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He resigned today in a letter thanking the President for allowing him to serve Nigeria. Nnaji said he has been a target of blackmail by political opponents. President Tinubu thanked him for his service and wished him well in future endeavours.”

Nnaji’s resignation comes amid a lingering controversy over alleged certificate forgery and questions surrounding his academic qualifications from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

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Nnaji and the Enugu State Government had traded words over allegations that he presented forged certificates.

READ ALSO:DSS Arraigns Sowore Over Anti-Tinubu Post

The dispute intensified after the Federal High Court in Enugu rejected Nnaji’s bid to stop the University of Nigeria from releasing his academic records.

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The court had ruled that the institution was within its rights to release the minister’s academic details in response to a freedom of information request, a decision that fuelled further public scrutiny.

Nnaji, however, maintained that he was being blackmailed by political opponents determined to tarnish his reputation.

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UNIBEN Bans Students’ Sign-out Celebration

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The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has prohibited all forms of sign-out celebrations by graduating students.

The ban is contained in a circular by the university’s Registrar, Mr Ademola Bobola, on Tuesday in Benin.

In the circular addressed to members of the university community, the management warned that violators risk severe disciplinary actions, including rustication, expulsion, or withdrawal of certificate.

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Bobola said the decision was reached at a meeting on Monday, where it reaffirmed an earlier resolution of the university’s Senate banning such activities on campus.

READ ALSO:UNIBEN Bars 5000 Students From Writing Exam

The management declared that no sign-out celebration of any kind, including signing on T-shirts and playing of music, will be tolerated,” he said.

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He stated that the university would not condone any form of disorderly conduct or unauthorised gathering during or after examinations.

“Indiscriminate parading around the campuses in any brand of vehicle will not be permitted,” the circular warned.

According to him, unauthorised vehicles will not be allowed into the campuses all through the last week of the second semester examination.

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READ ALSO:UNIBEN Releases Screening Results, Begins Admission Process

The management also prohibited large gatherings around faculties, schools, or institutes after examinations.

“Photographers will not be permitted to put up photo stands or galleries for the purpose of such celebration,” he said.

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He said the management equally cautioned parents and guardians of final-year students against visiting campus premises during the final days of examinations.

READ ALSO:UNIBEN Appoints New Vice Chancellor

Parents and guardians of final-year students are advised to stay away from the Faculty, School, or Institute premises, especially on the last day of examination,” he said.

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Bobola emphasised that the university’s stance was aimed at maintaining order, discipline, and academic decorum on campus.

“Members of the university community are kindly invited to note the above position for strict compliance.

“Any violation will attract severe disciplinary sanctions, including withdrawal of certificate, rustication, and expulsion of violators,” he warned.

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